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
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Like fattoush salad and strawberry shortcake roll.
Add a bag of potato chips and you've got yourself a party.
This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.
The most efficient method takes less than an hour, but you might not even need it.
Using two entire lemons—pith, skin, and all—cranks up the citrus flavor in this classic dessert.
Think a Hugo spritz, a gin basil smash, and plenty more patio-ready pours.