Coconut Milk
Dairy alternative◎ Good year-round
Used in 14 of 45 cuisines (31%)
The creamy lullaby that sings tropical dreams into any dish.
Creamy extract from grated coconut flesh; richly fatty with sweet tropical character.
Where it comes from
Coconut milk has been used for centuries in tropical cultures, stemming from the coconut palm, which holds cultural and culinary significance across many regions.
In the kitchen
Coconut milk serves as a base for curries, soups, and desserts, providing creaminess and depth while balancing spices with its natural sweetness.
Nutrition (per 100g)
230kcalCal
2.3gProtein
24.0gFat
3.3gCarbs
0.0gFiber
Values are AI-estimated, not from a laboratory database
Pairs well with
Lemongrass
Low simmer, ten minutes. Lemongrass brightens, coconut milk rounds it out. Don't rush it—let the flavors meld, and you'll taste the harmony.
Turmeric
Simmer turmeric in coconut milk—low heat, five minutes. The milk's sweetness softens turmeric's bite while deepening its color and warmth. Perfect for curries.
Galangal
Simmer galangal in coconut milk over low heat until tender. Coconut's sweet richness softens galangal's sharp edge, leaving a warm, earthy note.
curry powder
Simmer together gently. Curry's warmth meets coconut's creamy sweetness, creating a rich, velvety sauce.
Scotch Bonnet
Simmer together to balance heat with creamy coolness. Coconut milk tames the fire while letting the fruity notes shine.
key lime juice
Blend with coconut milk. Lime's acidity lifts the creamy richness, making it vibrant and tropical.
Mango
Coconut milk's creamy texture envelops mango, softening its sweetness. Blend for a smooth, tropical delight.
Cassava
Simmer cassava in coconut milk until tender. The creamy richness balances cassava's starchy heft.
Sticky Rice
Simmer together until creamy. Coconut milk's richness wraps each grain, sweet and fragrant.
Banana leaves
Steam coconut milk-wrapped proteins in banana leaves. The leaves add a gentle, herbal note that complements the rich milk.
Pineapple
Simmer pineapple in coconut milk. The creamy, mellow coconut tames the pineapple's acidity, bringing out its tropical sweetness.
Mung bean
Simmer mung beans in coconut milk for a creamy, sweet base. The milk's richness softens the beans' earthiness.
Jasmine Rice
Simmer rice in coconut milk. The creamy sweetness seeps in, turning each grain into a fragrant delight.
scotch bonnet pepper
Simmer together gently. The creamy coconut milk soothes the pepper's fiery edge, adding a rich depth to stews.
Rice flour
Blend rice flour with coconut milk for a smooth batter. The richness of coconut milk adds depth and a hint of sweetness.
Jackfruit
Simmer jackfruit in coconut milk. The creamy richness wraps the fruit's sweetness, creating a velvety texture perfect for curries.
Yellow Passionfruit
Mix in coconut milk for a creamy counterpoint. Its richness softens passionfruit's sharpness.
Pigeon Pea
Simmer pigeon peas in coconut milk. The creaminess softens their earthy bite, creating a rich, smooth base.
Taro
Simmer taro in coconut milk until soft. The creamy sweetness of coconut wraps the starchy taro, creating a smooth, comforting blend.
Yuca
Simmer yuca in coconut milk. The creaminess envelops the starchy yuca, adding a sweet, tropical richness.
Lychee
Chill lychee with coconut milk. The creamy, rich coconut embraces lychee's sweetness, creating a tropical harmony.
Sweet Bean Paste
Simmer sweet bean paste with coconut milk. The creamy richness elevates the paste's sweetness.
Sambal
Simmer sambal with coconut milk for a rich, creamy balance. The heat mellows, letting the coconut's sweetness shine.
Curry Paste
Simmer together until the paste's heat softens into the creamy sweetness of coconut. The milk cools the spice, creating a rich harmony.
Jaggery
Simmer together gently. Jaggery's deep sweetness lifts coconut milk's creamy richness, creating a lush base for desserts.
Red Bean
Simmer together until thick. Coconut milk's creaminess softens red bean's earthy notes, creating a lush, sweet base.
ground peanuts
Simmer peanuts in coconut milk. Low heat, ten minutes. Peanuts thicken, while coconut milk adds a sweet, creamy backdrop.
callaloo
Simmered together, the creamy coconut milk softens callaloo's earthiness, adding a rich, velvety layer. Stir gently, don't boil.
white rice
Cook rice in coconut milk for creamy, sweet notes. The richness envelops each grain, perfect for tropical dishes.
taro root
Simmer taro in coconut milk until tender. The creamy richness of coconut lifts taro's subtle sweetness.
green curry paste
Simmer together for a creamy, spicy sauce. Coconut milk tames the paste's heat while enriching its aromatic depth.
kaffir lime leaves
Simmer together to let the lime's zest cut through the coconut's creaminess. The leaves infuse a citrusy lift into rich curries.
fermented fish paste
Simmer together for a creamy, rich base. The coconut's sweetness softens the paste's pungency.
