all the flavor of coconut milk is in the fat, so when the fat is taken out, the flavor goes with it! You’re better off using less regular coconut milk and adding water or stock to lighten it.

Thai soya sauce is quite light compared to Chinese and Japanese soy sauce and has a different flavor, though it’s fine to substitute regular soy sauce found at any grocery store. If you must choose between dark and light, choose light; dark soy sauce is used primarily to add color to food.

Red and green varieties can be found at well-stocked supermarkets. Both have notes of galangal, lemongrass and coriander root. Green is flavored with fresh green chiles and red with dried red chiles.