Jump to:
- What is Coconut Milk?
- What Does Coconut Milk Taste Like?
- Coconut Milk vs Coconut Cream
- Can You Use Coconut Cream Instead of Coconut Milk?
- Are Coconut Water and Coconut Milk the Same?
- Buying Coconut Milk
- Storing Coconut Milk
- Filipino Recipes with Coconut Milk
- FAQs About Coconut Milk
- More Filipino Food Guide
- 💬 Comments
What is Coconut Milk?
Coconut milk (or gata) is a white, creamy liquid from grated mature coconut. It's thinner than coconut cream and is usually sold in cans labeled as coconut milk.
Coconut milk starts with grated coconut meat that's squeezed to release the liquid.
The first squeeze is thicker, while the next ones are thinner. Sometimes a little water is added, then squeezed again to get more out.
What Does Coconut Milk Taste Like?
Coconut milk has a mild coconut flavor with a slight natural sweetness.
Thicker coconut milk, like the first squeeze, has a stronger coconut taste. Thinner coconut milk tastes lighter.
Coconut milk is mostly used for cooking. The coconut milk sold as a drink in many Western grocery stores is a different product.
These coconut milk beverages are thinner and more diluted. They may also have added sugar or flavorings and are meant for drinking, not cooking.
Coconut Milk vs Coconut Cream
Coconut milk and coconut cream both come from grated coconut, but they are not the same. The main difference is how thick they are.
Coconut milk
- Thinner and more pourable
- Used in dishes and desserts where you want more liquid
- Often comes from the second or third squeeze of the coconut
Coconut cream
- Thicker and more concentrated because it has less water.
- Often comes from the first squeeze of the coconut, called kakang gata.
- May look very thick or slightly solid on top when you open a can
- Good for thicker sauces, creamy toppings, or cooking down into latik
Can You Use Coconut Cream Instead of Coconut Milk?
Yes, but you may need to adjust it. Coconut cream is thicker than coconut milk.
If a recipe calls for coconut milk, you can add a little water to thin it out and get a similar consistency.
Because it has more fat, it can make the dish thicker and heavier. This works in some recipes, but it may be too much for others.
Use gentle heat and avoid boiling it too hard, which can cause it to separate.
Are Coconut Water and Coconut Milk the Same?
No, they're not the same.
Coconut water is the clear liquid found inside young coconuts (buko). It's usually enjoyed as a drink and has a light, slightly sweet taste.
Coconut milk comes from grated mature coconut that's squeezed to get the liquid out. It's thicker and mostly used for cooking.
Simply put, coconut water comes from inside the coconut, while coconut milk comes from the coconut meat.
Buying Coconut Milk
Fresh coconut milk is best, but it's not always easy to find. Canned coconut milk works well for cooking.
You can find it in Asian grocery stores, the international aisle of many supermarkets, or online.
When buying coconut milk, look for one with coconut extract and water as the main ingredients. Some brands may have a stabilizer like guar gum.
Brands like Aroy-D, Chaokoh, and Mae Ploy are popular choices, but it's worth trying a few to see which one you like best.
Avoid coconut milk beverages sold in cartons in the dairy or plant-milk section. These are thinner and meant for drinking, not cooking.
Storing Coconut Milk
Fresh coconut milk should be refrigerated and used within 1 to 2 days.
Canned or carton coconut milk can be kept in a cool, dry place until opened.
After opening, transfer any leftovers to a sealed container and refrigerate.
Use opened coconut milk within 4 to 5 days. If it separates in the fridge, just stir or shake it before using.
Filipino Recipes with Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is used in many Filipino dishes, both savory and sweet. It's often used in ginataan, or dishes cooked in coconut milk. Here are some popular ones:
- Ginataang gulay: Vegetables cooked in coconut milk, like gising-gising, laing, ginataang kalabasa at sitaw, and other vegetables.
- Ginataang seafood: Seafood dishes like ginataang hipon, ginataang pusit, or ginataang isda cooked in coconut milk, often with vegetables.
- Chicken dishes: Dishes like ginataang manok or Filipino chicken curry, where chicken is cooked in coconut milk with aromatics and vegetables.
- Pork dishes: Recipes like Bicol express, adobo sa gata, and other pork dishes cooked with coconut milk.
- Desserts: Coconut milk is also used in sweet dishes like ginataang bilo-bilo, ginataang mais, ginataang kamoteng kahoy, and ube halaya.
- Kakanin: It's also used in rice cakes and other kakanin like maja blanca, cassava cake, suman, and bibingkang malagkit.
- Latik: Coconut milk can also be cooked down to make latik, either as browned coconut curds or sweet coconut sauce served with desserts.
FAQs About Coconut Milk
No. Coconut cream is thicker and richer because it usually comes from the first squeeze of the coconut.
Coconut milk is thinner and often comes from later squeezes.
No. Coconut water is the clear liquid inside young coconuts.
Coconut milk is made by grating and squeezing the meat of mature coconuts.
Yes, but the result will be lighter and less rich.
If you need a thicker consistency, chill the coconut milk and scoop the thick layer on top, or simmer it to reduce and thicken.
Yes, just thin it with a little water.
Start with a small amount and add more as needed until it reaches the consistency you want.
No. They are different.
Coconut cream is unsweetened and used for cooking. Cream of coconut is sweetened and used in desserts and drinks.
Don't swap them unless the recipe is supposed to be sweet.
No. Canned coconut milk is thick and used for cooking.
Carton coconut milk is diluted and meant for drinking. They are not interchangeable in most recipes.
Unopened cans can be stored in a cool, dry place.
Once opened, transfer the coconut milk to a sealed container and refrigerate it.
Opened coconut milk usually keeps for about 4 to 5 days in the refrigerator.
More Filipino Food Guide
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Nestor G. says
Nothing beats the flavor of freshly squeezed coconut milk. But here in the US, i’ve learned to appreciate the ones in cans or cartons. I get to cook my favorite meals from my childhood.
Nora Rey says
I totally get you! While nothing can replace the flavor of freshly squeezed coconut milk, those cans and cartons are a convenient way to recreate those cherished childhood meals. It's amazing how food can bring back those nostalgic memories. Enjoy your cooking journey down memory lane! 😊🥥🍲