33 Creamy and Delicious Coconut Milk Recipes (2024)

33 Creamy and Delicious Coconut Milk Recipes (1)

The Modern Proper

In our humble opinion, coconut milk is the most underrated ingredient in your pantry. It’s easy to find in the grocery store and has a subtle flavor, making it ideal for breakfasts, entrées and everything in between. The canned (and sometimes boxed) liquid is different from coconut water, which is the clear liquid found inside a coconut. To make coconut milk, the flesh of the fruit is blended to create a creamy white liquid that tastes and looks similar to cow’s milk. Totally dairy-free and nonperishable, coconut milk can be used in sweet or savory dishes, and adds a ridiculous amount of creaminess to any recipe. Ready to pop open a can? Here are 33 incredible coconut milk recipes to get you started. (bye, heavy cream).

Photo: Liz Anderson/Styling: Erin McDowell

1. Chickpea and Vegetable Coconut Curry

Ditch the takeout menu.

Get the recipe

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

2. Vegan Coconut Ice Cream

You need only three ingredients to make this super creamy, indulgent vegan treat. Bonus points if you serve it out of a frozen pineapple.

Get the recipe

Helene Dujardin/The Essential Vegan Keto Cookbook

3. Vegan Keto Coconut Curry

Coconut can get a bad rap because it’s high in fat, but don’t worry. Those are healthy fats, which fill you up and keep you satiated, a key component of any low-carb diet.

Get the recipe

4. Red Curry Risotto With Shrimp

Best hybrid recipe ever. Seriously. (And it’s dairy-free, which is the ultimate risotto hack.)

Photo: Liz Anderson/Styling: Erin McDowell

5. Overnight Oats with Coconut and Ginger

Don’t forget breakfast.

Get the recipe

Photo: Liz Anderson/Styling: Erin McDowell

6. Chicken Satay with Coconut-Peanut Sauce

Because finger food fun is the most fun.

Get the recipe

Photo: Liz Anderson/Styling: Erin McDowell

7. No-Bake Coconut Cream Pie

It all comes together in the fridge.

Get the recipe

Photo: Liz Anderson/Styling: Erin McDowell

8. Coconut Creamed Spinach

It doesn’t taste healthy (but it is).

Get the recipe

Photo: Liz Anderson/Styling: Erin McDowell

9. Dairy-Free Butternut Squash 'Fondue'

Just as smooth, tangy and dippable as the cheese version.

Get the recipe

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

10. Vegan Slow-cooker Detox Coconut Soup

Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and hard-work-free, this soup is a delicious and healthy miracle.

Get the recipe

Photo: Liz Anderson/Styling: Erin McDowell

11. Coconut Ice Pops

Creamy, dreamy and downright delicious.

Get the recipe

12. Whole Coconut Curry Chicken

If you’ve ever worried about drying out a whole chicken, this recipe that cooks poultry in its own sauce has your name all over it. Once you master the technique, feel free to play around with flavors.

13. Coconut Chia Pudding

Oooh, look at you, making pudding from chia seeds. You’re so healthy. Dress it up with fruit, honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

14. Baked Coconut Curry Meatballs

These meatballs aren’t just exceptionally good-looking. They’re tasty too.

Get the recipe

33 Creamy and Delicious Coconut Milk Recipes (16)

Kitchen Sanctuary

15. Thai-Style Peanut Pork with Broccoli

So warm and comforting, it’s like a big hug in a bowl.

16. Coconut Thai Borscht

This mashup of Thai and Eastern European flavors is unlike any soup you’ve ever eaten. A little sweet, a little spicy and super rich and creamy.

17. Thai Peanut Soup With Kale, Zoodles And Shrimp

Are we even worthy of this recipe? It’s low on carbs, high on creaminess and so, so tasty.

33 Creamy and Delicious Coconut Milk Recipes (19)

I Am a Food Blog

18. 15-minute Miso Coconut Chicken Ramen

Fresh ginger, miso paste and coconut milk come together quickly for a wonderfully tasty, creamy bowl of ramen. This is comfort food at its finest.

33 Creamy and Delicious Coconut Milk Recipes (20)

Recipe Tin Eats

19. Coconut Marinated Grilled Chicken

Your favorite dairy-free ingredient magically tenderizes cutlets.

20. Indian Coconut Butter Cauliflower

Like butter chicken, only vegan, this cauli dish uses coconut milk and coconut oil for creaminess.

21. Coconut Chowder

A chunky chowder that’s creamy and a little crunchy. We know you won’t be able to stop making this one.

22. Dairy-free Mushroom Soup

Cream of mushroom soup, hold the cream (and lucky for you, it’s impossible to tell the difference).

23. Thai Coconut Mussels

In just a few minutes you can have a pot of mussels in spicy, decadent sauce that’s even better with a side of fries or bread for dipping.

24. Creamy Coconut Hot Chocolate

You’ll be craving this dairy-free hot chocolate during all four seasons. (And if the marshmallow art is too extra, it’s just as comforting without it.)

25. Tamarind Beef Curry

This curry paste–free recipe riffs on the flavors of curry using savory-sweet tamarind paste, lemongrass and herbs that coat the beef and veggies.

26. Poached Salmon In Coconut Lime Sauce

Sick of the same old seafood recipes? Spice up salmon night with this incredible sauce.

