Here are the best substitutes for coconut milk! There are plenty of options if you’re out of coconut milk, allergic, or just don’t like the flavor.
Perhaps you’re out of coconut milk, allergic to coconut, or maybe you don’t like the flavor. Whatever the case, never fear: your recipe is not ruined! There are many substitutes for coconut milk that will work as an alternative.
Coconut milk is a milk extracted from the pulp of coconuts. It is very rich and has a high fat content. Coconut milk is a traditional ingredient used in Southeast Asian and East African cuisine, as well as Latin American and Caribbean foods. Many recipes call for coconut milk to thicken a sauce or soup and make it creamy: it also adds a subtle coconut undertone. But never fear: there are many coconut milk substitutes that will do the job!
If you prefer to go the coconut-free route (or if you don’t have coconut shreds, cream, oil, water, or butter on hand), you can use plain old milk — whichever kind you prefer. Whatever you’re making won’t have the same flavor as it would with coconut, which may make things like curries taste a little flat.
Half and half
This is another great choice for a curry or soup, since half and half has dairy-fat that mimics coconut milk. Use it as a 1:1 substitute for coconut milk.
Sour cream is yet another dairy product that works well as a thickener in curries and soups! Sour cream has a sweeter, more distinctive flavor than Greek yogurt; it’s a better match to the fat content found in coconut milk.
Use a milk with a high fat content to mimic the richness of coconut milk, like whole milk or at least 2%. The consistency will be more watery than coconut milk, so use less than the recipe calls for. If you like a coconut flavor, add a little coconut oil.
Now for the dairy-free coconut milk substitutes! Cashew cream is a thick creamy paste made from soaked cashews that can be made in a blender! It’s perfect for making plant-based recipes creamy. Try this cashew cream recipe.
Almond milk can work as a substitute for coconut milk, but the main drawback is that it has a much thinner consistency that’s similar to water. Before adding it, you can mix in 1 teaspoon cornstarch, which would thicken the entire sauce. Another option if you do like coconut flavor is to add coconut oil as well, which would also add richness that almond milk lacks.
While soy milk is a little thicker than almond milk, it’s still much runnier than coconut milk. Consider using it and adding cornstarch to thicken or coconut oil for richness.
Oat milk is a widely available dairy-free milk that’s our favorite for substitutions. The texture is thicker than almond milk and soy milk, but still thinner than coconut milk. Again, try adding cornstarch for thickness and coconut oil for richness.
Silken tofu when blended can work as a coconut milk substitute. Blend equal parts silken tofu and non-dairy milk or water to make a creamy liquid that works as a 1:1 substitute.
And that’s it! Let us know if you try any of these substitutes in the comments below.
10 substitutes for coconut milk
Greek yogurt adds creaminess and body much like coconut milk does in a sauce. It’s a little tangier than coconut milk, so use a modest amount. It works well in curries, soups or smoothies that call for coconut milk.
Some curries or Indian dishes call for heavy cream as a thickener, so this is another choice that works well. Heavy cream adds a richness that’s perfect with curry and soups. Use it as a 1:1 substitute for coconut milk.
What can I use instead of coconut milk?
FAQ
What can I use if I don’t have coconut milk?
What can I use instead of coconut dairy milk?
What’s the difference between coconut milk and regular milk?
What is a substitute for coconut?
Can you use nut milk instead of coconut milk?
Light coconut milk can be used in a 1:1 ratio for all recipes. If adding a thickening agent, use 1 tablespoon for every 1 cup of milk. Any nut milk will work as a substitute for coconut milk. Most types of nut milk come in a carton and are processed in a similar way to light coconut milk.
Is coconut milk powder just as beneficial as regular coconut milk?
Nutrition wise, both coconut milk powder and regular coconut milk have the same benefits. It is just that coconut milk powder has a longer shelf life and is easy to store.
What is a good substitute for coconut milk?
Although coconut milk is used for most curries, you can substitute it with many other products that will still give away the same taste with little to no change. Great substitutes for coconut milk include Greek yogurt, heavy cream, sour cream, cashew cream, milk, powdered milk, soy milk, almond milk, or some of the following substitutes.
Can you replace coconut milk in cooking?
Here’s our process. If you want to replace coconut milk in your cooking, try other plant milks like soy or almond milk. You can also use tofu or heavy cream if you’re not sensitive to dairy. Coconut milk is a popular plant-based, lactose-free liquid ( 1 ).