Tell me about coconut milk

[georgevan]

I never used it but see that it is a popular item in oriental food stores. How do you use it? Can it replace cows milk or a specialty item.

 

[taxlady]

Yes, coconut milk can replace cow's milk in many cases. It works in many recipes. It works with breakfast cereal.

It's also good in many Indian and Thai dishes, where dairy milk or cream might curdle. It's good in desserts. It's very useful for people who are lactose intolerant and for people who keep kosher (no mixing dairy and meat). It is really nice in some tropical cocktails.

I always have several cans of coconut on hand. It is just oo useful to be without.

 

[pepperhead212]

I also always have some coconut milk on hand to use in some Indian and Thai food. It is an essential ingredient in Thai curries, as well as many of their classic soups. And coconut, in general, is used in much of the cooking of southern India, but especially Keralan foods, and a lot of their dals and rices have coconut milk as one of the liquids used.

Sometimes, when I have some leftover, I put the rest in smoothies, other banana and/or pineapple ones.

 

[Badjak]

I use it in Indian, Thai, Indonesian, Malay and Vietnamese cooking. And in Fusion cooking.
Also, sometimes when my chili's were hotter than expected, Coconut cream, milk, yoghurt comes to the rescue

 

[larry_stewart]

I use it in Indian and Burmese food. I also got a coconut sorbet recipe from Goya which I think has coconut milk in it as well. If you use it in place of regular milk, the recipe will have an underlying coconut taste , so make sure that is what you're looking for.

When cooking vegan, coconut milk is the only thing that truly gives the food that creamy feeling. Doesnt replace dairy, but has the fat/ creaminess. Many vegan ice creams use it, but as mentioned above, it gives an underlying coconut flavor, so strawberry ice cream made with coconut milk as its base, tastes like strawberry - coconut ice cream.

I find that one specific brand, sold in 8.5oz drink boxes ( and larger boxes too) works best for me, cause at room temp, its a homogenous fluid, Not separated as a lot oof the other brands are.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DUMDNTU?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

 

[Sir_Loin_of_Beef]

 

[pepperhead212]

I haven't heard that in I don't know how long, @Sir_Loin_of_Beef!

 

[Roll_Bones]

I bought a can of coconut milk at least 2 years ago. Is it still good?

 

[pepperhead212]

I bought a can of coconut milk at least 2 years ago. Is it still good?

I've used old cans at least that old, with no problems, though I do try to use up the stuff in the boxes within the "use by" , or "best by" date, whatever it is they say.

 

[taxlady]

I bought a can of coconut milk at least 2 years ago. Is it still good?

I think so. Before using it, I would give it a good shake and then open it; have a look; and give it a sniff. I have certainly used cans of coconut milk that were older than that, with no problems. I can't remember ever having coconut milk go off in the can, no matter how old they were.

 

[Badjak]

I'm also one of those that would probably still use it after looking & smelling.
But: it's your choice. If you are a little worried, then throw and buy new.

 

[dragnlaw]

Sir LOB - brought a smile to my face this morning. Thanks.