Coconuts 101: 4 Ways to Use Coconut Products
Coconut is one of the most versatile ingredients for cooking on the planet. Usually, coconuts are large oval-shaped green coconuts or hairy brown round coconuts. Either way, coconut is a delicacy in many cultures.
One of the reasons that coconut is so versatile is that many different products can be made from coconut: coconut oil, coconut milk, coconut water, and many more. All of these can be used to craft delicious, coconut-inspired recipes.
Join us as we discuss the best ways to use every form of coconuts, from coconut milk to coconut oil. Each of these ideas is sure to add a tropical twist to your next meal!
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of the most versatile coconut derivatives when it comes to cooking. Coconut oil is a translucent oily substance that is derived from the inside of a coconut tree’s palm fruit. Coconut oil is very high in saturated fats and is often used as a plant-based substitute for seed oils or butter.
Many people know that coconut oil can be great to add to your skincare routine. However, not enough people know that coconut oil is the perfect addition to cookies and other baked goods! Coconut oil can make a great healthy substitute for butter in your favorite cookie recipe.
Coconut oil cookies are great because they don’t actually have to taste like coconut. You can make chocolate chip cookies with coconut oil, and your guests will never know, but their heart health will thank you! To make coconut oil cookies, simply substitute coconut oil for butter or other fats in your favorite cookie recipe.
Coconut oil can also be used as a substitute for butter or seed oils when it comes to pan-frying or sauteing. Next time that you want a healthier alternative try cooking your fish or vegetables in a few tablespoons of coconut oil.
Coconut oil also works great drizzled on top of dishes like popcorn for a healthier finish that still leaves the palate satisfied.
Coconut Milk
For centuries, Asian cultures have been using coconut milk to add creaminess to soups, stews, and sauces. But coconut milk can actually be used well beyond Asian cooking to add a great creamy flavor to desserts and drinks without any real dairy. In Western cooking, coconut milk is most often used as a dairy-free substitute in dishes like sorbet and drinks like piña coladas.
For instance, in India and Thailand, coconut milk curry is a mainstay. Coconut milk is perfect for giving richness and depth of flavor to curries because it is very creamy and fatty without having an overwhelmingly sweet or fruity taste. Making coconut curry is as simple as adding coconut milk when your curry is almost finished cooking and letting it simmer.
Thai food is renowned for its use of coconut in savory preparations, and Thai lemongrass and coconut soup perfectly emulates the authentic Thai flavor. Thai lemongrass soup uses coconut milk as its thickener. Coconut milk gives Thai lemongrass soup a beautiful creamy texture with a slightly coconut-y flavor.
For non-dairy dessert lovers, using coconut milk to make coconut sorbet is the perfect way to get that ice cream fix. Too often, sorbets are very light and fruity and don’t pack the creamy punch that many dairy-based ice creams do. Because of how creamy coconut milk is, it is perfect for making creamy sorbets that have a consistency closer to traditional dairy ice cream.
Coconut milk is also the perfect beverage base. Is there anything more refreshing on a hot day than a piña colada? We certainly don’t think so. Pina Coladas combines fresh pineapple juice with decadent coconut cream and rum for the ideal poolside adult beverage. The best part? Piña coladas can easily be made kid-friendly by simply omitting the rum.
Coconut Water
Coconut water is an often overlooked coconut-derived ingredient. Coconut water is made directly from the juice that is inside young coconuts. In many countries where green coconuts grow on trees, coconut water has been used for centuries as a healthy and fresh beverage. Compared to normal tap water, coconut water is much more hydrating.
Coconut water is an uncommon substitute for other food products. Usually, coconut water is consumed plain or with some sweeteners as a beverage. However, coconut water is the perfect addition to a tropical fruity smoothie!
Making a smoothie with coconut water is great for anyone who wishes to make a delicious and sweet smoothie while also staying away from dairy and animal products. To make a delicious coconut water smoothie, try blending your favorite frozen berries with banana, coconut water, ground cinnamon, and almond milk. For a creamier smoothie, use coconut-flavored yogurt instead of almond milk.
Coconut Flakes
Coconut flakes are usually crafted from the inside of mature coconuts. Once the coconut is split open, the flesh is scooped out and dried so that it has a longer shelf life. Generally, coconut flakes are used on their own, not as a substitute for other ingredients. Coconut flakes are the perfect addition for both savory and sweet dishes where the flavor of coconut is desired. Sometimes, coconut flakes are sweetened with extra sugar.
Coconut-breaded shrimp is one of the best ways to enjoy coconut flakes in a savory manner. Using coconut flakes to bread shrimp or other seafood can add a delightful tropical twist to your next meal.
To make coconut-breaded shrimp, you need shredded coconut flakes that are small and unsweetened. Combine these with flour or cornstarch and light Japanese panko breadcrumbs to make a delicious breading for shrimp or other fish.
To use coconut flakes in a sweet context, try making coconut cream pie or coconut macaroons. Great coconut cream pie combines luscious and soft coconut with a creamy filling. The flavor of coconut is present without being overwhelming. Usually, coconut cream pie is topped with coconut flakes.
Coconut macaroons are a delicious cookie-like dessert that is soft, chewy, and tastes fantastic with a prominent coconut flavor. To make coconut macaroons, you’ll need to get coconut flakes that have been sweetened with extra sugar.
Each of these coconut-based derivatives has its own uses and qualities. Coconut flakes work great as a breading for shrimp or an additive for dessert. Often, coconut products are used as substitutes for animal-based ingredients. Coconut oil is the perfect substitute for butter in many recipes, while coconut milk can be a dairy substitute for thickening soups and sauces.
BigOven Original: Creamy Coconut Curry Soup
Clearly, coconut is one of the most versatile ingredients known to humankind. If you are looking for bold, warm flavors, then this easy take on comfy, classic Thai Tom Kha soup is the recipe for you. Flavorful lemongrass, creamy coconut, and tender chicken combine to make a delicious and light meal.
Try this recipe for your next meal!
