Looking for a coconut cream substitute? Explore our guide to find the best coconut cream alternatives such as coconut milk, Greek yogurt, and silken tofu. Learn how to make substitutions for similar results in a variety of recipes.
What is coconut cream?
Coconut cream is a rich, creamy liquid extracted from grated coconut meat. It's made by soaking the grated coconut in hot water and then pressing it to extract a thick, velvety substance. This cream is a healthful source of saturated fat, which gives it its texture and distinctive coconut flavor.
In culinary use, it is incredibly versatile. It's a staple ingredient in many Southeast Asian and Caribbean dishes, particularly curries, soups, and desserts.
Its creamy consistency makes it ideal for making smooth sauces and rich, indulgent desserts like coconut ice cream or puddings. It is also used in beverages, adding a tropical flair to cocktails and smoothies. It is a great dairy-free alternative.
Uses
Coconut cream is used in a variety of culinary applications across different cuisines. Some of the most common uses include:
Curries and Sauces - It is frequently used in Asian curries, such as Thai curries (like red, green, and yellow curry), and in Indian curries. It adds richness, creaminess, and a subtle coconut flavor to these dishes.
Desserts - It's a key ingredient in many tropical dessert recipes. It is used to make dairy-free and coconut-based sweet recipes like vegan ice cream, coconut pudding, coconut flan, coconut custard, and pineapple whip.
Beverages - It is used to create creamy, tropical drinks. It's often blended into smoothies, used in cocktails like the piña colada, or added to coffee or tea for a creamy, coconut-flavored twist.
Soups - In some cuisines, it is added to soups to enrich the broth and add a creamy texture. It's commonly found in dishes like Tom Kha Gai (Thai coconut soup).
Baking - The cream can be used in baking to impart a rich flavor and moisture to cakes, muffins, and other baked goods.
Sauces and Marinades - It serves as a base for creamy sauces used in both savory and sweet dishes. It's also used as a marinade ingredient for meats and seafood.
Dairy-free whipped cream - When whipped with a hand mixer with vanilla extract and a sweetener, use this vegan whipped cream in place of heavy whipping cream to garnish desserts.
What's a good substitute for coconut cream?
If you need a substitute in recipes due to dietary preferences, a coconut allergy, or availability, several alternatives can work well depending on the dish you're preparing. Here are some options:
1. Full-fat coconut milk
Coconut milk is extracted from grated coconut meat and is a thinner, creamy white liquid than the cream. And, you can make your own coconut cream at home!
To substitute, chill a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight. Use the solidified coconut milk (stopping when you hit the coconut water below) and use in place of coconut cream in your recipe.
2. Heavy cream
Heavy cream provides richness without the coconut flavor. It's a great substitute in recipes where the coconut taste isn't crucial but is not a dairy-free or vegan option.
To substitute, use a 1:1 ratio. Adjust other flavors as needed to maintain the dish's balance.
3. Greek yogurt
This tangy substitute works well in savory dishes like curries or soups and has a similar consistency.
To substitute, use a 1:1 ratio. Stir well to incorporate and adjust seasoning to taste.
4. Cashew cream
Blend soaked cashews until smooth to create a creamy substitute with a slightly nutty flavor. It has a rich texture and can be used in sauces like red pepper sauce or vegan Alfredo, baked goods, and even in vegan frosting.
To substitute, use a 1:1 ratio. Adjust liquid or dry ingredients as needed.
5. Silken tofu
Blend silken tofu until smooth for a creamy, velvety texture suitable for desserts or creamy soups where coconut cream is used.
To substitute, use a 1:1 ratio. Blend tofu thoroughly in a blender or food processor to ensure a smooth consistency.
6. Evaporated milk
Provides a creamy texture without the coconut flavor. It has a thinner consistency than coconut cream. Use vegan evaporated milk for dairy-free recipes. Some vegan options are sweetened, so check the ingredients before incorporating them.
To substitute, start with less than a 1:1 ratio and add more as needed, or use a thickening agent like cornstarch or arrowroot starch. Adjust other seasonings to maintain the dish's intended taste.
Tips
- 1 cup of coconut cream is 244 grams. A kitchen scale is the easiest way to substitute by weight.
- You can find prepared canned coconut cream in your local grocery store, health store, or online retailer.
FAQs
Coconut cream is a thick, creamy liquid extracted from grated coconut meat, used primarily in cooking for its richness and coconut flavor. Cream of coconut is a sweetened version of coconut cream with added sugar, commonly used in cocktails and desserts for its intense sweetness and coconut taste.
Yes, coconut cream is generally considered vegan. It is derived solely from the flesh of coconuts and does not involve animal products or by-products in its production process. It serves as a popular dairy-free alternative in vegan cooking and baking.
Yes, coconut cream is typically gluten-free. It is made from the flesh of coconuts and does not contain gluten or gluten-containing grains. As with any packaged food product, it's essential to check labels to ensure there are no added ingredients that might contain gluten or be cross-contaminated with gluten during processing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several great alternatives to coconut cream, depending on the recipe and desired flavor and texture. Cashew cream, full-fat coconut milk, and tofu are all good options.
When substituting, it's important to consider the differences in flavor, texture, and nutritional content, and to make any necessary adjustments to the recipe to ensure the best results.
More substitution guides
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