How Much Cashew Nut to Substitute for Coconut Milk
Works for baking, sauteing, and slow cook. Cashew Nut keeps a similar flavor profile to Coconut Milk.
How much cashew nut equals one Coconut Milk?
Use 1 cup Cashew Nut per cup of Coconut Milk
Health notes
Compared with Coconut Milk, Cashew Nut has: more calories (553 vs 230 per 100g in Coconut Milk), more fat (43.9g vs 23.8g per 100g in Coconut Milk), less saturated fat (7.8g vs 21.1g per 100g in Coconut Milk), more protein (18.2g vs 2.3g per 100g in Coconut Milk), and more carbs (30.2g vs 5.5g per 100g in Coconut Milk).
Using cashew nut as a coconut milk substitute in baking
Soak and blend raw cashews into cream. Use 1:1 by volume. Adds richness and slight sweetness. Works in muffins and quick breads.
Other cooking methods
- Sauteing
Blend soaked cashews into smooth cream. Use 1:1. Thickens sauces well. Won't break under gentle heat.
- Slow Cook
Blend soaked cashews into cream. Use 1:1. Thickens curries beautifully. Add near end to prevent curdling.
- Raw Cold
Blend soaked cashews into cream. Use 1:1. Smooth, rich texture in cold sauces and dips.
- Drinks
Blend soaked cashews into cream. Use 1:1. Creates smooth, creamy beverages without dairy.
Methods to avoid (3)
- Frying
Not recommended: cashew cream will burn and separate in high-heat frying.
- Grilling
Not recommended: cashew cream will scorch on direct heat.
- Steaming
Not recommended: cashew cream won't emulsify in steam.
FAQ
- Can I substitute cashew nut for Coconut Milk in baking?
Yes. Soak and blend raw cashews into cream. Use 1:1 by volume. Adds richness and slight sweetness. Works in muffins and quick breads. Not recommended: cashew cream will burn and separate in high-heat frying.
- How much cashew nut to use as a coconut milk substitute?
Cashew cream adds subtle nuttiness and slight sweetness. Toast cashews before blending to deepen flavor.
- How does the flavor change when substituting Cashew Nut for Coconut Milk?
Cashew nut keeps a similar flavor profile to coconut milk.
- How does texture change when substituting Cashew Nut for Coconut Milk?
Cashew nut creamier, thicker sauces. Richer mouthfeel. Slight sweetness and nuttiness. Baked goods stay moist with tender crumb.
- What else should I know about substituting Cashew Nut for Coconut Milk?
For sauteing, slow-cooked curries, and cold sauces, soak raw cashews and blend into smooth cream. Use 1:1 by volume. Expect richer, slightly sweeter results with good thickening power. Skip frying and grilling - cashew cream burns easily. Add cashew cream near the end of cooking to prevent curdling. Toast cashews first for deeper flavor.
- What still works when substituting Cashew Nut for Coconut Milk?
Cashew nut still works as a fat, emulsifier, moisture, flavor carrier, and binder.
- How well does Cashew Nut match Coconut Milk?
Cashew nut is good on structure, okay on heat, and good on flavor.
- How does nutrition compare per 100g when substituting Cashew Nut for Coconut Milk?
Cashew nut has about x3 fewer sat. fat, and about x2 more calories and fat and x8 more protein.
- How do the flavor notes shift when substituting Cashew Nut for Coconut Milk?
The flavor shifts toward more bitter and more umami notes.