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 need to be refrigerated? ›

Shelf-stable products come in a package that's specially made to lock in flavor and nutrition without refrigeration. The package is air tight and is layered to keep light out.

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.

Can So Delicious coconut milk be used in cooking? ›

Very refreshing and great in cooking and beverages

We should remember that there are more ingredients than just coconut cream and water. Therefore, the coconut taste is diluted.

Does So Delicious coconut milk taste like coconut? ›

This tastes even more like water and less like coconut than coconut WATER. Even though it's not fat-free, there is zero creaminess in this coconut milk either.

When not to use coconut milk? ›

For example, if consuming products that are low in fat is a priority, coconut milk may not be your best choice due to its high fat content, which contributes most of the calories of coconut milk. In addition, regarding protein content, cow's milk and soy milk have more protein than coconut milk and almond milk.

Is coconut milk good in coffee? ›

Adding coconut milk to your coffee creates a delicious combination. Perhaps you've heard about making coconut coffee or even coffee with coconut oil. You can easily make this recipe at home and you don't even need a lot of different ingredients! The taste of coconut and coffee makes this drink feel like summer.

Can I use canned coconut milk in my 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.

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.

How long can coconut milk last in the fridge? ›

We've found that leftover coconut milk will last up to a week in the fridge with no depreciation in quality, but we wondered if we could freeze it to make it last even longer.

Can you whip coconut milk into whipped cream? ›

Tips for perfect coconut whipped cream

Select a good quality brand of coconut milk (see recommendations above). Chill overnight, not in the freezer for best results. Chilling overnight is key or the coconut cream won't harden and will likely be too soft to whip.

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 drink coconut milk out of a can? ›

You can buy coconut milk in a can. If you buy the right brand it has no additives. If you want, you could just drink the coconut milk from the can. It's delicious!

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.

Does So Delicious coconut milk go bad? ›

Refrigerated coconut-based milk substitutes like Silk Pure Coconut or So Delicious Coconut Milk have a stated lifespan of 7-10 days after opening. I've had cartons last longer than that without any change in taste or smell, but if it started tasting bad or smelling funky I would toss it.

Does coconut milk go bad if not refrigerated? ›

Leaving coconut milk out at room temperature for long periods of time increases the risk of spoiling and contamination.

How long can refrigerated coconut milk sit out? ›

Leaving unopened cartons of coconut milk at room temperature for about an hour is generally safe. Coconut milk, especially when unopened, is often UHT (ultra-high temperature) processed, which helps extend its shelf life and maintain its safety.

Can coconut milk not be refrigerated? ›

Always check the label. Do not leave open coconut milk at room temperature. Unless your house is super duper cold, it'll spoil just like regular cow's milk, as the oil will quickly separate from the rest of it. Refrigeration helps slow the potential growth of bacteria and increase the life of your coconut milk.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Nicola Considine CPA

Last Updated:

Views: 5866

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (49 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Nicola Considine CPA

Birthday: 1993-02-26

Address: 3809 Clinton Inlet, East Aleisha, UT 46318-2392

Phone: +2681424145499

Job: Government Technician

Hobby: Calligraphy, Lego building, Worldbuilding, Shooting, Bird watching, Shopping, Cooking

Introduction: My name is Nicola Considine CPA, I am a determined, witty, powerful, brainy, open, smiling, proud person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.