Top-Notch Coconut Milk Cooking Ideas
Imagine you've stumbled upon the ultimate kitchen companion - canned coconut milk. It's a bonafide must-have for any pantry, whether you're plant-based, a carnivore, or just fancy a dairy-free swap. It's packed with inflammation-busting antioxidants, somewhat miraculously sans any dairy.
Even if you've yet to embrace the plant-based lifestyle, you'll still find a soft spot for this tropical treat. Coconut milk is a staple in many iconic meaty dishes from Asia, Oceania, and Africa. So why even have canned coconut milk in your pantry without stocking up on curry paste or powder? That's like peanut butter without jelly!
Now, let's dive into the what, how, and why behind coconut milk.
What's Coconut Milk?
Unlike the liquid that picks fights with brown sugars in the flesh of a coconut (coconut water), coconut milk is brewed from the solidified accumulation of water found within the ripe coconut fruit - we're talking about the fruit's flesh here. The skin is peeled off, and the flesh is shredded and simmered in hot water, eventually strained.
Fancy a lighter, less caloric version? Your go-to choice would be light (or 'lite') coconut milk. It's simply thinned out with water. But for a richer, more mouthwatering flavor that'll make you forget your takeout favorites, stick with the full-fat version. (Skip the boxed one; it's a stretching party, not a cooking event.)
Want a thicker, fattier concoction? You're in for a treat with coconut cream, the ultimate bodybuilder for your dishes.
Coconut Milk Recipes
Ready to rock this versatile milk? Here are some delectable coconut milk recipes to serenade even the pickiest of taste buds.
Coconut Milk Recipe Roundup
- Thai Green Curry Chicken Thighs
- Nasi Lemak (Malaysian Breakfast Rice)
- Turkey Mulligatawny Soup
- Chili Garlic Green Bean Casserole
- Slow Cooker Burmese Chicken and Noodles
- Overnight Oats with Summer Fruit
- Red Curry Sloppy Banh Mi Sandwiches
- Coconut Rice Pudding
- Halo-Halo Ice Pops
Thai Green Curry Chicken Thighs
Say hello to Thai curry night, featuring coconut milk and enigmatic green curry paste as the tangy tandem. Fish sauce comes onboard to lend a hand, enriching the dish with its funky flavor. The focus is on chicken thighs, cilantro, green beans, bell pepper, and scallions. (Flexibility alert: use whatever veggies you've got on hand!)
Nasi Lemak (Malaysian Breakfast Rice)
Don't let the morning blues rain on your parade. Swap your cereal with nasi lemak, the fragrant, multilayered Malaysian breakfast staple. Cooked with dried anchovies and a spicy sambal on a divine, coconut-scented rice base, this dish will surely set the mood for a scrumptious day ahead.
Turkey Mulligatawny Soup
Fear not those lurking leftovers. Put that leftover turkey to good use with this hearty, Indian-inspired soup featuring coconut milk, curry powder, garam masala, and a handful of other delicious ingredients.
Chili Garlic Green Bean Casserole
Crisp, vibrant green beans simmered in coconut milk, chili, and garlic make for an elevated take on the classic American green bean casserole. Get ready to dazzle your guests (or treat yourself) with this Asian-inspired sensation.
Slow Cooker Burmese Chicken and Noodles
Golden-hued with ground turmeric and spiced up with zesty ginger, this dish has a mysterious allure that'll make you long for your slow cooker. Swap Chinese wheat noodles with spaghetti if they're not available at your local grocer - we won't tell.
Overnight Oats with Summer Fruit
Ch-ch-ch-chia! This refreshing coconut milk-soaked delight is plumped up with chia seeds and garnished with summer fruits. Pineapple, kiwi, and berries complement the coconut flavor beautifully. Prep the night before and wake up ready to slurp!
Red Curry Sloppy Banh Mi Sandwiches
Fusion at its finest: iconic Vietnamese flavors meet American comfort food without missing a beat. These mouthwatering sandwiches are infused with coconut milk and red curry paste. Remember: Choosing the right curry paste is crucial to achieve lip-smacking perfection!
Coconut Rice Pudding
Get your dessert game on point with this aromatic, Indian-inspired coconut rice pudding, flavored with ginger and cardamom. Great for gluten-free and dairy-free guests at dinner parties, or simply as a sweet treat for yourself on a random Tuesday.
Halo-Halo Ice Pops
Prepare to be the star of the next neighborhood block party with these visually stunning, Halo-Halo ice pops. Inspired by the popular Filipino dessert, these gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, and Instagrammable pops are packed with the Malaysian delight, ube (purple yam), coconut milk, and a host of delightful add-ins.
The Coconut Milk Verdict
Whether you want to slow-cook your way to an easy savory dinner or shimmy shimmy coconut-pop through the summer with an icy dessert, coconut milk's got your back. Keep a can or two in the pantry for all things creamy, dreamy, and dairy-free.
- Canned coconut milk can be a great addition to various savory dishes, even when not adopting a plant-based lifestyle, as it is commonly used in several Asian, Oceania, and African meaty dishes.
- When seeking a lighter, calorie- reduced version of coconut milk, one could opt for the 'lite' variety, which is simply thinned out with water, or choose the lighter coconut cream as an alternative for a thicker, fattier consistency.
- Undeniably, coconut milk is packed with antioxidants and can be a fantastic dairy-free substitute in numerous recipes, from Thai Green Curry Chicken Thighs to Halo-Halo Ice Pops.
