That can of coconut milk in your pantry is ready to finally shine. It’s the perfect ingredient to add a creamy, flavorful touch to your meals without any extra effort. From soups to desserts, coconut milk can easily take your cooking up a notch.
Buttercup Squash Soup
This creamy buttercup squash soup hits all the right notes with coconut and lime. It’s a perfect way to make that can of coconut milk pull its weight, while showcasing the sweetness of this lesser-known squash.
Get the Recipe: Buttercup Squash Soup
Thai Pea Soup
Quick and fresh, this Thai pea soup is made in a blender and loaded with flavor. Coconut milk makes it rich and smooth, while ginger and lemongrass bring a little punch. You’ll want seconds.
Get the Recipe: Thai Pea Soup
Key Lime Coconut Panna Cotta
This panna cotta uses coconut milk to get that creamy texture, topped with a bright key lime strawberry compote. It’s a perfect light dessert when you’re feeling fancy but still want something simple.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Coconut Panna Cotta
Thai Red Curry Soup
Ready in just 25 minutes, this red curry noodle soup delivers big on flavor. Coconut milk adds creaminess, making it a perfect quick fix when you need something more exciting than takeout.
Get the Recipe: Thai Red Curry Soup
Creamy Coconut Delicata Squash Soup
Light and creamy, this delicata squash soup gets its smooth texture from coconut milk. Great for cozy nights, especially when you’re looking to clear out the pantry.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Coconut Delicata Squash Soup
Matcha Mint Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream
A cool treat with matcha and mint, made extra creamy thanks to coconut milk. This dairy-free dessert is a fun and easy way to whip up something sweet without turning on the oven.
Get the Recipe: Matcha Mint Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream
No-Bake Key Lime Pie
Five ingredients and you’re done! This no-bake key lime pie uses coconut milk for a creamy, chilled filling, perfect for summer days when you want something refreshing but simple.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Key Lime Pie
Panna Cotta with Coconut Milk
Swap out the cream for coconut milk, and you’ve got a dairy-free version of classic panna cotta. Same creamy texture, just with a coconut twist. Easy, quick, and hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Panna Cotta with Coconut Milk
Thai Yellow Curry
This Thai yellow curry is full of bold flavors, with tender chicken, potatoes, and veggies in a rich coconut milk sauce. A great way to get that curry fix in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Thai Yellow Curry
Cashew Carrot Ginger Soup
This carrot and ginger soup gets a kick from Thai curry paste and smoothness from coconut milk. An easy go-to for a quick, plant-based meal.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Carrot Ginger Soup
Flan de Coco
A five-ingredient flan that brings the tropics to your kitchen. Coconut milk gives this Puerto Rican classic a rich, creamy texture with zero hassle.
Get the Recipe: Flan de Coco
Creamy Coconut Shrimp Dinner
Coconut milk and red curry come together to make this shrimp dinner perfect for weeknights. Ready in less than 30 minutes, it’s one you’ll keep going back to.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Coconut Shrimp Dinner
Creamy Gnocchi Soup
Coconut milk takes this gnocchi soup to the next level, with hearty potato dumplings and plenty of veggies. It’s a cozy, one-pot dinner that’s perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Gnocchi Soup
Curried Carrot Ginger Soup
This curried carrot and ginger soup gets its creamy texture from coconut milk and packs just enough spice to keep things interesting. Great for lunch or a light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Curried Carrot Ginger Soup
Tropical Popsicles with Coconut Milk, Pineapple, and Grenadine
These tropical popsicles mix coconut milk, pineapple, and grenadine for a fruity frozen treat. Easy to whip up and perfect for summer.
Get the Recipe: Tropical Popsicles with Coconut Milk, Pineapple, and Grenadine
The Best Ube Mochi
Ube mochi made easy—just mix everything in one bowl and bake. Coconut milk adds that chewy texture you love, with a sweet ube flavor that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: The Best Ube Mochi
Easy Creamy Coconut Rice Pudding
This coconut rice pudding is a simple, comforting dessert. Made with pantry staples like coconut milk, it’s perfect when you want something sweet without the effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Creamy Coconut Rice Pudding
Jamaican Curry Goat
This Jamaican curry goat recipe is packed with tender goat meat and sweet potatoes in a rich coconut milk sauce. Spices and heat balance perfectly for a great dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Curry Goat
Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk
Forget takeout—this chicken curry uses coconut milk for a creamy sauce that’s packed with veggies and just the right amount of spice. Great for a quick, satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk
Coconut Lime Salmon
This one-pan salmon dish is a great weeknight option. Coconut milk gives the sauce a creamy base, while lime adds a little tang. Serve over rice or veggies for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Lime Salmon
Indian Coconut Curry Chicken
This quick and creamy Indian coconut curry chicken is perfect for busy weeknights. Coconut milk adds richness, making this curry something you’ll come back to again and again.
Get the Recipe: Indian Coconut Curry Chicken
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.