As the temperatures rise, our cravings for refreshing and cooling foods also increase. One ingredient that perfectly fits the bill is fresh coconut! With its creamy texture and subtle sweetness, it’s no wonder why coconuts are a staple in many tropical cuisines. In this article, we’ll be diving into 18 mouthwatering recipes that showcase the versatility of fresh coconut. From sweet treats like toasted coconut pancakes with maple syrup to savory dishes like Thai coconut chicken soup, we’ve got you covered.
From smoothies and salads to main courses and desserts, these tropical recipes are sure to transport your taste buds to a paradise of flavor and freshness.
Fresh Coconut Milk Rice Pudding
This creamy dessert is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, with the freshness of coconut milk and the comfort of rice pudding. It’s an easy and delicious treat to enjoy any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 3 cups fresh coconut milk (chilled)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of ground cardamom (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the coconut milk, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
3. Add the rice to the saucepan and stir to combine. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the liquid has been absorbed and the pudding is creamy.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Stir in a pinch of ground cardamom, if desired. Serve warm or chilled.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Coconut Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Escape to tropical paradise with these flavorful and easy-to-make shrimp skewers, bursting with the freshness of coconut and lime.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together coconut, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Add shrimp to the marinade and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Thread 4-5 shrimp onto each skewer.
5. Grill skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
6. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as quinoa salad or grilled vegetables.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Creamy Coconut Chia Pudding
A refreshing and healthy dessert option that combines the creaminess of coconut with the nutritional benefits of chia seeds. This pudding is perfect for warm weather or as a post-workout treat.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup chia seeds
– 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together chia seeds and shredded coconut.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together coconut milk, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the pudding to thicken.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with additional shredded coconut if desired.
Cooking Time: 2 hours (or overnight)
Thai Coconut Chicken Soup
Thai Coconut Chicken Soup Recipe
A warm and comforting Thai-inspired soup made with rich coconut milk, juicy chicken, and aromatic spices. This recipe is a perfect blend of flavors to satisfy your taste buds on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 medium onions, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
– 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger in a little oil until softened.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned.
3. Pour in the coconut milk, chicken broth, water, curry paste, and fish sauce (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Fresh Coconut and Mango Smoothie Bowl
Escape to a tropical paradise with this refreshing smoothie bowl, bursting with the sweetness of mango and the creaminess of coconut.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1/2 cup fresh coconut milk
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Toppings: sliced almonds, shredded coconut, and a sprinkle of chia seeds (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine mango, coconut milk, Greek yogurt, honey, vanilla extract, and salt.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Pour the mixture into a bowl.
4. Top with sliced almonds, shredded coconut, and chia seeds (if using).
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Coconut-Crusted Fish Tacos
Elevate your taco game with this unique recipe featuring coconut-crusted fish, crunchy slaw, and a zesty drizzle. Perfect for a quick and delicious dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 fish fillets (cod or tilapia work well)
– 1 cup shredded coconut
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 8 corn tortillas
– Slaw ingredients: 1 red cabbage, 1 carrot, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: diced avocado, sour cream, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together coconut, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each fish fillet into the coconut mixture, coating evenly.
4. Place coated fish on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, prepare slaw by shredding cabbage and carrot, then mixing with lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
7. Assemble tacos by placing fish on tortillas, topping with slaw, and adding desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Toasted Coconut Pancakes with Maple Syrup
Start your day off right with these fluffy and flavorful pancakes infused with the sweetness of toasted coconut and drizzled with pure maple syrup. A perfect combination for a warm breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, toasted
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and toasted coconut.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Brush the melted butter on the skillet or griddle.
6. Drop 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet or griddle.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on the surface and edges start to dry.
8. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
9. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Coconut and Pineapple Fried Rice
A tropical twist on classic fried rice, this recipe combines the sweetness of pineapple with the richness of coconut for a flavorful and satisfying dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the cooked rice, pineapple, coconut, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Homemade Coconut Ice Cream
Elevate your dessert game with this simple recipe for homemade coconut ice cream. The tropical flavor of shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk will transport you to a sunny island getaway.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together coconut milk, heavy cream, and sugar until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add unsweetened shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk to the mixture; whisk until well combined.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
4. Remove from refrigerator and pour into an ice cream maker. Churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Once churned, transfer to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours to set.
