Coconut milk is a versatile ingredient used in many dishes like curries, stews, desserts, and more. When you open a can of coconut milk, you rarely use the whole can at once. This leaves you with some leftover coconut milk. Rather than letting it go to waste, there are many delicious ways to use up that leftover coconut milk.
Quick answers to what you can do with leftover coconut milk:
Make coconut rice:
Cook rice in coconut milk instead of water for rich, creamy coconut rice. The coconut milk gives the rice fantastic flavor.
Add to smoothies:
Add a spoonful of leftover coconut milk to your morning smoothie. It provides natural creaminess and richness.
Make coconut whipped cream:
Chill a can of coconut milk overnight, then whip it until fluffy to make dairy-free whipped cream. Sweeten it if desired.
Use in curry:
Stir leftover coconut milk into any Thai or Indian curry dish to add more coconut flavor.
Make dessert:
Use leftover coconut milk to make coconut pudding, ice cream, chia seed pudding, or overnight oats.
Add to coffee/tea:
Stir a spoonful of coconut milk into your morning coffee or tea as a creamy, non-dairy addition.
Make coconut yogurt:
Add some leftover coconut milk to yogurt to create an easy coconut yogurt.
Ways to use up leftover coconut milk:
Now let’s go into more detail on the many ways you can use up leftover canned coconut milk.
1. Make coconut rice
One of the easiest ways to use extra coconut milk is to make coconut rice. Simply use coconut milk instead of regular milk or water when cooking rice.
The method is simple:
– Measure out the desired amount of rice as you normally would and rinse until the water runs clear.
– In a pot, add the coconut milk and rice. The coconut milk should be double the volume of rice (i.e. 1 cup rice : 2 cups coconut milk).
– Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and has absorbed the milk.
– Fluff the rice with a fork before serving. Season with a pinch of salt.
The coconut milk gives the rice a creamy texture and wonderful tropical flavor. Coconut rice pairs especially well with curries and stews. Leftover coconut rice can also be used in fried rice dishes.
2. Add to smoothies
Another way to use extra canned coconut milk is to add it to smoothies. The coconut milk adds natural creaminess and richness to blended fruit smoothies.
Start with your favorite smoothie base of fruits, veggies, greens, or protein powder. Then simply pour 1-4 tablespoons of leftover coconut milk into the blender.
Some delicious smoothie ideas with coconut milk include:
– Pineapple coconut smoothie – pineapple, banana, coconut milk, ice
– Piña colada smoothie – pineapple, banana, coconut milk, rum (optional)
– Coconut berry smoothie – mixed berries, banana, spinach, coconut milk
– Mango lassi smoothie – mango, yogurt, coconut milk, ginger, cardamom
The coconut milk imparts a silky texture and nice coconut flavor. You can adjust the amount of coconut milk depending on how thick you want your smoothie.
3. Make coconut whipped cream
Looking for a dairy-free whipped cream? Leftover coconut milk makes easy, decadent coconut whipped cream.
Chill a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight in the refrigerator. When ready to make the whipped cream, open the can and scoop out the solidified coconut cream into a mixing bowl, leaving the coconut water behind.
Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip the coconut cream on high speed until fluffy and stiff peaks form, about 2-5 minutes. Add vanilla extract or sugar to taste.
Use the coconut whipped cream just like regular whipped cream on top of pies, cakes, pancakes, coffee drinks and more. It holds its shape well and provides a sweet coconut flavor. Refrigerate any unused whipped cream.
4. Use in curry dishes
Coconut milk is a staple ingredient in many Thai and Indian curry dishes. If you have leftover coconut milk, stir it into any curry to add more richness, creaminess and coconut flavor.
For example, add a spoonful of coconut milk to:
– Thai red or green curry
– Massaman curry
– Korma or tikka masala
– Lentil or chickpea curry
– Vegetable curry
The extra coconut milk will thin out thicker curry sauces and amplify the coconut notes. Adjust any seasonings to taste after adding the milk.
You can also use thicker coconut cream at the top of a can to make your curry extra luxurious. Scoop it out and stir into the hot curry just before serving.
5. Make coconut-based desserts
If you have a sweet tooth, leftover coconut milk is perfect for making creamy dairy-free desserts at home.
A few ideas:
– Coconut pudding – Heat coconut milk with eggs and sugar to make a rich custard-like pudding.
– Coconut chia seed pudding – Combine coconut milk, chia seeds, sweetener and vanilla. Let sit to thicken.
– Coconut rice pudding – Simmer rice in coconut milk with sugar and spices.
