🥥 Standard Coconut Milk Can
⚠️ CANNED (thick) vs CARTON (drink)
These are COMPLETELY different products! Using carton in Thai curry = watery disaster.
See comparison below before cooking.
🚨 Canned vs Carton: They're NOT the Same!
#1 coconut milk mistake! Know which one your recipe needs:
Quick Check: Can it (metal) + thick = cooking. Carton + thin = drinking. If recipe says "1 can coconut milk," they mean the canned version!
Complete Canned Coconut Milk Conversion Chart
| Amount | Grams | Ounces | Milliliters | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 cup | 58g | 2 oz | 59ml | Smoothie add-in |
| 1/3 cup | 77g | 2.7 oz | 79ml | Vegan pancakes |
| 1/2 cup | 115g | 4.1 oz | 118ml | Light curry |
| 2/3 cup | 153g | 5.4 oz | 158ml | Tom kha soup |
| Half can | 194g | 6.75 oz | 200ml | Small batch recipe |
| 1 cup | 230g | 8.1 oz | 237ml | Vegan cream sauce |
| Standard can (13.5 oz) | 388g | 13.5 oz | 400ml | MOST COMMON |
| 1.7 cups | 388g | 13.5 oz | 400ml | = 1 full can |
| 2 cans | 776g | 27 oz | 800ml | Large Thai curry |
💡 Pro Tip: Always shake the can vigorously before opening! Cream settles on top and you want it mixed for accurate measurement.
🥥 Coconut Cream Hack: Separate the Good Stuff
Want just the thick coconut cream? Here's the trick:
How to Get Coconut Cream:
- Refrigerate overnight - Can upright, don't shake
- Open carefully - Don't tip or shake
- Scoop the top - Thick white layer is cream (~200g from 13.5 oz can)
- Save the liquid - Thin coconut water at bottom (~188g)
Coconut Cream Uses:
- • Whipped cream (vegan)
- • Rich curry base
- • Frosting substitute
- • Coffee creamer
Coconut Water Uses:
- • Smoothies
- • Light soup broth
- • Cocktail mixer
- • Drink as-is
Best brands for separation: Thai Kitchen, Aroy-D, Chaokoh - these naturally separate well. "Light" coconut milk won't separate (it's watered down with stabilizers).
🍛 How Much for Your Recipe?
🍛 Thai Red/Green Curry
For 4 servings:
Thin curry (like restaurant)? Use 1 can. Thick, rich curry? Use 1.5-2 cans. Always full-fat canned - never carton coconut milk!
🥄 Tom Kha Soup
For 4 bowls:
Classic ratio: 1 can coconut milk + equal amount chicken/veg broth. Want it creamier? Use 1.5 cans coconut + 1 cup broth.
🥥 Vegan Whipped Cream
Cream layer only:
Refrigerate 2 cans overnight. Scoop just the thick cream (discard liquid). Beat with powdered sugar like regular whipped cream. Holds 2-3 days in fridge.
🍰 Vegan Baking
Replace 1 cup dairy milk:
Full-fat canned coconut milk = rich, moist cakes. Carton coconut milk = dry results. For neutral flavor, use "lite" canned (not carton).
Your Coconut Milk Questions
How many grams is a 13.5 oz can of coconut milk?
A standard 13.5 oz can of full-fat coconut milk contains 388 grams. This equals about 1.7 cups or 400 milliliters. This is the most common size for Thai/Asian brands (Thai Kitchen, Aroy-D, Chaokoh).
Can I use carton coconut milk instead of canned?
No! Carton coconut milk is a beverage (1-5% fat) while canned is for cooking (17-20% fat). Using carton in Thai curry = watery, no richness. Using canned in coffee = too thick, will separate. They're different products for different purposes!
How do I know if my coconut milk is full-fat or light?
Check the label! Full-fat: 17-20g fat per serving, opaque white, cream separates when cold. Light/Lite: 5-7g fat per serving, thinner, "lite" on label. Light is diluted with water - fine for soups but won't work for curries or whipped cream.
My coconut milk is solid/separated - is it bad?
No, that's normal! Coconut cream naturally rises to the top. This is GOOD - means it's pure, full-fat milk. Before using: shake the can vigorously or stir after opening. If you want cream separated, refrigerate overnight. Bad coconut milk = sour smell, mold, or rust on can.
Can I freeze coconut milk?
Yes! Freeze in ice cube trays (2 tbsp per cube) for smoothies, or in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge overnight. Texture may separate - just shake or blend. Weight stays 388g per can. Great for using half a can and saving the rest!
Is coconut milk the same as coconut cream?
No! Coconut cream is thicker, sold in smaller cans (5.4 oz), ~24% fat. Coconut milk (13.5 oz can) has ~18% fat. You CAN make cream from milk by refrigerating and scooping the top layer. "Cream of coconut" (like Coco Lopez) is SWEETENED - completely different, for cocktails!