Cooking Time: Approximately 3-4 hours (including chilling time)
Fresh Coconut and Banana Bread
Moist and flavorful, this bread combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the creaminess of fresh coconut. Perfect for a snack or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup shredded fresh coconut
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, shredded coconut, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Coconut Curry with Chickpeas and Spinach
This recipe combines the creamy richness of coconut milk with the warm spices of Indian cuisine, all wrapped up in a nutritious package featuring chickpeas and spinach. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (14 oz)
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
– 1 can coconut milk (14 oz)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until onion is translucent.
3. Add curry powder, cumin, and turmeric; cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in coconut milk and chickpeas; bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low; let cook for 10 minutes or until sauce thickens.
6. Stir in spinach; cook until wilted.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce
Elevate your seafood game with this sweet and savory recipe that combines succulent shrimp, toasted coconut flakes, and a tangy sweet chili sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together coconut flakes, olive oil, garlic, and ginger.
3. Add shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the coconut mixture.
4. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, heat sweet chili sauce in a small saucepan over low heat.
6. Serve grilled shrimp with warm sweet chili sauce for dipping.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Coconut and Lemongrass Braised Chicken
This aromatic dish combines the rich flavors of coconut milk and lemongrass to create a tender and juicy chicken experience. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the bruised lemongrass stalk to the pot and cook for an additional minute.
5. Pour in the coconut milk and stir to combine. Return the chicken to the pot, then season with cumin, salt, and pepper.
6. Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Braise for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Fresh Coconut and Chocolate Chip Cookies
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these chewy cookies bursting with fresh coconut flavor and chocolate chip goodness!
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup shredded fresh coconut
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Stir in shredded coconut and chocolate chips.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Coconut Watermelon Refresher
Beat the heat with this refreshing drink that combines the sweetness of watermelon with the creaminess of coconut. Perfect for a light and revitalizing pick-me-up on a hot summer day!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cubed seedless watermelon
– 1/2 cup coconut water
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes (optional)
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine the watermelon, coconut water, and Greek yogurt.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Add the honey and blend until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
5. Pour into glasses filled with ice cubes (if desired) and garnish with fresh mint leaves (if desired).
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Spicy Coconut Noodle Soup
Warm up with this aromatic and spicy coconut noodle soup, perfect for a cozy night in. This creamy and flavorful dish combines the comforting warmth of noodles with the bold flavors of coconut milk and spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup rice noodles
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes; cook for an additional minute.
3. Pour in coconut milk and broth; bring to a simmer.
4. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and add to the pot.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Coconut and Turmeric Golden Milk Latte
Experience the warmth and comfort of a traditional golden milk latte with a twist! This recipe combines the creamy richness of coconut milk with the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric, creating a soothing and rejuvenating beverage.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons turmeric powder
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, warm the coconut milk over low heat.
2. Add the turmeric powder and whisk until dissolved.
3. Remove from heat and add honey and black pepper if using.
4. Pour into a mug and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Tips:
– Adjust the amount of turmeric to your desired level of yellow-ness!
– For an extra creamy treat, blend with ice and enjoy as a frothy golden milk latte!
Fresh Coconut and Avocado Salad
Elevate your salad game with this refreshing combination of creamy avocado, juicy coconut, and tangy lime juice. Perfect for a light and satisfying side dish or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1/2 cup fresh shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup chopped red onion
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the diced avocado and shredded coconut.
2. Add the chopped red onion and cilantro on top.
3. Squeeze the lime juice over the salad, making sure all ingredients are coated.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: None!
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the creamy, dreamy flavors of tropical paradise with these 18 delicious coconut recipes! From classic desserts like Fresh Coconut Milk Rice Pudding and Homemade Coconut Ice Cream, to savory dishes like Thai Coconut Chicken Soup and Coconut-Crusted Fish Tacos, there’s something for everyone. And don’t forget about the sweet treats – think Toasted Coconut Pancakes with Maple Syrup and Fresh Coconut and Chocolate Chip Cookies. Treat your taste buds to a tropical getaway with these refreshing and creamy coconut recipes!