Coconut milk is the highlight of many cuisines, particularly in tropical and sub-tropical dishes. Not only is it a fabulous alternative to dairy, it gives dishes (and drinks!) a rich creamy taste like no other. Here we have selected for you 10 of creamiest coconut milk recipes to try at home! A word of caution – if you elect for fresh coconut milk, be aware that it turns quickly and should be used the same day as pressing. Should you opt for the canned variety, it needs to be used within a few days of opening as it will turn rancid quickly. 

1. Beef Rendang

Southeast Asia’s answer to a beef stew – the Beef Rendang, an incredibly creamy and spicy stew of beef and a variety of aromatic herbs and spices. The secret lies in the fact that the coconut milk, which combines all the flavors perfectly, elevating this dish to near perfection. Beef rendang can be easily switched up with chicken or lamb and is best paired with rice! This recipe is easy to follow and recreate within just three simple steps!

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2. Coconut Pancakes with Gula Melaka Drizzle

Adding a local twist to old fashion buttermilk pancakes, we have the Coconut Pancakes with Gula Melaka Drizzle recipe for you! The addition of coconut oil, coconut milk, and palm sugar ensures that there's a delightful hint of coconut flavor in every bite. Drizzle Gula Melaka syrup at the end and sprinkle some sea salt if you like! Remember to serve the Coconut Pancakes hot too. 

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3. Coconut Chicken Curry

Rich with the creamy goodness of coconut milk, the Garang Asem Bumbung is an Indonesian coconut chicken curry guaranteed to keep you coming back for more! A spoonful of this curry will expose your palette to layers of deep flavours, all of which comes from the combination of Southeast Asian spices, and the way it is cooked -fried, simmered then finished in a bamboo steamer. Enjoy it with steamed rice!

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4. Laksa Shirataki Fried Noodles

Picture this: a rich bowl of noodles coated in creamy coconut milk, sambal, and lingering onion, garlic and lemongrass flavours. And still more. Fresh scallops and shrimps fried to infuse its appetite-opening umami-ness into everything. For the keto-friendly ones, your life-saver is low-caloric shirataki noodles. The extra chewy konjac yam noodles replaces traditional wheat or rice noodles used in this street-food favourite of Malaysia and Singapore.

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5. Mango Sticky Rice

A gloop of glutinous rice, taken in a spoon with fresh sour-sweet mango. Heap on more coconut milk for a longer-lasting sweetness. None quite showcases the rich flavour and sweetness of coconut milk as well as Mango Sticky Rice. Indulge in this classic Thai dessert, perfect for any occasion.

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6. One-Pot Lemongrass Coconut Mussels

Like many dishes that originate from Thailand, Sarah Huang Benjamin's One Pot Lemongrass Coconut Mussels recipe leverages on the creaminess of coconut milk and combines with it the umami goodness of mussels and fish sauce. Bring it up a notch by adding sugar and chilli to your liking!

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7. One-Pot Opor Ayam Roast Chicken Thighs

The alluring taste of coconut milk shines in this finger-licking good Opor Ayam Roast Chicken Thighs. It is a traditional Indonesian dish incredibly balanced in flavour – using a head-turning number spices to do so from sharp garlic, grassy coriander and curried turmeric. Rub all over juicy, crispy-skinned chicken thigh that's finished in the oven.

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8. Coconut Milk Bacon and Avocado Muffin

With the addictive combination of cream cheese, avocado and coconut milk, is it any wonder that this kick-ass and keto-friendly bacon-butter-avocado muffin is so very moist? The magic juice of fried bacon and coconut milk seals in all the flavours giving you a dish that will have you coming back for more.

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9. Thai Bananas in Coconut Milk

For the true coconut milk lover, this classic Thai dessert is predominantly made of coconut milk and paired with bananas, sugar and a touch of salt. Incredibly simple to put together, quick and extremely satisfying, this sweet and creamy dessert will be an instant hit at home!

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10. Tomato Turmeric Chicken

One of the most traditional ways to make curries extra creamy is to use coconut milk and this Tomato Tumeric Chicken dish is no different. It a Southeast Asian dish that is a cousin of curry chicken but extremely different in its flavour. Bits of chicken are rubbed with turmeric and salt, combined with the subtle heat from chilies, tangy tomatoes and creamy coconut milk. Top it off with fresh cilantro and slather it over a heaping portion of rice.

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