Ultimate Guide to COCONUT MILK - Hot Thai Kitchen

Coconut milk is absolutely crucial to Thai cooking, so I made a video to hopefully answer all your questions about it! Here you'll find info on everything from what is coconut milk, what is NOT "coconut milk", coconut milk vs coconut cream, how to choose from so many types of coconut milk, and more!

If you have coconut milk-related tips/tricks please share them with us in the comments. Thank you! :)

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About Pai:

Pailin “Pai” Chongchitnant is the author of the Hot Thai Kitchen cookbook, co-host of a Canadian TV series One World Kitchen on Gusto TV, and creator and host of the YouTube channel Pailin's Kitchen.

Pai was born and raised in southern Thailand where she spent much of her "playtime" in the kitchen. She traveled to Canada to study Nutritional Sciences at the University of British Columbia, and was later trained as a chef at Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in San Francisco.

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[PailinsKitchen]

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Thank you for watching!

[MatthewNobleELT]

My wife (Thai) says that there IS one difference between the regular and “for dessert” style of coconut milk. While the ingredients might be identical, traditionally the “for dessert” milk gets a special treatment called อบควันเทียน. This gives the dessert version a scent and is done by lighting a special candle over it and ‘smoking’ the milk!

She says “Chao-Koh” brand makes the same two different versions and whether they’re actually using the traditional technique or not (likely not!) the “for dessert” box tastes like it...

She just showed me the Thai ‘Aroy-D’ brand “for dessert” box that says in English “Scented Candle” on the front. I wonder if you’ve ever noticed this on any Thai products on Canadian shelves.

We lived back in the States for 6+ years (a few in Seattle, not far from you!) and she remembers seeing this occasionally when shopping for ingredients.

But it’s much more common in Thailand.

[chotunab]

I am from India and we use as much coconut as the Thai people in Indian cooking but I had a lot of problem to explain about coconuts in the US so now I will just show them your video !!

[DrDaab]

Wonderful ! Your videos are probably the best I've seen. They're clear, detailed, comprehensive, without fillers or dumb stuff.
Super professional !

Thanks !

[Trassel]

Thank you for this video and the others in this series, I’m in Sweden and I’ve got no idea what Asian food products are good or not for various uses. So you’re immensely helpful, explaining everything so well!

[elainebruckman]

Pumpkin Pie! I substituted Arroy-D coconut cream (in the carton) instead of the condensed milk in the Libby's pumpkin pie recipe and it came out perfect, delicious. Both my daughters are lactose intolerant. Now pumpkin pie is back on the Thanksgiving menu.

[charlescole-pv]

Wish I had found your channel long ago. Your tips, knowledge and instructions have made a massive difference to my Thai cooking. My friends say they would rather be invited to Thai, at my house, rather than going to restaurants.

[dorami]

I’ve never tried the UHT ones thinking that canned was better! Will definitely try it out

[iashakezula]

I finally get to watch this, I’ll try to look for that Thai one. Growing up, we have a coconut plant in our yard and it’s easier to buy the old coconut around, so we grate the coconut meat and make the milk ourselves.

[salavwally]

Thanks for clarified for those that never used or test coconuts milk and your show is very knowledgeable

[EarMode]

I absolutely love your idea of putting the coconut milk in a clear container. Yes, too many times I've experienced chunks of mold coming out of the container. Thank you!

[SalidaRedDragon]

I remember making coconut milk. As a child, my job was to scrape out the coconut. They 'told' me that it was because I was perfectly sized for the bench. Truth was, it's tedious & at times, not easy; especially if you are only 9-10 yrs old. But they were right about the bench. I was much more comfortable sitting there scraping away than adults were. NOTHING beats fresh made coconut milk! Best thing on earth. In your book, I found out why I'm lactose intolerant. Guess if you don't grow up with milk or milk products, it's a natural condition. Thanks for that information!! Love your book.

[jaybrock]

Even though its 5 years I find this is the most detailed comprehensive coconut milk information available. One thing to note is its not required to include polysorbate60 on food labels and the beloved arroyd still has it in products where its not indicated! So I for me organic is the only way to have a reasonable assurance that there is no hidden additives.I really enjoy Pailin's personality and approach, fun and interesting but also detailed thorough and accurate.

[MrNewyorkcallingme]

This is so informative. Enlightened by the information you gave away. As someone who’s willing to learn the abc’s of cooking, I would meticulously search every nook and cranny of the grocery store for that essential ingredient, depending on what dish I’m making, and that includes canned goods or in boxes or whatever, coconut milk no exception, because I want to have the authentic, if not, at least, very close to it, flavor of the dish I have in mind. I could spend a whole day in the supermarket haha! Anyway, thanks for this. Great job right there.

[frendhiedhie]

so grateful after watching this video, we are still using the freshest which is the old school way of producing coconut milk, from the whole coconut.

[JohnnyUrbanWoodsmen]

Hey Pailin, Great video. I never made coconut milk, but growing up as a child in Puerto Rico I used to make coconut candy from fresh coconuts and I really enjoyed the process. When I was in school in Puerto Rico from 1992-1997 they use to serve milk in little plastic bags with our lunch so your not the only one.

[kaykhanhpham]

I am from Vietnam, and I absolutely miss those milk bags lol. I used to go to the outdoor markets everyday, missing those days so much. The coconut milk is freshly made, and it tastes so so much better.... ❤️❤️❤️ love ya anyway

[lerchan]

I’m 30 yr old I know exactly what your talking about when you referred to milk bag I didn’t like it back when I was a kid. Growing up I know I’m lactose intolerant that’s why. In Thailand, there is actually กะทิหอมควันเทียม with candle aroma can throw off savory food nakrub. But I think you know

[tohhyqz]

Milk bag! Yes I know what you are talking about! Actually I was just talking about milk bag with another friend from another country about it a few days ago! So cool to hear about it again!

[becsaw]

I love the old school way. Exactly how we do it in Papua New Guinea (South Pacific).