In fact, cultures around the world that depend on coconut as their main source of fat have been found to be free of heart disease. The principle fatty acid in coconut milk is lauric acid, which is the same fat found in abundance in mother's milk and is known to promote normal brain development and contribute to healthy bones. Southeast Asians, meanwhile, have been staying healthy for generations with coconut an integral part of their diet. Coconut milk should be refrigerated once the can is opened. Be careful not to buy sweetened coconut milk for Thai cooking.
Coconut milk is the base of most Thai curries.
Contrary to western ideas of working with cream, to make the curry sauce, coconut cream is first reduced over fairly high heat to break down the cream and allow the oil to separate. The curry paste is then added and fried in the coconut oil until all the herb and spice flavors are released and blended before the rest of the coconut milk is added to make the sauce. Finished Thai curries will have a thin layer of oil floating on top of the sauce. Favorite Thai Recipes for Seafood. Nothing compares with the flavor of fresh-pressed coconut milk.