Coconut Milk
Also called coconut cream
Coconut milk is a creamy liquid from grated coconut meat, enriching savory and sweet dishes alike.
Flavor profile
Aroma: tropical, creamy
Good to know
Origin: Southeast Asia
Forms: canned, fresh, light
Storage: Store unopened cans in a cool place, and refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container.
How to use coconut milk
Thicken Curries
Simmer gently for coconut fat to emulsify, enriching curries.
Balance Sweetness
Add to desserts for rich, creamy flavor.
What goes with coconut milk
- Rice. Rice cooked in coconut milk takes on its fat and sweetness, as in coconut rice.
- Lemongrass. Coconut milk mellows lemongrass with its creamy sweetness.
- Peanut. Coconut milk's sweet fat and roasted peanut combine in Thai-style sauces.
- Shrimp. Coconut milk's sweet fat balances shrimp's brininess in curries.
- Mango. Coconut milk's creamy richness softens mango's acidity for a tropical combo.
- Lime. Lime's citrusy acidity balances the creamy sweetness of coconut milk.
- Ginger. Ginger adds a sharp heat that contrasts coconut milk's creaminess.
- Chili Flake. Chili flakes bring heat that cuts through coconut milk's richness.
- Cashew. Coconut milk's fat highlights cashew's texture by dissolving aroma compounds.
- Lentil. Coconut milk's rich fat rounds lentil's earthy flavor in dals.
Mistakes to avoid
- Boiling breaks the emulsion, causing curdling.
- Leaving open leads to fat oxidation, degrading flavor.
Ideas for tonight
- Use in a creamy Thai curry.
- Add to a tropical smoothie.
- Mix into pancake batter.
Coconut Milk: questions
What does coconut milk taste like?
Coconut milk is a creamy liquid from grated coconut meat, enriching savory and sweet dishes alike., with an aroma that is tropical, creamy.
What goes well with coconut milk?
Coconut Milk pairs best with rice, lemongrass, peanut, shrimp, mango. Rice cooked in coconut milk takes on its fat and sweetness, as in coconut rice.
How do you use coconut milk in cooking?
Thicken Curries: simmer gently for coconut fat to emulsify, enriching curries.
How should you store coconut milk?
Store unopened cans in a cool place, and refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container.
What is the most common mistake with coconut milk?
Boiling breaks the emulsion, causing curdling.
