Our Favorite Recipes That Start with a Can of Coconut Milk (2024)

FAQs

What can you do with a can of coconut milk? ›

Add coconutty flavor to custard-based desserts (like flan and coconut cream pie), frozen treats (like dairy-free ice cream), and baked goods (like our coconut cake and delicious two-ingredient vegan frosting). You can also swap it for almond milk in these vegan chocolate cupcakes.

Coconut milk is incredibly versatile and can be used in both sweet and savory applications. In largely dairy-free Thai cuisine, explains Chongchitnant, it's used to add creaminess and fat to countless dishes, from sauces and dressings to curries and stews to puddings and dessert soups.

Canned coconut milk is widely available and inexpensive. But you will need to stir or shake it. The fatty “cream” will rise to the top of the can over time, creating a dense layer that needs to be mixed back into the watery liquid below.

Coconut milk may benefit health in several ways, such as by stimulating weight loss and lowering cholesterol. It can also add flavor to sweet and savory dishes and serve as an alternative to dairy milk. Coconut water is the liquid inside a coconut, while coconut milk comes from the fruit's white flesh.

The robust notes of coffee seamlessly intertwine with the creamy, subtle sweetness of canned coconut milk. This delightful fusion results in a cup that's both indulgent and refreshing. So, when you ask, "Can I use canned coconut milk in coffee?" the answer is a resounding yes.

In a blender, combine the coconut, water, and salt. Blend, and then blend some more. Strain through a nut bag (makes it easy!) or fine strainer. Sweeten to taste if you like, I usually use a few drops of liquid stevia, or maple syrup.

For example, if consuming products that are low in fat is a priority, coconut milk may not be your best choice due to its high fat content, which contributes most of the calories of coconut milk. In addition, regarding protein content, cow's milk and soy milk have more protein than coconut milk and almond milk.

Coconut milk: Coconut milk is a popular ingredient in many Asian and Indian dishes, and it can be heated without issue. However, it's important to note that coconut milk has a high fat content, which can make it thicker and creamier than other types of plant-based milk.

Coconut milk is a natural fatty acid, which means it gives rich moisturization to your strands. Adding coconut milk to your hair care doesn't just restore your hair and scalp, it can also nourish and protect damage strands from breakage.

What cereal is good with coconut milk? ›

It's kind of a no-brainer that coconut milk would pair well with a fruity cereal. Though fruit loops normally become soggy 3 minutes into a bowl, with coconut milk the cereal retains its crunch. #SpoonTip: Save the milk at the end and combine with rum and blue curacao and voila, breakfast and a shot.

Did you know that you can make luscious whipped cream from a can of coconut milk? Here's how! This trick is simple: Chill a can of coconut milk, then scoop out the coconut fat that separates out and solidifies (leaving the watery liquid behind), and whip it just like whipped cream.

Lowers blood pressure: Coconut milk is rich in potassium, which can help lower blood pressure. Potassium helps to counteract the effects of sodium in the diet, which can contribute to high blood pressure.

The glycemic index for coconut is 51, which is considered to be in the low glycemic index range. This rating means that eating coconut will not cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels and is a great option for those looking to maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Coconut milk is rich in medium-chain triglycerides lauric acid, and other essential components and has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. This plant-based diet consists of nutrients necessary for keeping the body in good health.

Canned coconut milk spoils quickly, so pour whatever you don't use into ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen, pop them out and store in a freezer bag. Add the cubes to the blender when making fruit smoothies, or to flavor a pot of hot soup or stew. The cubes may also be thawed overnight in the refrigerator.

Canned Coconut Milk vs Carton

Carton coconut milk is best utilized in things like cereal or blended into smoothies or other drinks. Carton coconut milk is much thinner and more diluted, making it better suited for drinking rather than cooking.

What does coconut milk taste like? If you've ever had a bite of coconut, or some coconut flakes sprinkled on your dessert, you have a pretty good idea of what coconut milk tastes like: the floral coconut-y notes are the most prevalent. It is not naturally sweet, but some companies do sweeten their coconut milks.

Coconut naturally contains significant amounts of fat, including saturated fat. However, the canned product is available as a reduced-fat version with approximately half the fat of the regular product.