How Much Coconut Milk to Substitute for Coconut Oil
Works for baking, sauteing, and slow cook. Coconut Milk keeps a similar flavor profile to Coconut Oil.
How much coconut milk equals one cup of coconut oil and reduce other liquids?
Use 1 1/3 cups coconut milk per 1 cup coconut oil and reduce other liquids.
Health notes
Compared with Coconut Oil, Coconut Milk has: less calories (230 vs 892 per 100g in Coconut Oil), less fat (23.8g vs 99.1g per 100g in Coconut Oil), less saturated fat (21.1g vs 82.5g per 100g in Coconut Oil), more protein (2.3g vs 0g per 100g in Coconut Oil), and more carbs (5.5g vs 0g per 100g in Coconut Oil).
Using coconut milk as a coconut oil substitute in baking
Use 1 1/3 cups coconut milk per 1 cup coconut oil; cut other liquids to balance. Adds moisture, softer crumb.
Other cooking methods
- Sauteing
1 1/3:1 works for sauces and curries, not as a straight fat for the pan.
- Slow Cook
1 1/3:1; adds body and richness to braises and stews without extra oil.
- Steaming
1 1/3:1; use to enrich rice or vegetables during steaming.
- Raw Cold
1 1/3:1 in smoothies, chia pudding, or raw desserts for creaminess.
- Drinks
1 1/3:1; use as the creamy base in shakes or coffee drinks.
Methods to avoid (2)
- Frying
Not recommended: too much water content, will spatter and won't crisp.
- Grilling
Not recommended: watery liquid won't coat or crisp on the grate.
FAQ
- How much coconut milk equals one cup of coconut oil and reduce other liquids?
Use 1 1/3 cups coconut milk per 1 cup coconut oil and reduce other liquids.
- Can I substitute coconut milk for Coconut Oil in baking?
Yes. Use 1 1/3 cups coconut milk per 1 cup coconut oil; cut other liquids to balance. Adds moisture, softer crumb. Not recommended: too much water content, will spatter and won't crisp.
- How much coconut milk to use as a coconut oil substitute?
Similar coconut taste but lighter and slightly sweet; reduce added sugar if needed.
- How does the flavor change when substituting Coconut Milk for Coconut Oil?
Coconut milk keeps a similar flavor profile to coconut oil.
- How does texture change when substituting Coconut Milk for Coconut Oil?
Coconut milk adds moisture and a silkier body; batters and sauces turn softer and less firm than with pure oil.
- What else should I know about substituting Coconut Milk for Coconut Oil?
For curries, braises, smoothies, and baked goods. Expect a softer, moister result with less pure fat richness. Skip frying and grilling since it won't crisp or hold heat like oil. Shake the can first to blend the cream layer back in.
- What still works when substituting Coconut Milk for Coconut Oil?
Coconut milk still works as a fat and flavor carrier.
- What won't work when substituting Coconut Milk for Coconut Oil?
Coconut milk won't work as a texture.
- How well does Coconut Milk match Coconut Oil?
Coconut milk is okay on structure, stretch on heat, and strong on flavor.
- How does nutrition compare per 100g when substituting Coconut Milk for Coconut Oil?
Coconut milk has about x4 fewer calories, fat, and sat. fat. Coconut milk has protein, while coconut oil has none.
- How do the flavor notes shift when substituting Coconut Milk for Coconut Oil?
The flavor shifts toward more sweet and more umami notes.