Rich, creamy, and lightly sweet, coconut milk is one of those pantry staples we can’t live without. It adds silky texture to soups, makes curries extra cozy, and adds a tropical twist to breakfasts and desserts. Whether you’re team sweet or team savory, there’s no shortage of ways to make one can work extra hard.
Chilled Coconut Ramen
Ramen isn’t always hot—and our cool and creamy version is just the thing for a hot summer afternoon. With a rich peanut butter-coconut milk broth and tons of fresh ingredients, it’s refreshing, decadent, and gets in a serving or two of veggies.
Creamy Coconut and “All of the Greens” Soup
When we say this soup has all of the greens, we mean it. Think: fruits and veggies like zucchini, celery, leafy greens, and even a Granny Smith apple. A splash of sweet coconut milk and a good blitz in the blender makes for a surprisingly creamy soup.
Chickpea and Butternut Squash Coconut Curry
Sweet, nutty butternut squash and hearty chickpeas meet coconut milk for the ultimate cozy curry. Warm spices bring everything together for a weeknight dinner that tastes way more complex than it is.
Mango Sticky Oatmeal
Think of this as breakfast meets dessert. Creamy oats simmered with coconut milk get topped with juicy mango for a tropical spin on classic sticky rice. It’s comfort food with vacation vibes.
Any-Occasion Pumpkin-Carrot Soup
This soup gets its vibrant hue and nutritional punch from carrots and pumpkin (fresh or canned!), as well as dairy-free creaminess from a whole can of coconut milk. And thanks to the fancied-up herb oil, it’s as appropriate for a Thanksgiving spread as it is for any old weeknight.
Potato Leek Gratin
Creamy, cheesy, and full of garlic, potatoes, and leeks—what’s not to love about this comforting gratin recipe? Serve it at your next brunch and be prepared for your guests to ask for second and third servings.
Coconut Curry with Veggies and Choice of Protein
A flexible, flavor-packed dinner that works with whatever’s in your fridge. Coconut milk makes the curry sauce velvety and rich, while veggies (and optional protein) soak up all that goodness.
Coconut Curry Noodle Soup
If chicken noodle soup is comfort food 101, this is the grad school version. Creamy coconut broth, noodles, and plenty of aromatics make this bowl a total hug in a pot.
Coconut Sambal Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa
Smoky, spicy sambal meets cooling coconut milk in this creative taco recipe. Topped with sweet grilled pineapple salsa, it’s a flavor explosion that’ll instantly level up taco night.
Spicy Coconut Chicken Skewers with Scallion Salad
Marinated in coconut milk and spices, these skewers are juicy, tender, and full of flavor. Paired with a sweet-meets-tangy scallion salad, they’re an easy way to bring a little tropical heat to your grill game.
Hungry for more? Get inspired:
