Dairy Alternative | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Lactose Free

Coconut Milk

Cocos nucifera Allergens: Tree Nuts (Coconut)
coconut milk

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Arecaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Southeast Asian|South Asian|Caribbean
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Coconut

The Forktionary Angle

"The plant-based creamy base that elevates both savory curries and sweet desserts with its rich, exotic flavor."

Definition

A creamy, opaque liquid made from grated coconut flesh mixed with water, popular in tropical cuisines and as a dairy alternative.

Sensory Profile

TasteSweet, Creamy, Nutty, Tropical
TextureViscous, Smooth, Creamy
AromaSweet, Coconut, Mild
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Culinary Usage

Staple in Thai & Indian Cuisine

Nutrient Highlight

Rich in Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs)

Storage Tip

Refrigerate opened can; freezes well

Nutrition Facts

Per 1/4 cup (60g)
Calories230 kcal
Total Fat24 g
Saturated Fat21 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein2.3 g
Total Carbohydrate5.5 g
Dietary Fiber2.2 g
Total Sugars2.7 g
Calcium16 mg
Iron1.6 mg
Potassium263 mg

Chef’s Secret

For a thicker coconut cream, refrigerate the can overnight and scoop the solid top layer.

Substitutions

Best Match

Heavy Cream

1:1

Best for richness and texture in savory dishes, not dairy-free.

Cashew Cream

1:1

Excellent dairy-free, neutral-tasting alternative for creamy sauces and soups.

Evaporated Milk

1:1

Good for enriching and thickening, but has a distinct cooked milk flavor.

Almond Milk (with a touch of fat)

1:1 (add 1 tsp oil per cup)

Lighter option, suitable for lighter sauces or smoothies, less rich.

Buying Guide

Shake cans before buying; choose full-fat for richer dishes, light for lower calories.

Flavor Pairings

Curry Chili Lime Ginger Lemongrass Pineapple Mango Seafood Chicken.

Recipes Using Coconut Milk

Chicken Low Sodium Low Carb Time To Make

African Chicken Curry

Experience the vibrant flavors of Mozambique with this delicious African Chicken Curry! This recipe is easily adaptable to shrimp or crab, offering a versatile and exciting meal. The rich, aromatic curry is perfectly complemented by a zesty tomato chutney and fiery onion hot sauce (recipes for these are available on our site soon!). Impress your taste buds with this authentic taste of Africa.

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Technique Small Appliance Course Food Processor Blender

Angela's Pineapple Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting

Tropical bliss in every bite! This vibrant pineapple coconut cream cheese frosting is the perfect topping for your carrot cake, cupcakes, or even as a delicious fruit dip. Creamy, tangy, and bursting with sweet pineapple and coconut flavor, this easy 5-minute recipe will elevate your desserts to a whole new level of deliciousness. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Breakfast Coconut Nuts Time To Make

Baked Banana Orange French Toast

Escape to a tropical paradise with this Baked Banana Orange French Toast Casserole! A dreamy fusion of French countryside charm and Polynesian island flavors, this recipe combines the richness of creamy French toast with exotic banana, coconut, and warming cinnamon. Prepare it the night before – the 12-hour chill enhances the flavors – then bake for a stress-free, show-stopping breakfast or brunch. No syrup needed! This easy casserole is bursting with irresistible flavor in every bite.

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Cuisine Oven Cuisine Pancakes And Waffles

Banana And Coconut Pancakes

Indulge in these fluffy banana coconut pancakes – a delightful Asian-inspired dessert! This easy recipe combines the tropical sweetness of bananas and coconut for a taste of paradise. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day.

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Preparation Time To Make Tropical Fruit Desserts

Banana Coconut Custard

Escape to paradise with this creamy Banana Coconut Custard! Light, easy, and unbelievably delicious, this recipe delivers the taste of the islands in just over an hour. Perfect for a warm evening dessert or a special occasion treat.

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Time To Make Time To Make Easy Beginner Cook

Banana Coconut Fitness Booster

Fuel your body with this delicious and easy Banana Coconut Fitness Booster! This post-workout beverage is packed with natural energy, perfect for replenishing after a hard workout or as a healthy pick-me-up anytime. Sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup, it's the ultimate guilt-free treat.

