5 Delicious Chinese Coconut Milk Recipes You'll Love

Coconut milk is a staple ingredient in many cuisines, including Chinese cooking, where it's used to enhance the flavor and richness of dishes. From savory to sweet, here are five mouth-watering recipes that make the most of coconut milk in traditional and contemporary Chinese cuisine.

1. Coconut Milk Braised Chicken

Chinese cuisine often features slow-braised dishes, and this Coconut Milk Braised Chicken is no exception. Here’s how you can make this at home:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Ingredients:
  • 4 chicken thighs
  • 1 can (400 ml) coconut milk
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger, julienned
  • 1 lemongrass stalk, bruised
  • 1 star anise
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. In a pot, brown the chicken thighs.
  2. Add garlic, ginger, and lemongrass, cooking until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the coconut milk, soy sauce, star anise, salt, and pepper.
  4. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 hours or until the chicken is tender.
  5. Serve hot with steamed rice.

🔖 Note: You can thicken the sauce by cooking it longer or adding a bit of cornstarch slurry.

2. Coconut Milk Rice Congee

A comforting porridge, this Coconut Milk Rice Congee can be enjoyed for breakfast or as a light meal:

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup jasmine rice
  • 6 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 2 spring onions, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • Fried shallots for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Rinse the rice until water runs clear.
  2. In a pot, bring chicken stock to a boil, then add rice, ginger, and soy sauce.
  3. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until rice is very soft (about 1 hour).
  4. Stir in coconut milk and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
  5. Serve hot, topped with spring onions and fried shallots.

3. Coconut Milk Ice Cream with Sesame Candy

This non-dairy dessert offers a sweet end to your meal:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes + Freezing time
• Cooking Time: 0 minutes
• Ingredients:
  • 2 cans (800 ml) coconut milk
  • ³⁄₄ cup sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp salt
  • Sesame candy, broken into small pieces
• Instructions:
  1. Combine coconut milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a blender and blend until smooth.
  2. Churn in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  3. In the last 5 minutes of churning, add the sesame candy pieces.
  4. Transfer to a container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.

4. Coconut Milk Chicken Curry

A blend of spices and coconut milk creates this aromatic Chinese-inspired curry:

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Ingredients:
  • 700g chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
  • 2 cans (800 ml) coconut milk
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 2 tbsp curry powder
  • 1 tbsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 carrot, chopped
  • 1 potato, diced
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. In a pot, sauté onions until translucent.
  2. Add garlic and ginger, followed by spices.
  3. Add chicken, cook until browned, then pour in the coconut milk.
  4. Add vegetables, simmer until cooked through (about 25-30 minutes).
  5. Serve with rice, garnished with cilantro.

5. Coconut Milk Steamed Cake (Kuih Putu Mayam)

Delicate and subtly sweet, this traditional dessert has a unique texture:

• Preparation Time: 1 hour (for rice preparation)
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups rice flour
  • ¹⁄₂ cup coconut milk
  • ¹⁄₄ tsp salt
  • Pandan leaves or pandan essence for color (optional)
  • Grated coconut, steamed with a pinch of salt
  • Palm sugar syrup
• Instructions:
  1. Combine rice flour, coconut milk, and salt to make a batter. If using pandan, add now.
  2. Let the batter sit for an hour.
  3. Prepare a steamer with a cloth or special kuih maker mold.
  4. Steam the batter over medium heat until cooked (approx. 45 minutes).
  5. Cut into bite-sized pieces, serve with grated coconut and drizzle with palm sugar syrup.

🔔 Note: If you can’t find pandan leaves or essence, the cake can still be made without it, though the flavor will be slightly different.

In this comprehensive guide, we've explored how coconut milk can transform traditional Chinese dishes into something uniquely delightful. From the hearty Braised Chicken in Coconut Milk to the light and refreshing Coconut Milk Rice Congee, and the fusion of flavors in dishes like Coconut Milk Chicken Curry and Coconut Milk Steamed Cake, there’s a wide variety of recipes to explore. Cooking with coconut milk not only enriches the dish's flavor but also brings a tropical touch to the Chinese culinary repertoire. Experiment with these recipes or use them as inspiration to create your own, and enjoy the fusion of cultures in your kitchen!

Can I use canned coconut milk for these recipes?

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Yes, all the recipes use canned coconut milk for convenience and to ensure a rich, creamy texture. Make sure to shake the can well before opening to mix the coconut cream with the milk.

What are some alternatives to using coconut milk?

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If you’re allergic to coconut or simply don’t have it on hand, you can try using cream or full-fat milk for a similar rich texture. For a vegan option, almond milk or soy cream can be used, though the flavor will differ.

Is coconut milk healthy?

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Coconut milk is high in MCTs (Medium Chain Triglycerides), which can be beneficial for energy and brain health. However, it’s also high in saturated fats, so moderation is key. It’s lactose-free, making it a great option for those with dairy intolerances.