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 types of coconut milk. This post also includes a collection of favourite gluten-free recipes using coconut milk.
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 Milk! A guide to which type to use.
- 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.
- 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, smoothies, or baked goods. It will not whip.
- Refrigerated Coconut Milk. This type comes in a carton or a tetra pack 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 milk.
- Cream of Coconut or Coconut Cream. 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. Use this type to make Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie.
12 Favourite Recipes with Coconut Milk
Here are a few of my favourite recipes using coconut milk.
Click on the green buttons below each photo for a link to the recipe.
Thai Coconut Rice
This recipe for Thai Coconut Rice is an easy make-ahead dish. Cooked in coconut milk, it has a subtle coconut flavour that goes well with Asian or Thai food.
Peanut Sauce
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.
Simple Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken
You'll love the complex flavours of Thailand in this mouthwatering Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken Thighs recipe. This easy-to-follow recipe combines tender chicken thighs with a rich and creamy peanut sauce, all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker or on the stovetop. Make it ahead and freeze for busy days!
Easy Thai Red Curry with Shrimp
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.
Easy One-Pot Thai Chicken Noodle Soup
Easy Thai Red Curry with Chicken
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.
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.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie (Vegan)
Kari Peters
This is such a useful post! And that Chocolate Coconut Cream with Raspberry Orange Sauce has my name written all over it!
Flavour & Savour
Hi Patti,
Thanks for your feedback! No, I'm not offended at all. Pop-ups can be annoying! You can close it by clicking the little arrow in the top right hand corner. I've made some adjustments which I hope will improve things for you. Happy cooking!
Patti
I love your recipes and your site except for that pop up. Why it's confusing and makes it hard to see the recipes. Is there a way to get rid of it. Put an x for those that want to get rid of it please.
I'm just not a Facebook fan. I do use it for my children. And when I see your things on there I always click like. You have great recipes. I hope I did not offend you. I meant no harm.