Nước Cốt Dừa | Coconut Milk Sauce
Nước Cốt Dừa | Coconut Milk Sauce
The creme anglaise of the Viet World
Coconut Milk Sauce is a simple addition to most Vietnamese Desserts. Many Viet treats such as a variety of chè (a soup-y like dessert served hot or cold), bánh ngọt (both steamed and baked), or xôi (sticky rice), are commonly served with Nước Cốt Dừa.
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Coconut Milk vs Coconut Cream
If you use coconut milk, make sure to use full fat coconut milk. Depending on how thick or thin you prefer your sauce you can use coconut cream.
I love coconut cream, but it's one of those items that I don’t always have stocked. I refuse to buy this at a non-Viet grocery store because the price is a bit ridiculous.
Cornstarch
Starches are easily interchangeable here. If you don’t have cornstarch or have allergies, use tapioca or potato starch in a pinch.
SPECIAL TIPS
Before heating the mixture, make sure to whisk. It’s easier to smooth out clumps prior to cooking cornstarch. If you choose to heat the milk and whisk after just be prepared to whip out the sieve for a creamy, smooth sauce.
HOW YOU SHOULD EAT THIS
Add this to any of your favorite Vietnamese desserts that calls for it. It’s best on sticky rice when the rice is freshly steamed. You really don’t want to add this until you’re ready to eat.
If you’re eating steamed sweet cakes or any other dessert, it’s just easier to preserve when you can store them separately. It’s a sauce that you can use hot or cold. What it comes down to is if the sweet is typically served one way or the other.
FINAL THOUGHTS AND NOTES:
It’s easy to make a big batch of this and store it in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. It’s not really great for freezing. The thawed product won’t have the same consistency.
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Nước Cốt Dừa | Coconut Milk Sauce
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, add all ingredients. Whisk thoroughly.
- Turn heat to medium and continue to whisk until mixture slightly thickens approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Remove, serve warm or allow to cool. Usually accompanies sticky rice or a variety of Vietnamese desserts (chè).
Notes:
**Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to five days.
