Vegan Thai Dessert Recipes Coconut Milk: Sticky Rice with Banana
Living a vegan lifestyle doesn’t mean giving up on traditional flavors. Many people believe Thai desserts rely heavily on dairy, but that’s not the case with classic recipes like Sticky Rice with Banana. This dish is naturally plant-based, rich in coconut flavor, and requires no complicated baking equipment. With the right ingredients and simple steps, you can easily recreate this authentic vegan Thai dessert at home. Whether you’re avoiding animal products for health, ethical, or dietary reasons, this recipe is a beautiful way to enjoy Thai cuisine guilt-free.
Why Sticky Rice with Banana Is a Must-Try Vegan Thai Dessert
This beloved Thai street food, known locally as “Khao Tom Mat,” wraps sticky rice and ripe banana inside a banana leaf, creating a naturally sweet and aromatic dessert. Unlike many desserts that require eggs, milk, or butter, this one uses coconut milk for richness and fragrance. That makes it a go-to vegan option that satisfies dessert cravings without breaking any dietary rules.
- Dairy-free and egg-free
- Rich coconut aroma
- Made with natural sweeteners like palm sugar
- Portable and easy to store
Ingredients for Vegan Sticky Rice with Banana
Here’s what you need to prepare this delicious dessert:
Ingredients (Serves 6)
- Sticky rice (glutinous rice): 2 cups
- Coconut milk (full-fat): 1.5 cups
- Palm sugar: 1/2 cup
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Ripe bananas (Nam Wah): 3, peeled and halved lengthwise
- Banana leaves: enough to wrap (cut into approx. 10×10 inch pieces)
- Toothpicks or cooking twine for securing the wraps
How to Make Thai Vegan Sticky Rice with Banana
Follow these easy steps to prepare and steam your sticky rice wraps to perfection:
1. Preparing the Sticky Rice
- Rinse sticky rice in cold water several times until water runs clear.
- Soak the rice in water for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Drain and steam the soaked rice over boiling water for about 30–40 minutes.
2. Making the Coconut Milk Mixture
- In a saucepan, combine coconut milk, palm sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Do not boil; just stir until it becomes aromatic and well-mixed.
- Once the rice is cooked, transfer to a large mixing bowl and gradually add the coconut mixture, stirring until fully absorbed. Let it sit for 20–30 minutes to soak in flavor.
3. Assembling the Dessert
- Soften banana leaves by passing them over an open flame or soaking in hot water.
- Place a scoop of sticky rice on a banana leaf. Top with a slice of banana, then cover with another scoop of rice.
- Wrap the leaf securely and fasten with a toothpick or tie with cooking twine.
4. Steaming the Wraps
- Steam the wrapped desserts over medium heat for 30 minutes.
- Let them cool slightly before serving or refrigerate for later use.
Tips for the Best Vegan Coconut Milk Sticky Rice
To make sure your vegan Thai dessert turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Use full-fat coconut milk for richer texture and taste.
- Ripe but firm bananas provide the best texture post-steaming.
- Do not overfill the banana leaf—moderate portions allow even cooking.
- Soaking rice long enough is crucial for soft and sticky texture.
Other Popular Vegan Thai Coconut Milk Desserts
If you enjoy Sticky Rice with Banana, try exploring these coconut-based vegan Thai desserts as well:
- Sweet Black Sticky Rice with Coconut Cream
- Banana in Coconut Milk (Kluai Buat Chi)
- Thai Pumpkin in Coconut Milk
- Sweet Potato in Coconut Cream
- Pandan Coconut Jelly
These desserts all share the common traits of being dairy-free, flavorful, and easy to make using traditional Thai ingredients and techniques.
Health Benefits of Coconut Milk Vegan Thai Sweets
Besides being delicious, vegan Thai desserts made with coconut milk come with added health benefits:
- Coconut milk contains lauric acid, which supports immune function
- Palm sugar is less processed than refined sugar
- Bananas provide fiber and potassium
- No cholesterol or animal fat
This makes them ideal for those following a heart-healthy or plant-based lifestyle.
Conclusion
Vegan Thai Dessert Recipes Coconut Milk: Sticky Rice with Banana is not only a delicious plant-based option, but it’s also steeped in tradition and easy to prepare at home. The use of coconut milk and banana creates a sweet, aromatic dessert perfect for vegans and non-vegans alike. With our easy-to-follow recipe and accessible ingredients, you can experience a taste of Thailand wherever you are. For more globally celebrated Thai sweets, explore this list of popular Thai coconut desserts that are naturally vegan.