Are you looking for something new and delicious to try in the kitchen? Coconut milk is a great way to add a unique flavor to all types of dishes. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack or a decadent dessert, coconut milk can help you create something truly special.
Coconut milk is a creamy liquid made from the meat of a mature coconut. It’s used in a variety of dishes, from sweet desserts to savory curries. Coconut milk is also a popular addition to smoothies and shakes. The flavor of coconut milk can vary depending on the type of coconut and the recipe used to make it. Some coconut milks have a sweet, mild flavor while others have a more intense, tropical flavor.
Here are seven delicious recipes that you can make with it. So, let’s get started!
Recipe #1: Coconut Milk Pancakes
These light and fluffy pancakes have a subtle hint of coconut flavor. To make them, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and coconut milk, then slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients while stirring. Add melted butter to the mixture and stir until combined. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat, grease the skillet with butter or oil, and drop 1/4 cup of the batter onto the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes, flip the pancakes, and cook for another 1–2 minutes. Serve with your preferred toppings.
Taste: Salty
Total time: 25 minutes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Calories per serving: 218 calories
Recipe #2: Coconut Milk Curry
This fragrant curry is flavorful and has a rich, creamy texture from the coconut milk. To prepare it, heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat, add onion and garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent. Add ginger, turmeric, cumin, coriander, cardamom, and chili powder and cook for 1 minute. Add vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in coconut milk, chickpeas, salt, and pepper, and simmer for another 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve with cooked rice or naan bread.
Taste: Spicy
Total time: 40 minutes
Prep time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: 222 calories
Recipe #3: Coconut Milk Ice Cream
This ice cream is creamy and delicious with a subtle coconut flavor. To make it, whisk together coconut milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a large bowl. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Freeze the ice cream in an airtight container for at least 4 hours. Serve with your favorite toppings.
Taste: Sweet
Total time: 4 hours and 10 minutes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Calories per serving: 397 calories
Recipe #4: Coconut Milk Smoothie
This smoothie is packed with protein and perfect for breakfast. To prepare it, blend coconut milk, banana, rolled oats, whey protein powder, honey, and chia seeds in a blender until smooth. Serve immediately.
Taste: Sweet
Total time: 5 minutes
Prep time: 5 minutes
Calories per serving: 360 calories
Recipe #5: Coconut Milk Soup
This soup is creamy and flavorful with a hint of coconut. Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat, add the onion and garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent. Add vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, coconut milk, cumin, coriander, and turmeric, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve with a dollop of yogurt, if desired.
Taste: Savory
Total time: 25 minutes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Calories per serving: 205 calories
Recipe #6: Coconut Milk Rice Pudding
This creamy and delicious dessert is made with coconut milk, rice, sugar, and vanilla and is sweet, creamy, and flavorful. It's a comforting and easy-to-make dessert that's perfect for any occasion. In a saucepan, combine the rice and water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked. Add the coconut milk, sugar, and vanilla, and stir well. Cook for another 10 minutes or until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the pudding cool down for a few minutes. Serve the coconut milk rice pudding warm or chilled, garnished with toasted coconut flakes or sliced fresh fruit, if desired.
Taste: Sweet
Total time: 30 minutes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Calories per serving: 275 calories
Recipe #7: Coconut Milk Chocolate Pudding
This rich and decadent pudding is made with coconut milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and vanilla extract. It has a deep chocolate flavor and a silky-smooth texture that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Plus, it's vegan and dairy-free! In a medium saucepan, whisk together coconut milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt over medium heat until it simmers. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan, whisking constantly. Cook, whisking constantly, for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Divide the pudding into four serving dishes and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set. Serve chilled, topped with whipped cream if desired.
Taste: Rich and chocolatey
Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Prep time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: 245
A Few Tips for Cooking with Coconut Milk
Cooking with coconut milk is easy, but there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, be sure to buy full-fat coconut milk. Low-fat versions don’t have the same flavor and won’t give you the same creamy texture. When using coconut milk in a recipe, be sure to add it slowly. If you add it too quickly, it can cause the dish to become too thin and watery. If you’re making a curry, for example, add the coconut milk in small amounts and mix it in before adding more.
Coconut milk also has a tendency to separate when it’s heated. To prevent this, mix the coconut milk with a bit of cornstarch or arrowroot powder before adding it to the recipe.
What to Serve with Coconut Milk
Coconut milk-based dishes often have a rich and creamy flavor, and they pair well with a variety of foods. While savory coconut milk-based curries go well with Indian flatbreads like naan or roti, which can complement them well, the sweet form of coconut milk is best enjoyed on its own, like desserts. Fresh or steamed vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers make a healthy and colorful addition to any coconut milk-based dish. Grilled or roasted meats such as chicken, shrimp, or beef also work well to balance the creaminess of the coconut milk-based sauce.
Coconut milk is a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your favorite recipes. From pancakes and ice cream to curries and chocolate pudding, there are so many delicious recipes you can make with it.
We hope these recipes have inspired you to get creative in the kitchen. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a can of coconut milk and get cooking!