– Coconut ice cream – Blend coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk and flavorings, then freeze in an ice cream maker.
– Coconut yogurt – Stir coconut milk into plain yogurt for a coconut version. Let sit to reach desired thickness.
You can customize coconut milk desserts in endless ways with flavors like chocolate, coffee, berries, mango, pineapple, passionfruit, etc. They make simple yet impressive finales to any meal.
6. Add to coffee and tea
For coconut coffee and tea lovers, leftover coconut milk is perfect for adding a creamy, tropical twist to your morning brews.
Simply add 1-2 tablespoons of coconut milk to your mug of coffee or tea. The coconut milk adds a touch of sweetness and takes the place of regular milk or cream.
Coconut milk pairs especially nicely with coffees and teas like:
– Cafe latte
– Cappuccino
– Coffee milk tea
– Chai tea latte
– Thai tea
– Dirty chai latte
– Iced coffee
You can also froth coconut milk as you would regular milk to make a dairy-free foam topping for coffees. Keep coconut milk on hand to elevate your coffee breaks anytime.
7. Make coconut yogurt
Here’s a neat trick to turn regular yogurt into coconut yogurt using leftover coconut milk.
Simply stir a few spoonfuls of coconut milk into a container of plain Greek yogurt. Start with 2-4 tablespoons coconut milk per cup of yogurt. Mix until thoroughly combined.
Let the yogurt sit for 10-15 minutes to thicken back up in the fridge. The coconut milk adds great coconut flavor to the yogurt and makes it super creamy.
Use coconut yogurt just as you would regular yogurt. Top it with berries, granola, chia seeds, or swirl in jam. Coconut yogurt is delicious paired with tropical fruits like mango, pineapple and kiwi.
You can make coconut yogurt as thick or thin as you like by adjusting the amount of coconut milk you add.
Tips for saving and storing leftover coconut milk
Now that you know all the different ways to use up leftover coconut milk, here are some tips for properly storing it:
– Transfer unused coconut milk to an airtight container or jar with a tight fitting lid. This prevents it from absorbing fridge odors.
– Make sure all coconut milk is covered fully by the lid to prevent oxidation. Oxidation causes it go rancid faster.
– Write the date you opened the can on the jar, and use within 4-5 days for best quality.
– If not using within 5 days, coconut milk can be frozen for up to 3 months. Remember to leave room for expansion.
– Shake or stir the coconut milk before using, as the solids and liquid can separate when stored.
– Look for any signs of spoilage like an off smell or color before using. If it smells rancid or funky, toss it.
– When freezing, portion coconut milk into ice cube trays or muffin tins first, then transfer frozen cubes to a freezer bag. Thaw what you need.
Following proper storage methods will help extend the shelf life of your leftover canned coconut milk so nothing goes to waste.
Frequently asked questions about leftover coconut milk
How long does leftover coconut milk last in the fridge?
In the refrigerator, leftover coconut milk will generally stay good for 4-5 days after opening the can. Make sure to store it in an airtight container and keep refrigerated. Look for any signs of spoilage before using.
Can you freeze leftover coconut milk?
Yes, coconut milk freezes very well for long term storage. Transfer unused coconut milk to freezer bags or airtight containers, leaving 1⁄2 inch of headspace. It will keep for 2-3 months in the freezer. Make sure to thaw fully before using.
What’s the best way to thaw frozen coconut milk?
To thaw frozen coconut milk, place the sealed freezer bag or container in the refrigerator overnight. This allows it to slowly defrost. You can also defrost in the microwave using 30 second bursts, stirring between intervals. Avoid thawing at room temp.
Why does coconut milk separate in the can?
The creamy part of coconut milk is an emulsion of coconut oil, water and solids. When the can sits for a while, the heavier cream separates and floats to the top while the thinner liquid sinks. This is completely natural – simply stir or shake the can before using to reincorporate.
Is it okay to drink leftover coconut water from a can?
Yes, the leftover coconut water from a can of coconut milk is perfectly safe and delicious to drink! The coconut water stays fresh 4-5 days in the fridge. Drink it plain or add it to smoothies.
Conclusion
Leftover coconut milk is a versatile ingredient with many uses beyond the original recipe. With just a little creativity, you can transform leftover coconut milk into delicious meals, baked goods, beverages and more. Proper storage will help your extra coconut milk stay fresh.
Next time you crack open a can, make sure to note all these handy ways to use up every last drop before it goes bad. Your tastebuds and wallet will thank you. Coconut milk is liquid gold – so avoid wasting that leftover liquid gold and put it to flavorful use in both sweet and savory dishes.
