Is coconut oil the same as coconut cream to cook with? (2024)

FAQs

Can I use coconut oil instead of coconut cream? ›

They serve totally different functions! Like coconut cream, coconut milk is often used to thicken sauces and add texture or flavor, while oil is used to cook food by sauteeing or frying. Coconut milk and coconut cream don't work in the same way as coconut oil.

Baking. Because unrefined coconut oil has a strong coconut taste and scent, refined coconut oil may be a better choice for baking. If you use refined coconut oil, the resulting baked good will be free of a coconut taste and smell that could otherwise clash with its flavors.

Sautéing or stir-frying: Use 1–2 tablespoons of this oil to cook vegetables, eggs, meat or fish. Popcorn: Drizzle melted coconut oil on air-popped popcorn or try it in this stove-top popcorn recipe. Baking: Use it to coat poultry or meat before rubbing with seasonings.

In general, if just “1/4 cup coconut oil” is listed in a recipe, it's meant to be used as a solid. Melted coconut oil should be listed as “1/4 cup coconut oil, melted.” Not every recipe will follow this guideline, though, so it's good to read through the recipe for context clues about what the recipe writer intended.

I stirred a few tablespoons of the oil into my big, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. As I would soon discover, the coconut oil's aroma and flavor completely changed the character of the soup.

Of all the available oils, coconut oil is the oil of choice for cooking because it is nearly a completely saturated fat, which means it is much less susceptible to heat damage.

Refined coconut oil is better for cooking because it goes through more processing. It's flavorless and odorless and has a higher smoke point (400-450 F). It's more suitable for stir frying, sautéing, and roasting at high heat. Keep in mind that coconut oil is 100% fat and nearly 90% of that is saturated fat.

Because unrefined coconut oil hasn't undergone any additional processing, it has a pronounced coconut flavor and aroma, which can transfer to food when used in cooking.

However, coconut oil is rich in saturated fats and a high calorie food. People should get less than 10% of their daily calories from saturated fats. To get any health benefits of coconut oil while minimizing any adverse effects, stick to 1–2 tbsp of coconut oil per day.

What are the pros and cons of cooking with coconut oil? ›

Many people believe coconut oil is good for you, saying that it can boost good cholesterol and help with weight loss, plus it has a relatively high smoke point, making it safer for cooking at high temperatures. But in a recent survey, nutritionists did not agree that the fragrant emollient is healthy or magical.

Not only can you cook with coconut oil, you can bake with it too! It's a great alternative to butter for vegans and plant based living. Coconut oil works wonders to grease your baking pan, stir into cake batter, spread over freshly baked banana bread, coat your homemade granola, and so much more!

Many people love baking with coconut oil for its light, sweet flavor that makes it an ideal 1:1 substitution for butter. Coconut oil has slightly more fat and less water than butter, so to prevent dry baked goods, up the liquid called for in cakes, muffins, and quick breads by just a few tablespoons to compensate.

There's no need to refrigerate coconut oil. It'll last a long time—up to two years—in your pantry. Just keep the lid on tight. Depending on how warm it gets where you live, your oil might go from solid to liquid in the jar.

When it comes to baking, coconut oil makes a wonderful substitute for butter and other oils, like olive oil, canola oil, and vegetable oil. Regardless of the type of fat used in a recipe, you can swap in an equal amount of coconut oil. Read more: How Do I Substitute Coconut Oil for Butter in Baking Recipes?

Side effects of using coconut oil on your skin

It's hydrating, yes. But that means it can do its job a little too well and clog pores and cause acne breakouts — especially if your skin is more on the oily side. “If you are prone to acne, you should also avoid putting it on your shoulders, chest or back,” Dr. Wu adds.

Coconut cream is the same thing as coconut milk—coconut meat blended with water—but it contains less water. While coconut milk is thin like cow's milk, coconut cream is thick like whipped cream. You can find this fat-rich cream floating on the top of any canned coconut milk, or you can buy it in a dedicated can.

On balance, yes. While coconut oil has less sugar and fewer carbs than coconut milk, generally coconut milk has more vitamins and minerals than coconut oil – and is also lower in both fat and calories.