What is Coconut Milk?
Coconut milk is made by shredding coconut meat and simmering it in water until a creamy paste is formed, then straining it to separate the meat from the liquid. Coconut milk is naturally dairy-free, making it an excellent substitute for regular milk in multiple recipes. It only has a mild coconut flavor, so even if you don’t like coconut, you might still find you can use coconut milk in recipes without being bothered by the taste.
Choosing the Right Type
Canned coconut milk differs from the boxed stuff you find next to almond milk, which tends to be thinner and has additives. The canned milk should have only one ingredient: coconut. If you see coconut cream, this is the higher-fat portion of the coconut milk separated from the juice (also referred to as coconut water). That is different from cream of coconut, which contains added sugar and is not what we are referring to when we talk about coconut milk here. And one more thing: Don’t bother buying light coconut milk. It’s just the real stuff watered down, and you can always add water yourself if it’s too thick for you. Now that we are all on the same page about the magical elixir that is canned coconut milk, here are some creative ways you can use this inexpensive and long-lasting pantry staple. When it comes to alcoholic drinks, branch out beyond the Piña Colada and try using coconut milk in a White Russian or any cocktail with rum. One of my simple favorites is coconut milk, rum, vanilla extract, and a touch of sugar. Shake or blend and enjoy a tropical-feeling happy hour, even if sitting in your living room.
Spinach, Grape, and Coconut Smoothie Kale Smoothie With Pineapple and Banana
Coconut milk works wonderfully with Asian-style flavor profiles, like Thai or Indian, but is also present in many Latin American and Caribbean recipes. Paired with seafood, it’s a match made in heaven, so crack open a can whenever you’re cooking a seafood stew; I highly recommend trying a coconut clam stew. Coconut milk is also an excellent dairy-free way to make the creamiest vegetable soups—just sub equal amounts of it for milk or cream.
Curry-Coconut Sauce Lemongrass Coconut Curry Mango Chicken Curry
While sweet grain-based dishes are a natural go-to, don’t be afraid to use coconut milk in your savory sides. Cilantro-lime coconut rice is the perfect bed for grilled chicken or fish and can be made by simply cooking rice in coconut milk, fluffing with a fork, and stirring in lime juice and chopped cilantro. Add a few pinches of salt to balance out the mild sweetness of the coconut.
Coconut Rice Pudding Spicy Coconut Noodles Spicy Tofu and Vegetables With Coconut Rice
Keep in mind that coconut milk adds a very subtle coconut flavor to your finished product, so if you’re baking something with a flavor profile that wouldn’t go well with coconut, you might want to steer clear. However, I’m having trouble thinking of a baked good that would clash with coconut. Chocolate, fruit, caramel—what doesn’t pair with coconut?
Coconut Cake Doughnuts (uses coconut cream) Lemon Bars (sub coconut cream in for the heavy cream)
A favorite evening beverage has been a steaming mug of golden milk. Heat coconut milk on the stovetop, and once warm, blend with ground turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and a little maple syrup. Slightly spicy and sweet, it’s the perfect way to wind down at the end of the day. You can also take the thick coconut cream off the top of the can (don’t shake before opening) and whip it up to top pretty much anything with a dollop of whipped coconut cream.
Easy Chai Tea Recipe (sub coconut milk for the whole milk) Tipsy Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate (sub coconut milk for the whole milk)
For a straightforward treatment, add coconut milk directly from the can to your locks and leave it on for about 20 minutes (covering your head with a shower cap to keep from dripping coconut all over the place). Feeling fancy? Add in a few drops of essential oils. If your hair tends to get a little oily, only apply the mask to your ends and avoid the roots. Coconuts have antibacterial properties that also make them great for skincare, clearing pores while hydrating skin. Combine canned coconut milk with a little castile soap and honey for a daily cleanser that will leave you glowing.
Rice, Coconut Milk, and Brown Sugar as Body TreatmentAvocado-Based Hair Conditioner
