Coconut Craze: 7 Delicious Ways to Use Coconut Milk in Caribbean Cooking

Table of Contents

1. What Is Coconut Milk?
2. Why Coconut Milk Is a Caribbean Staple
3. 1. Coconut Rice and Peas
4. 2. Jamaican Rundown
5. 3. Callaloo with Coconut Milk
6. 4. Coconut Milk Curry
7. 5. Caribbean Coconut Porridge
8. 6. Tropical Smoothies & Drinks
9. 7. Coconut Milk Cakes and Bakes
10. Where to Buy Authentic Coconut Milk
11. Final Thoughts

What Is Coconut Milk?

Coconut milk is a creamy, rich liquid made from the grated pulp of mature coconuts. It’s not to be confused with coconut water, which is the clear liquid found inside the coconut. Thick, fragrant, and slightly sweet, coconut milk adds body and flavour to both sweet and savoury Caribbean dishes.

Why Coconut Milk Is a Caribbean Staple

Coconut milk is more than just a flavouring — it’s a key ingredient in many classic Caribbean recipes. Its natural richness enhances sauces, soups, desserts, and drinks. For islanders, coconuts are a symbol of abundance and nourishment, deeply woven into culinary heritage.

1. Coconut Rice and Peas

This dish is the heart of Caribbean comfort food. Made with long-grain rice, kidney beans or gungo peas, thyme, scallions, scotch bonnet, and coconut milk, it’s the perfect side for jerk chicken, fried fish, or oxtail.

🛒 Shop our coconut milk and dried peas: Buy now on Alphanso Foods

2. Jamaican Rundown

This savoury stew uses coconut milk boiled down until thick, forming a flavourful base for fish or vegetables. The name “rundown” refers to how the coconut milk reduces, creating a silky, bold sauce.

🧑🏽‍🍳 Try it with mackerel, green bananas, or breadfruit.

Callaloo with Coconut Milk

Callaloo, a leafy green similar to spinach, becomes extra luscious when cooked with onions, garlic, peppers, and coconut milk. A great vegetarian side dish or breakfast staple with dumplings.

4. Coconut Milk Curry

Whether it’s curry goat, shrimp, or chickpeas, coconut milk adds balance and creaminess to spicy Caribbean curries. The combo of curry powder and coconut is iconic across the region.

🔗 Learn more about curry powders:
Caribbean Curry Guide – Island Origins

5. Caribbean Coconut Porridge

Warm, filling, and comforting. Made with oats, cornmeal, or green bananas and finished with nutmeg, vanilla, and sweetened coconut milk. A true Caribbean breakfast hug in a bowl!

6. Tropical Smoothies & Drinks

Coconut milk is perfect in drinks like:

• Punch de Creme (Trinidadian eggnog)
• Piña coladas
• Coconut milk smoothies with mango or pineapple

🥥 Pro Tip: Mix with condensed milk for a sweet coconut punch!

7. Coconut Milk Cakes and Bakes

Coconut milk keeps baked goods moist and flavourful. From Jamaican Toto (coconut cake) to coconut sweet bread, this ingredient is a must for your Caribbean baking list.

🛒 Find coconut flour and baking ingredients on Alphanso Foods

Where to Buy Authentic Coconut Milk

Not all coconut milk is created equal. Look for full-fat, unsweetened versions for cooking.

🛒 At Alphanso Foods, we stock top Caribbean brands like:

• Grace Coconut Milk
• KTC
• Maggi Coconut Milk Powder

✨ Shop online: Buy Coconut Milk Now

We offer same-day local delivery, click & collect, and next-business-day shipping (excl. frozen) across the UK.

Final Thoughts

Coconut milk is more than an ingredient — it’s a connection to Caribbean roots, flavour, and family traditions. Whether you’re whipping up a weekday meal or a Sunday dinner, this versatile pantry staple can turn ordinary into extraordinary.

🛍️ Ready to Cook with Coconut?

Please browse our range of authentic ingredients at alphansofoods.co.uk/shop

Alphanso Foods

Hi, I’m the team behind Alphanso Foods, your trusted Caribbean & African grocery store in the UK. From saltfish to scotch bonnet, we share tips, recipes, and stories to help you cook with confidence and discover new favourites. Whether you're shopping online or visiting us in-store, we're here to bring you a taste of home and a little something new.

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