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Food Processor Blender Course Tropical Fruit Dietary

Banana Coconut Milk Freeze Dessert Non Dairy

Indulge in this creamy, dreamy dairy-free dessert! Inspired by Sally Schneider and Shelly Sinton, this 'faux ice cream' is surprisingly simple to make with only frozen bananas, coconut milk, and a touch of sweetness. No heavy cream or excessive sugar needed – just pure banana bliss! Prep time is minimal, requiring only an hour of freezing for the bananas. Get ready for a refreshing, guilt-free treat that's perfect for any time of day. #dairyfree #vegan #icecream #bananadessert #coconut #healthy dessert #easyrecipe #nofrozenyogurt

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Served Hot Course Stove Top Main Ingredient

Banana In Coconut Cream

Indulge in this dreamy Thai-inspired dessert! Sweet and creamy banana slices simmered in rich coconut milk, infused with warm cinnamon. This recipe is surprisingly healthy, packed with bone-strengthening phosphorus and calcium, heart-healthy potassium, and vitamins A and B6. Banish those leg cramps and treat yourself to a taste of paradise – it's quick, easy, and unbelievably delicious!

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Inexpensive Preparation Inexpensive Thai

Banana In Coconut Milk

Indulge in this unbelievably creamy and simple Thai dessert! Ready in under 20 minutes, our Banana in Coconut Milk recipe is the perfect quick treat for a warm evening. Sweet bananas simmered in fragrant coconut milk – it's pure bliss!

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Fruit American Low Calorie Course

Banana Pina Colada Smoothie

Escape to the tropics with this creamy, dreamy Banana Pina Colada Smoothie! A healthier twist on the classic cocktail, this recipe is packed with tropical flavor and naturally sweet banana. Perfect for a quick and nutritious breakfast or a refreshing anytime treat. Made with simple ingredients like coconut milk, coconut cream, and fresh pineapple, this smoothie is a delicious way to use up pantry staples. Get your taste buds ready for a vacation in a glass!

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Meat Course Stove Top Meat

Basil Chicken In Coconut Curry Sauce

Award-winning recipe! This Basil Chicken in Creamy Coconut Curry Sauce was a 1997 Better Homes and Gardens grand prize winner. Indulge in tender chicken simmered in a rich, fragrant coconut curry sauce bursting with fresh basil. A quick and easy weeknight meal the whole family will love. Prep time: 30 minutes (includes marinating).

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Time To Make Indian Cuisine Dietary

Beef Bombay Curry

Indulge in this rich and flavorful Beef Bombay Curry, adapted from a treasured Dutch cookbook! This recipe elevates tender beefsteak to aromatic perfection with a blend of warming spices. The slow-simmered curry, infused with coconut milk, creates a luxuriously creamy and deeply satisfying dish. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion!

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Beef 60 Minutes Or Less Nuts Meat

Beef Curry Pillows

Indulge in these irresistible Beef Curry Pillows! Spicy, fragrant beef curry is lovingly tucked inside flaky, golden puff pastry for a flavor explosion in every bite. A perfect appetizer or light meal, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and delivers restaurant-quality results.

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Course Asian Malaysian Weeknight

Beef Kurmah Curried Beef

Indulge in the rich, aromatic flavors of Beef Kurmah, a delightful Malaysian curry! This incredibly tender, flavorful beef curry is perfect for a cozy night in and is freezer-friendly for future delicious meals. Easy to follow instructions guide you to curry perfection!

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Course Dietary Time To Make Main Dish

Best Chicken Curry

Craving an authentic Thai Chicken Curry? This recipe delivers a vibrant and flavorful dish in just 30 minutes! Tender chicken simmered in creamy coconut milk with aromatic spices and fresh vegetables. A perfect weeknight meal that's sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for a taste of Thailand!

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Preparation Asian Time To Make Cuisine

Bicol Express

Experience the fiery thrill of Bicol Express, a legendary Filipino dish named after the iconic Manila-Bicol train! This intensely flavorful stew packs a spicy punch from native chilies and savory depth from shrimp paste and coconut milk. Perfect for adventurous palates, it's a rewarding culinary journey, though some ingredients may require a trip to your local Filipino or Asian grocery store. Prepare for a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more!

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Preparation Main Ingredient Preparation Main Dish

Thai Tofu With Zucchini Red Bell Pepper And Lime

Spice up your weeknight with this vibrant Thai Tofu recipe! A delicious vegetarian dish bursting with flavor, featuring tender tofu, crisp zucchini and red bell pepper in a creamy coconut milk sauce infused with fragrant red curry paste. Adapted from Bon Appetit, this recipe is quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress. Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Course Chicken Breasts Asian Meat

Thai Inspired Coconut Chicken With Spinach And Mushrooms

Craving that authentic Thai coconut chicken soup but short on time? This 20-minute recipe delivers incredible flavor without the lemongrass hunt! A quick and easy fusion dish, perfectly balancing creamy coconut milk with savory chicken, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant spinach. Serve over rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Get ready for a taste of Thailand in your kitchen!

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