9 Ingenious Uses for Canned Coconut Milk You Need to Try

For those curious about the creation of coconut milk, the process is surprisingly simple. Blend dried shredded coconut with water and strain it. Yet, the canned version is a convenient option that consistently delivers delightful taste. It’s important to distinguish between coconut milk and coconut cream; the former has a lighter consistency, while the latter resembles heavy cream. Both have unique uses, but coconut milk’s adaptability makes it perfect for our culinary explorations.

Let’s dive into some creative ways to utilize coconut milk. From enriching your breakfast to crafting indulgent desserts and refreshing cocktails, this pantry staple is ready to elevate your cooking.

French toast is a breakfast classic made with just a few simple ingredients: milk, eggs, sugar, and perhaps a hint of cinnamon. The key to its success is the soak. By introducing coconut milk, you infuse this straightforward dish with a nutty, toasted flavor that’s anything but ordinary.

Replace standard milk with coconut milk in your egg mixture, whisking together eggs, sugar, salt, and spices. Soak thick slices of bread like challah or brioche and cook them in a frying pan until golden brown. Top with caramelized fruit or jam and drizzle with maple syrup. This is a delightful way to create a dairy-free option for anyone at the breakfast table.

Mango sticky rice, known as khao nieow mamuang, is a hallmark of Thai desserts. The success of this dish lies in its simplicity. It employs exquisite mango varieties, such as ok rong or nam dok mai, which enhance the dish’s flavor.

To create this dish, steam glutinous rice and blend it with coconut milk and sugar, allowing it to create a sticky and indulgent dessert reminiscent of rice pudding. Traditionally topped with crispy mung beans, consider mixing in seasonal fruits like strawberries for a fresh twist.

Introducing coconut milk into curries creates a creamy, velvety texture that enhances the entire dish. Predominantly used in Southeast Asian cuisines, this ingredient can form the base for flavorful, aromatic curries without any dairy.

Massaman curry is a great introduction to coconut milk curries. It combines an array of spices, creating a less spicy yet deeply rich stew. A version using Swiss chard, potatoes, and chickpeas is a great way to experience the delightful combination of flavors while keeping things plant-based.

Kaya jam, a Malaysian delight, consists of eggs, coconut milk, and sugar, resulting in a sweet spread that is a true pleasure. Traditionally infused with pandan leaves, its aromatic qualities make it irresistible. Steep pandan in the coconut custard while cooking for a flavorful accent.

This flavorful jam transforms the otherwise basic kaya toast into a street food sensation, often served alongside rich, hard-boiled eggs seasoned simply for a wonderful experience.

Making syrups at home transforms your beverages with minimal effort. Simmer coconut milk and sugar to create a syrup that adds an unexpected twist to cocktails or coffee. This makes a fantastic top-off for pancakes and waffles as well.

In mixed drinks, coconut syrup enriches every sip. Use it in place of simple syrup and experiment with extras like vanilla, warm spices, or citrus peels to build even more flavor.

Overnight oats can often feel mundane, but adding coconut milk can breathe new life into this breakfast dish. With a rich, toasty flavor, coconut milk pairs beautifully with oats and chia seeds, creating a creamy morning pudding.

Use rolled oats for a satisfying texture, and personalize your bowl with toppings like Greek yogurt, fresh berries, or toasted nuts. Toasted coconut flakes add a lovely crunch and enhance the coconut theme.

Coquito is a festive Puerto Rican drink that elevates traditional eggnog to a new level. Forget the complexities of whipping egg yolks; instead, mix coconut milk, cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla in a pot and let it work its magic.

For a vegan version, simply substitute regular milk with sweetened condensed coconut milk for a creamy, aromatic treat without losing any flavor. Adjust the rum to taste, or enjoy it alcohol-free as a comforting drink.

Making a coconut milk version of dulce de leche is a sweet and satisfying venture. By combining coconut milk with sugar and cooking them down, you can create a caramel-like sauce that rivals the traditional version.

Alternatively, boiling sweetened condensed coconut milk for several hours yields a rich, dairy-free treat. This process may take time, but as an effortless project, it rewards you with a versatile spread perfect for cookies, toast, or decadent desserts.

Coconut milk is not just for desserts; it brings dynamic flavor to savory dishes, too. Marinating chicken wings in coconut milk allows for an infusion of flavor that enhances every bite. Use spices like cayenne, turmeric, and coriander to create a rich, delicious profile.

Cooking techniques like smoking followed by frying yield wings that are packed with flavor and crunch. This method, coupled with coconut milk, guarantees an extraordinary taste experience.