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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Photo: Liz Anderson/Styling: Erin McDowell

6. Chicken Satay with Coconut-Peanut Sauce

Because finger food fun is the most fun.

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Photo: Liz Anderson/Styling: Erin McDowell

7. No-Bake Coconut Cream Pie

It all comes together in the fridge.

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Photo: Liz Anderson/Styling: Erin McDowell

8. Coconut Creamed Spinach

It doesn’t taste healthy (but it is).

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Photo: Liz Anderson/Styling: Erin McDowell

9. Dairy-Free Butternut Squash 'Fondue'

Just as smooth, tangy and dippable as the cheese version.

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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.

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Photo: Liz Anderson/Styling: Erin McDowell

11. Coconut Ice Pops

Creamy, dreamy and downright delicious.

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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.

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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

Can I use so delicious coconut milk instead of canned coconut milk? ›

Also, keep in mind this is NOT like canned coconut milk. It's a milk substitute. It's great for cereal or coffee (I like to mix it with coffee concentrate), but don't use it in recepies that call for canned coconut milk.

What can I do with a can of coconut milk? ›

  1. 1Two-tier coconut milk layer cake. ...
  2. 2One-pot chicken massaman curry. ...
  3. 3Strawberry & coconut milk popsicles. ...
  4. 4Turmeric snapper with mint, cucumber and celery salad. ...
  5. 5Mango and coconut ice-cream. ...
  6. 6Javanese chicken and coconut curry (opor ayam) ...
  7. 7Easy pina colada trifle. ...
  8. 8Tofu, sweet potato and broccolini green curry.

Does so delicious coconut milk go bad? ›

We recommend using products by the “best by” date printed on the container. For optimum freshness, So Delicious products should be enjoyed within 7-10 days after opening.

What is the difference between canned coconut milk and regular coconut milk? ›

Unlike cartoned coconut milk, the canned variety is made with nothing more than blended coconut meat, water, and in some instances, guar gum, which works to prevent separation. Without a stabilizer, canned coconut milk tends to separate into two identifiable layers when stored at or above room temperature.

Can you use so delicious coconut milk in curry? ›

Add garlic and ginger and sauté for another minute. Stir in asparagus, bell pepper, potatoes, carrots, curry powder, and 1 tsp salt. Sauté for another 5 minutes. Stir in cashew mixture, remaining 1 cup Coconutmilk, tamari, peas, and chickpeas.

How to use so delicious coconut milk? ›

Try it in a breakfast power smoothie, golden milk latte or classic Belgian waffles. Whichever way you pour it, it's always dairy-free, Certified Vegan and Non-GMO Project Verified. Crafted with organic coconut, our coconutmilk is smooth, and oh-so-creamy.

What is coconut milk best used for? ›

Coconut milk adds richness and depth of flavor to soups, curries, and stews. Its natural fat content tames spices of all levels, turning down the heat while retaining flavor. Coconut milk is also an excellent dairy-free way to make the creamiest vegetable soups—simply substitute equal amounts of it for milk or cream.

Is canned coconut milk good or bad for you? ›

In moderation, coconut milk can have health benefits, but consuming too much can have some undesirable effects. Coconut milk contains high levels of calories and fats. Combining a high intake of coconut milk with a carbohydrate-rich diet can result in weight gain.

Can you drink straight canned coconut milk? ›

If you want, you could just drink the coconut milk from the can. It's delicious! But it's pretty high in fat.

Does so delicious coconut milk have guar gum in it? ›

Organic Coconutmilk (Filtered Water, Organic Coconut Cream), Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Guar Gum, Vitamin and Mineral Blend (Calcium Phosphate, Magnesium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, L-Selenomethionine [Selenium], Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin D2, Zinc Oxide, Vitamin B12), Xanthan Gum.

Can I freeze leftover coconut milk? ›

An open container of coconut milk will last for a week in the fridge, but if you know you probably won't get to it in that amount of time, freeze it immediately. Transfer your unused coconut milk to a freezer-proof container that is just large enough for the quantity you need to store.

What are the benefits of drinking coconut milk? ›

Coconut milk may fight against bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. It may act as a quick source of energy. Coconut milk may enhance digestion. It may also protect against breast cancer.

What is the best coconut milk brand? ›

Plant Milk FAQs

Per our taste test, the best all-around brand in the carton is Vita Coco Coconut Milk Original Organic. The best in full-fat is Thai Kitchen 2 Simple Ingredients Coconut Milk Unsweetened, and the best in light is Thrive Market Organic Coconut Milk Lite.

Is coconut milk good for your gut health? ›

Decrease stomach ulcer size: In one study, coconut milk reduced stomach ulcer size in rats by 54% — a result comparable to the effect of an anti-ulcer drug ( 25 ). Fight viruses and bacteria: Test-tube studies suggest that lauric acid may reduce the levels of viruses and bacteria that cause infections.

Can I drink coconut milk every day? ›

Coconut milk is also higher in saturated fat than other milks, so stick to around 1 cup per day as a rule of thumb (especially if you are being mindful of your heart health).

Can you substitute coconut milk for canned milk? ›

Another alternative for evaporated milk is to substitute coconut milk 1:1 in the recipe. This will impart a coconut flavor to the recipe, so it works in some recipes but not all. There are also commercially available sweetened condensed or evaporated milk alternatives.

Can I substitute refrigerated coconut milk for canned coconut milk? ›

Can I use carton coconut milk instead of canned? You can substitute carton coconut milk instead of canned, but it will likely yield a different taste and texture. Carton coconut milk is much thinner and lower in fat, so it will result in a less creamy and thick texture compared to canned coconut milk.

Why use canned coconut milk? ›

Speaking of swapping, whether you are out of milk or cooking for someone who is dairy intolerant, canned coconut milk adds a subtly delicious nutty note to baked goods. Best of all, coconut milk can be swapped for dairy products in most desserts; try a one to one ratio in your favorite baked goods.

Is there shelf stable coconut milk? ›

shelf stable coconutmilk beverage

Oh-so-smooth organic coconutmilk crafted for dairy-free deliciousness in smoothies, over cereal and in recipes. That's the art of dairy-free. 3.8 out of 5 stars. Read reviews for average rating value is 3.8 of 5.

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