1. In Curries:
Coconut milk is a key ingredient in Thai curries, providing a creamy base and enhancing the flavor of the curry paste.
When using coconut milk in curries, start by heating the cream part of the coconut milk with the curry paste to extract the flavor and aroma.
You can then add the remaining liquid to the curry and simmer until the ingredients are cooked.
2. In Soups:
Thai coconut milk is often used in soups like Tom Kha Gai (coconut chicken soup), providing a creamy and flavorful base.
You can also use it in other soups, such as coconut clam stew or Indian-style shrimp soup.
3. For Cooking Rice:
Coconut milk can be used to cook rice, resulting in a creamy and delicious dish, like Mango Sticky Rice.
You can also use it to cook other grains, like quinoa, for a unique flavor and texture.
4. For Making Dips and Sauces:
Coconut milk can be used to create creamy and flavorful dipping sauces, like satay sauce, or in marinades for tenderizing and infusing flavor into meats.
You can also use it to make sauces for noodles or stir-fries.
5. In Desserts:
Coconut milk can be used in various desserts, such as rice pudding, pannacotta, or chocolate mousse, adding a creamy and tropical flavor.
It can also be used to make ice cream, like mango sticky rice ice cream, or in smoothie bowls.
6. As a Beverage:
Thai coconut milk can be enjoyed as a refreshing beverage, especially in hot weather.
You can also use it to make smoothies or other drinks, adding a creamy and tropical flavor.
Tips for using Thai coconut milk:
Full-fat vs. light:
When choosing coconut milk, consider whether you want a richer, creamier texture (full-fat) or a lighter, less greasy option (light).
Separate the cream:
When using a can of coconut milk, let it sit in the refrigerator to allow the cream to separate. You can then use the thick cream for curries and sauces, while the remaining liquid can be used for other purposes.
Adjust the consistency:
If you need to adjust the consistency of your dish, you can add more coconut milk or liquid as needed.
Experiment with different flavours:
Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavours by adding herbs, spices, or other ingredients to your dishes.