Have a can of coconut milk on hand? Coconut milk can be used in place of milk or cream in a variety of dishes. Learn about the many uses of coconut milk and find some delicious coconut milk recipes right here!
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Coconut milk is probably in my top three pantry staples. It is an extremely versatile ingredient that works for use in both sweet and savory recipes. Whether as a vegan or dairy-free alternative to replace milk in recipes or as the star of the show, you can use creamy coconut milk in baking recipes, desserts, sauces, and main dinner dishes like coconut curries, to make rice — you name it! Its creamy texture and natural sweetness will elevate it all!
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Coconut Milk FAQ
Coconut milk is the liquid extracted from the flesh of ripe coconuts.
No. Coconut water is a clear liquid that comes only from the center of green coconuts.
Yes and no. Coconut milk and coconut cream are derived in much the same way, however, coconut cream is much more concentrated and higher in fat. They can be used interchangeably in most recipes.
Yes. Canned coconut milk is perfectly safe (and delicious!) to drink.
No. Once you open a can of coconut milk, you can use it in both cold or hot dishes or drink it as is.
It depends on whether you are using coconut milk. If you are using coconut milk in recipes that are raw or cold, you are more likely to detect a slight coconut flavor. If you use coconut milk in cooked food, the taste of coconut milk will grow less and less throughout the cooking or boiling time.
Yes. I do not advise storing coconut milk in a can in the fridge, but you can transfer leftover coconut milk to an airtight storage container and store it in the fridge for up to 10 days.
Coconut milk powder is dehydrated coconut milk that you can mix with water to make coconut milk. You can use this as a replacement for canned coconut milk or coconut milk that comes in a carton.
Full-fat coconut milk that comes in cans in the grocery store is the most useful form of coconut milk you can buy. Coconut milk that comes in cartons has more water content, therefore it is not as thick, creamy or flavorful as the canned variety.
Our favorite creamy coconut milk to use in recipes!
35+ Easy Recipes With Coconut Milk
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35+ Easy Coconut Milk Recipes - Butternut Squash Curry Noodle Soup & More!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/2 onion chopped
- 5 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tbsp coconut sugar
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
- 2 cups butternut squash cubed, fresh or frozen
- 1 can full fat coconut milk + 3 cans water
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
- 7 oz rice noodles approx. 1/2 package
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- to taste sea salt
- Garnishes: chopped fresh cilantro and freshly shredded carrots
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat add coconut oil, onion and garlic. Saute for 5 minutes.
- Stir in spices and sugar. Cook while stirring for 2 minutes.
- Stir in squash. Cook for 1 minute longer.
- Pour in your can of coconut milk, and then fill the can with water, adding 3 cans of water to pot.
- Stir in cilantro.
- Turn heat to high, cover, bring to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer.
- Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in rice noodles and lemon juice. Salt to taste. Cover, turn off heat and let sit for 10 minutes (or until noodles are tender) before serving.
- Optionally garnish with fresh cilantro and shredded carrots before serving.
- Enjoy!
Gina says
Such a great collection of recipes! I just made the Creamy Vegan Potato Soup, and it came out great! There really is something for everyone in this list!
Danielle says
So many great ways to use coconut milk! I always have a couple cans of it in my pantry, so this is perfect. I never thought to use it in cornbread!
Mahy says
I would have never thought you could make so many great dishes with coconut milk. Fabulous collection!
Anjali says
I love coconut milk and these recipes are such creative and fun ways to use one of my favorite ingredients! I can't wait to try the Coconut Sticky Rice Dessert Sushi - it looks amazing!