Know What Type of Coconut Milk to Use

Have you ever wondered what type of coconut milk to use in a recipe? Here’s a guide that will clear up any confusion and help you get to know your coconut milks.

Which type of coconut milk do I use? Sometimes recipes don’t make it clear, so here’s a quick guide so you’ll avoid making a mistake.

Coconut milk, once only found in ethnic recipes, is now a kitchen staple and is readily available in any supermarket. The first time I had a dish cooked in coconut milk was in a tiny restaurant in Bali. I was so intrigued with the flavour of my rice dish, I persisted through a pretty serious language barrier with the waiter to discover what it was so I could recreate it at home.

Lots of recipes now call for this popular plant-based milk. It can be a bit confusing knowing what type of coconut milk to use, so I’ve outlined the four types you’ll probably find in your local supermarket.

Know your Coconut Milks! A guide to which type to use.

1.  Full Fat Coconut Milk.  This is the one you find in a can. It’s designed for cooking, not for drinking.  You’ll want to choose one that has no emulsifiers added to it so the cream will rise to the top inside the can. When you open the can, you can use the hardened cream in place of whipping cream or heavy cream in sauces and desserts. If you’re not planning to use the cream separately, give the can a good shake before you open it. Canned coconut milk is the one you’ll use to make this Never Fail Thai Coconut Rice.
2. Lite Coconut Milk.  Also sold in a can, lite coconut milk is diluted full-fat coconut milk and sometimes has up to 60% less fat. You can use it in soups or smoothies or in baked goods. It will not whip.
3. Refrigerated Coconut Milk.  This type comes in a carton or a tetrapak and is sometimes called Coconut Beverage. It may or may not be lightly sweetened and it may contain emulsifiers or thickening agents. It’s great for smoothies or as a replacement for dairy milk or other plant-based milks.
4. Cream of Coconut. Usually available in cans, this is a thick, very sweet coconut cream used in desserts or cocktails. (Pina Colada, I’m looking at you!) Don’t confuse it with the full-fat coconut milk. The two are not interchangeable.

Here are a few of my favourite recipes using coconut milk.

Thai Coconut Rice

This recipe for Thai Coconut Rice is an easy make-ahead dish. Cooked in coconut milk, it has a subtle coconut flavor that goes well with Asian or Thai food.

Tropical Turmeric Smoothie

Start your day off right with this clean-eating Tropical Turmeric smoothie made from bananas and mango and flavoured with turmeric, ginger, cinnamon and cardamom.

Easy Thai Baked Chicken

Cilantro, jalapeño, ginger, basil, garlic and coriander all play together to produce this aromatic, slightly spicy chicken dish that leaves you wanting more.

Spicy Thai Mussels

These spicy Thai mussels are an easy starter that you can make in less than twenty minutes. Steamed in aromatic coconut broth and seasoned with lemongrass, they make a showstopper appetizer.

 Chocolate Coconut Cream with Raspberry-Orange Sauce

Here’s a cute and easy shot glass dessert. Whipped chocolate coconut cream with raspberry-orange sauce makes a decadent and delicious dessert!

Warm Turmeric Cinnamon Milk

If you ever have trouble sleeping, try a mug of this Warm Cinnamon Turmeric Milk. This Golden Milk has amazing health benefits.

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