Thai steamed custard with black sticky rice is a dessert that brings together a blend of unique flavors and textures, popular across Southeast Asia.
This delightful treat combines a creamy coconut-based custard with the chewy, subtly sweet black sticky rice that’s often used in Thai and Laotian cuisines.
Over the years, it’s gained global popularity as a sweet staple for Thai dessert lovers everywhere, and it’s easy to see why. This easy recipe will have you craving this rich and tasty dessert!
Ingredients
- 1 cup black sticky rice, soaked for at least 4 hours or overnight
- 2 cups coconut milk, divided
- ½ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 3 large eggs
- A pinch of salt
- Fresh mango or coconut shreds (optional, for garnish)
Step-By-Step Recipe
1. Cook the Rice: Rinse and drain the soaked black sticky rice. Steam or cook it with a cup of coconut milk and a pinch of salt until it’s tender and sticky.
2. Make the Custard: In a bowl, whisk together the remaining coconut milk, sugar, and eggs until smooth. Strain to ensure a smooth texture, then cook the mixture over low heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens to a custard-like consistency.
3. Combine and Steam: Pour the cooked black sticky rice into small bowls or a large dish. Spread the coconut custard over the top, smoothing it out for even coverage. Steam the dish for a few more minutes, allowing the custard to set slightly on top of the rice.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Let the dessert cool for a few minutes, garnish with fresh mango slices or a sprinkle of coconut shreds if you like, and dig in!
Getting the Rice Just Right
The heart of this dessert lies in its chewy black sticky rice. It has a slightly nutty, earthy taste that gives it a distinct character, setting it apart from the more common white sticky rice. To get that perfect texture, make sure to soak the rice for at least a few hours – or, if you can spare the time, overnight. This helps it soften up and cook faster, ensuring that beautiful, chewy finish.
The Creamy Coconut Custard
This is a simple yet elegant mixture of coconut milk, sugar, and eggs, which forms a velvety layer on top of the sticky rice. The rich, creamy flavor perfectly complements the black sticky rice, adding a smooth, custard-like texture that feels downright luxurious. Pro tip: for an extra silky custard, use a little more coconut milk and whisk the ingredients well to avoid any clumping.
Balancing Sweetness and Flavor
While sweetness is central to this dessert, it’s the balance of flavors that makes it a true Thai delight. Black sticky rice has a subtle sweetness, so the coconut custard doesn’t need a heavy hand with sugar. A small pinch of salt in the rice can elevate the coconut's natural flavors and add depth, making each spoonful a delightful blend of sweet and savory goodness.
For a little extra flair, serve each portion with a fresh slice of ripe mango or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on top. These small touches not only add color but also bring a bit more texture and flavor, elevating this simple dish to an unforgettable dessert!
