Out of Coconut milk, one case
Can you substitute oat milk for coconut milk?
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Oat milk (liquid)
Same amount as the coconut milk
Yes, you can substitute oat milk for coconut milk in most recipes. Use 1:1 ratio for liquid applications, or add coconut oil for richer consistency.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- baking
One casethe full coconut milk card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of coconut milk | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oat milk (liquid)baking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Oat milk + coconut oilbaking | 1 cup oat milk + 1 tbsp coconut oil per 1 cup coconut milkWorks | Works |
| 3 | Oat milk + cornstarchcurry | 1 cup oat milk + 1 tbsp cornstarch per 1 cup coconut milkTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Oat milk + cashew butterbaking | 1 cup oat milk + 1 tbsp cashew butter per 1 cup coconut milkTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Oat milk + arrowroot powdercurry | 1 cup oat milk + 1 tbsp arrowroot powder per 1 cup coconut milkTweak it | Tweak it |
Oat milk (liquid)
different taste, similar texture
Oat milk provides similar moisture and creaminess to coconut milk in liquid applications. Good for most recipes where you want plant-based moisture.
- Best for
- baking, smoothies, sauces, when you want plant-based, vegan recipes
Oat milk has a slightly sweet, oat flavor but provides similar moisture and creaminess. It's naturally creamy and works well in most recipes.
Oat milk + coconut oil
similar taste and texture
Oat milk with added coconut oil that provides similar richness and a hint of coconut flavor. Good for when you want plant-based creaminess.
- Best for
- baking, sauces, when you want coconut flavor, vegan recipes, creamy applications
Oat milk is naturally creamy, and coconut oil adds richness and coconut flavor. Use unrefined coconut oil for best flavor.
Oat milk + cornstarch
different taste, similar texture
Thickened oat milk that provides similar consistency to coconut milk. Good for when you want plant-based creaminess.
- Best for
- curry, soup, when you want plant-based, vegan recipes, thick applications
Oat milk is naturally creamy, but cornstarch helps thicken it further. Mix cornstarch with cold liquid before adding to hot mixtures.
Oat milk + cashew butter
different taste, similar texture
Oat milk with added cashew butter that provides similar richness and creaminess. Good for when you want plant-based creaminess.
- Best for
- baking, sauces, when you want creaminess, vegan recipes, rich applications
Oat milk provides good moisture, and cashew butter adds richness and creaminess. Blend well to avoid lumps.
Oat milk + arrowroot powder
different taste, similar texture
Oat milk with added arrowroot powder that provides similar consistency to coconut milk. Good for when you want plant-based creaminess.
- Best for
- curry, soup, when you want plant-based, vegan recipes, thick applications
Oat milk is naturally creamy, but arrowroot powder helps thicken it further. Mix with cold liquid before adding to hot mixtures.
How it behaves in this recipe
When substituting oat milk for coconut milk, it's important to consider the different flavor profiles and consistency. The recommended substitutes work because they provide similar moisture content and creaminess while offering different flavor profiles that can work well in many recipes.
Tips for substituting coconut milk
5 tips- For baking, oat milk works best in recipes that can handle the slightly sweet, oat flavor
- The key to successful substitution is maintaining the right moisture content and creaminess
- Always use unsweetened oat milk for savory dishes to avoid unwanted sweetness
- Common mistakes to avoid: using sweetened oat milk in savory dishes, not thickening for creamy applications, incorrect ratios
- For best results, taste your recipe and adjust seasoning to compensate for the different flavor profile
Notes on coconut milk
- Use different oat milk brands for varying creaminess levels
- Try adding coconut extract to oat milk for authentic coconut flavor
- Experiment with different thickening agents (cornstarch, arrowroot) for desired consistency
Questions
5 questionsCan I use oat milk instead of coconut milk in baking?
Yes, oat milk works well as a substitute for coconut milk in most baking recipes. Use a 1:1 ratio and choose unsweetened for savory baked goods.
What's the difference between oat milk and coconut milk?
Oat milk is made from oats and has a slightly sweet, oat flavor, while coconut milk is made from coconut and has a tropical flavor. Both are plant-based but have different taste profiles.
Why doesn't my oat milk substitute work in recipes?
Common issues include using sweetened oat milk in savory dishes, not thickening for creamy applications, or using the wrong ratio. Always use unsweetened and thicken when needed.
Can I use oat milk instead of coconut milk in curry?
Yes, but you may want to thicken it with cornstarch or add coconut oil for richness. Mix 1 cup oat milk with 1 tablespoon cornstarch for best results in curry.
What's the best oat milk substitute for coconut milk?
For most applications, use oat milk in a 1:1 ratio. For creamy applications like curry or soup, add cornstarch or coconut oil to thicken and add richness.