27. Thai Coconut Soup With Potstickers

Any soup with dumplings in it is, statistically, the best soup on earth. We checked.

28. Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Coconut Ginger Sauce

Add a little flair to a crisp veggie side with this recipe that uses light coconut milk to build a sauce for roasted Brussels.

29. Green Pea And Coconut Soup

When soup cravings hit, whip up this bright green herb-packed bowl, which starts with frozen peas and a can of coconut milk.

30. Burmese-style Vegan Coconut Curry

You’ve probably caught on that coconut milk works really well in curry. Don’t snooze on this one.

31. Paleo Chicken Potpies

Have you ever seen anything more adorable? (No, the answer is no.)

32. Coconut Cream Quinoa Tartlets

This vegan, gluten-free dessert is extra decadent, creamy, crispy and fabulous for any occasion. (Even if that occasion is sitting on your couch.)

33 Creamy and Delicious Coconut Milk Recipes (34)

Pinch of Yum

33. Anything-You-Have Coconut Curry Soup

Bonus: This can be made with practically any veggie.

33 Creamy and Delicious Coconut Milk Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Does so delicious coconut milk go bad? ›

We recommend using products by the “best by” date printed on the container. For optimum freshness, So Delicious products should be enjoyed within 7-10 days after opening.

What can you add to coconut milk to make it taste better? ›

Cinnamon: This is an optional ingredient, but a delicious addition. Sweetener: I've always used either brown sugar or pure maple syrup. However, it was recently pointed out that honey is a great substitution. Vanilla extract: Just a touch to balance the flavors.

How to use canned coconut milk in recipes? ›

Substitute coconut milk for dairy milk in your favorite oatmeal, chia pudding, pancake, and waffle recipes. Blend it into smoothie to add a creamy texture or make a coconut milk-based smoothie parfait.

What's the difference between canned coconut milk and coconut milk? ›

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.

Is coconut milk constipating? ›

In that case, a sudden addition of coconut milk to your diet might cause constipation. In addition, drinking or having excess coconut milk may lead to severe gas formation and diarrhoea. Fasting and then binging on coconut milk can also cause stomach problems. It will lead to abdominal pain and stomach cramps.

Can I use 1 year expired coconut milk? ›

It's essential to adhere to this date but also recognize that an unopened can may remain safe for consumption for about a year past the printed date if stored correctly. Consumers should always inspect the milk before use, looking for changes in color, smell, and texture as signs of spoilage.

Can I put coconut milk in coffee? ›

The taste of coconut milk in coffee is refreshing and slightly sweet. You can buy sweetened or unsweetened coconut milk to use in your coffee. However, most people prefer sweetened coconut milk. You will enjoy subtle hints of coconut flavor with creamy undertones and a refreshing finish.

How long can coconut milk last in the fridge? ›

Coconut milk is a byproduct of a coconut, and its organic nature means that it will eventually turn. Coconut milk lasts for around one week when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and about a month in the freezer.

What is the best way to use coconut milk? ›

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.

What does coconut milk do for your body? ›

Health benefits of coconut milk. 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.

Can you whip canned coconut milk? ›

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.

Is coconut milk healthier than heavy cream? ›

Though coconut cream contains a similar amount of calories as heavy cream, it provides less than half the fat, which might make it a good option if you're limiting your fat intake.

What is the shelf life of canned coconut milk? ›

According to the USDA, low-acidity canned foods, like coconut milk, will last two to five years on the shelf, and for three to four days after opening and keeping it in the refrigerator. In the latter scenario, it's best to store unused coconut milk in an airtight container in the fridge.

Can you drink straight canned coconut milk? ›

Yes, canned coconut milk can be consumed directly from the can. However, it is often quite thick and rich, so it may be more enjoyable when mixed with other ingredients or used in recipes.

How long is coconut milk good for after it's opened? ›

Coconut milk can be consumed 7 days after opening if it has been properly stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator. However, it's always important to check for any signs of spoilage such as an off odor, curdling, or mold before consuming. If you notice any of these signs, it's best to discard the coconut milk.

How can you tell if sweetened condensed coconut milk is bad? ›

If the condensed milk is so solid that you can't pour it, it's time to replace it. Smell: Condensed milk should smell pleasantly sweet. If there is any scent besides sweet, it's a no-go. Taste: This one is easy!

Can you eat expired coconut milk yogurt? ›

To answer the question: "Can you eat expired yogurt past the expiration date?" the answer is no. If you do eat expired yogurt, you run the risk of acquiring a food-borne illness with symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

What is the shelf life of dried coconut milk? ›

Coconut milk powder does have a long shelf life, but it depends on how it is stored. Properly stored, coconut milk powder can last for up to two years. The key is to ensure that the powder is kept in an airtight container and stored in a cool, dry place.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Duane Harber

Last Updated:

Views: 6071

Rating: 4 / 5 (71 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Duane Harber

Birthday: 1999-10-17

Address: Apt. 404 9899 Magnolia Roads, Port Royceville, ID 78186

Phone: +186911129794335

Job: Human Hospitality Planner

Hobby: Listening to music, Orienteering, Knapping, Dance, Mountain biking, Fishing, Pottery

Introduction: My name is Duane Harber, I am a modern, clever, handsome, fair, agreeable, inexpensive, beautiful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.