Skip to main content

Coconut Sauce

4.4

(6)

If most of the coconut sauces you've encountered have been heavy and cloying, this one — light and frothy, with delicate flavor — will be a delicious surprise. It would also be perfect for spicing up poached skinless boneless chicken.

This recipe is an accompaniment for Pistachio Sea Bass with Crab Salad and Coconut Sauce .

Cooks' note:

Sauce can be made (but not blended) 1 day ahead and chilled, covered. Reheat and blend just before serving.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes about 2 cups

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups chicken stock or broth
1 (14- to 15-ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk
1 chicken leg (10 to 12 ounce), cut into drumstick and thigh and skin discarded
1 stalk fresh lemongrass, 1 or 2 tough outer leaves discarded and root end trimmed
1 (2- by 1 1/2-inch) piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced
1 small (1 1/2- to 2-inch) dried chile (preferably Thai), halved lengthwise and seeds discarded

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Bring stock, coconut milk, and chicken to a boil in a 1 1/2- to 2-quart saucepan, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 45 minutes.

    Step 2

    Crush lemongrass stalk with side of a heavy knife (to release oils), then thinly slice. Add lemongrass, ginger, and chile to coconut mixture and bring to a boil. Remove pan from heat and let stand, covered, 30 minutes.

    Step 3

    Pour sauce through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, discarding solids, then return to pan and bring to a boil. Season with salt. Blend sauce in a blender until frothy, about 30 seconds (use caution when blending hot liquids). Serve immediately.

Read More
A veg-forward main or gets-along-with-everyone side.
A glug of lemon-lime soda gives this pound cake a citrusy zip and tender crumb.
Like a cucumber-cilantro chutney sandwich and scallop piccata.
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
Like airy lemon chiffon cake and a Cadbury egg–inspired tart.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Think a Hugo spritz, a gin basil smash, and plenty more patio-ready pours.