How Much Coconut Milk to Substitute for Olive Oil
Works for sauteing, slow cook, and steaming. Coconut Milk brings a noticeably different flavor than Olive Oil.
How much coconut milk equals one cup of olive oil?
Use 1/2 cup coconut milk per cup olive oil.
Health notes
Compared with Olive Oil, Coconut Milk has: less calories (230 vs 884 per 100g in Olive Oil), less fat (23.8g vs 100g per 100g in Olive Oil), more saturated fat (21.1g vs 13.8g per 100g in Olive Oil), more protein (2.3g vs 0g per 100g in Olive Oil), and more carbs (5.5g vs 0g per 100g in Olive Oil).
Using coconut milk as an olive oil substitute in pan-frying
1/2 cup per cup oil. Adds creaminess and emulsifies well. Works for curries and Asian dishes.
Other cooking methods
- Slow Cook
1/2 cup per cup oil. Thickens sauces and curries. Shake can well; fat separates when cold.
- Steaming
1/2 cup per cup oil. Adds richness without browning. Works for steamed vegetables and fish.
- Raw Cold
1/2 cup per cup oil in dressings and dips. Shake well before use. Creamy texture.
- Drinks
1:1 in smoothies and curries. Full-fat versions creamier; light versions lower fat.
Methods to avoid (3)
- Baking
Not recommended: high water content disrupts structure. Use for curries and sauces instead.
- Frying
Not recommended: water content causes splattering and breaks emulsion at high heat.
- Grilling
Not recommended: high water content and low smoke point unsuitable for direct heat.
FAQ
- How much coconut milk equals one cup of olive oil?
Use 1/2 cup coconut milk per cup olive oil.
- Can I substitute coconut milk for Olive Oil in pan-frying?
Yes. 1/2 cup per cup oil. Adds creaminess and emulsifies well. Works for curries and Asian dishes. Not recommended: high water content disrupts structure. Use for curries and sauces instead.
- How much coconut milk to use as an olive oil substitute?
Coconut milk adds sweetness and coconut aroma. Use in dishes that pair with tropical or Asian flavors.
- How does the flavor change when substituting Coconut Milk for Olive Oil?
Coconut milk brings a noticeably different flavor than olive oil.
- How does texture change when substituting Coconut Milk for Olive Oil?
Coconut milk creamy, emulsified texture in sauces and soups. Thickens when simmered gently. High water content unsuitable for baking or frying.
- What else should I know about substituting Coconut Milk for Olive Oil?
For curries, soups, sauces, and slow-cooked dishes. Expect creamy, rich results with coconut aroma. Skip baking, frying, and grilling - water content disrupts structure and causes splattering. Shake can well before use; separation is normal. Choose full-fat for richness, light for lower fat.
- What still works when substituting Coconut Milk for Olive Oil?
Coconut milk still works as a fat, emulsifier, moisture, and flavor carrier.
- How well does Coconut Milk match Olive Oil?
Coconut milk is stretch on structure, okay on heat, and stretch on flavor.
- How does nutrition compare per 100g when substituting Coconut Milk for Olive Oil?
Coconut milk has about x4 fewer calories and fat, and about x2 more sat. fat. Coconut milk has protein, while olive oil has none.
- How do the flavor notes shift when substituting Coconut Milk for Olive Oil?
The flavor shifts toward more sweet and more umami notes.