Coconut milk is a key ingredient in many Thai curries, adding rich, creamy flavor and texture. With several types of canned coconut milk available, it can be confusing to know which one to use for the best tasting Thai curry.
Types of Canned Coconut Milk
There are three main types of canned coconut milk:
- Lite coconut milk – the thinnest, least creamy variety
- Regular coconut milk – the most commonly used variety
- Full fat coconut milk – very thick and creamy
The difference between these varieties is the fat and moisture content. Lite coconut milk is diluted with water and contains around 5-10% fat. Regular coconut milk contains about 18-22% fat. Full fat coconut milk has the highest fat content at around 22-25%.
Fat Content and Quality
The fat content plays a major role in determining the quality and flavor of coconut milk. Higher fat content gives richer, deeper coconut flavor. Lower fat content results in a thinner, less creamy texture.
Full fat coconut milk offers the richest coconut flavor and creamy mouthfeel. It’s the closest to fresh coconut cream. For Thai curry recipes that rely heavily on coconut milk for flavor and creaminess, full fat coconut milk is the best choice.
Regular coconut milk also works well, giving good coconut flavor while being slightly lighter than full fat. Lite coconut milk is too thin and watery to properly infuse Thai curries with enough coconut richness.
Canned vs. Carton
Coconut milk comes in both cans and cartons. Canned coconut milk tends to be creamier and higher in fat than cartons. Cartons are typically a blend of coconut cream and water, with a fat content around 10-12%.
For Thai curries, canned coconut milk is preferred over cartons. The higher fat content of canned coconut milk lends better to developing the creamy, rich curry base.
Coconut Milk Brands for Thai Curry
Some popular coconut milk brands well suited for Thai curries include:
- Chaokoh – Consistently high quality full fat coconut milk
- Aroy-D – Rich tasting Thai brand coconut milk
- Thai Kitchen – Smooth, creamy regular coconut milk
- Mae Ploy – Authentic tasting Thai brand
- Grace – High quality, smooth full fat or regular coconut milk
Chaokoh
Chaokoh coconut milk hails from Thailand and is commonly found in many Thai kitchens. It has an exceptionally velvety, smooth texture and sweet coconut flavor. The full fat variety contains the highest coconut extract content at around 20-22%.
Aroy-D
Aroy-D is another trusted Thai brand preferred by many Thai cooks. It offers a distinctive aromatic coconut flavor and creamy texture perfect for infusing into a Thai curry.
Thai Kitchen
For a readily available option at many grocers, Thai Kitchen makes a quality coconut milk that works well in curry recipes. It has a nicely balanced coconut flavor that’s not overpowering. The regular variety has a creamy consistency closer to full fat varieties.
Mae Ploy
Mae Ploy coconut milk is popular for its authentic Thai taste. It has a rich, velvety texture and bold coconut flavor. The full fat Mae Ploy variety can be hard to find but is excellent quality for Thai curries requiring coconut milk.
Grace
Grace brand coconut milk provides smooth, creamy texture perfect for infusing into curry recipes. The regular and full fat varieties are nicely viscous and give great coconut flavor without separating or becoming watery when simmered.
Full Fat vs. Regular Coconut Milk for Curry
When choosing between full fat and regular coconut milk, both can work well in Thai curries. Full fat contains more coconut extract for richer, deeper coconut flavor in a curry sauce. However, for a milder coconut taste, regular coconut milk is a good medium option.
If your recipe only calls for a small amount of coconut milk, regular is sufficient. For recipes where coconut milk is a major ingredient or the sauce base, opt for full fat. The extra creaminess and fuller coconut flavor of the full fat milk will come through.
Here is a quick comparison:
| Full Fat | Regular |
|---|---|
| Higher fat content – 20-25% | Moderate fat content – 18-22% |
| Very creamy, thick texture | Creamy, medium thickness |
| Intense coconut flavor | Mild coconut flavor |
| Ideal for curry sauces and bases | Works well for curries when coconut milk is not a main component |
How Much Coconut Milk Does Thai Curry Need?
How much coconut milk you use in Thai curry depends on a few factors:
- Type of curry – richer, creamier curries use more coconut milk
- Other ingredients – more liquids like broth reduce coconut milk needed
- Personal taste – add more or less coconut milk to suit your preferences
Some general guidelines for coconut milk quantity:
- Red, yellow, massaman curries – 1 13.5oz can full fat or regular coconut milk
- Green curry – 3/4 to 1 can coconut milk
- Panang curry – 1 and 1/2 cans coconut milk
- Pineapple curry – 1/2 to 3/4 can coconut milk
For best results, gradually add coconut milk to taste as the curry simmers until reaching desired consistency and flavor. Start with less coconut milk and increase amount as needed.
Tips for Cooking with Coconut Milk in Thai Curries
Here are some useful tips for incorporating coconut milk successfully into Thai curry:
- Shake cans well before opening to disperse cream and emulsifiers.
- Simmer gently once adding coconut milk to prevent splitting or curdling.
- Add a little half and half or cream if coconut milk splits while cooking.
- Mix in a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken up watery coconut milk.
- For richer flavor, add extra coconut cream from the top of cans.
- If coconut milk tastes too strong, dilute with a little water or broth.
Conclusion
In summary, full fat and regular canned coconut milk offer the best consistency and flavor for Thai curries. Popular Thai brands like Chaokoh and Aroy-D provide authentic, creamy coconut milk perfect for infusing flavor into curry dishes. For optimal creaminess and coconut taste, use full fat coconut milk. But regular coconut milk also works well, especially when coconut milk is not a starring ingredient. With high quality canned coconut milk and proper cooking technique, you can achieve restaurant-worthy Thai curry every time.