What to Do with Leftover Coconut Milk
Have you ever found yourself with some leftover coconut milk after whipping up a delicious curry or smoothie? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! It’s a common dilemma when using canned coconut milk since many recipes only call for a portion of the can. But fear not, because there are so many delightful ways to use up that leftover coconut milk and make the most out of its rich and creamy flavour.
I hate food waste, so throwing out perfectly good coconut milk really doesn’t sit right with me. Over the years, I’ve found lots of ways to make use of leftover canned coconut milk. From savoury dishes to dessert, coconut milk can be added to lots of dishes.
How to Store Leftover Coconut Milk
When you have leftover coconut milk, the chances are that you’re not going to use it up straight away. It’s essential to store it properly to maintain its quality and freshness.
Fridge
To store leftover coconut milk in the fridge, pour it into an airtight container. Make sure to close the lid tightly to prevent any air from getting in. Your coconut milk should last up to a week in the fridge with no depreciation in quality. To check for signs of spoilage, look for any changes in smell, taste, or texture.
Freezer
If you need to store your coconut milk for longer than a few days, consider freezing it. Transfer the coconut milk to an airtight container and place it in the freezer. Once it’s frozen solid, it can last for several months. To use the frozen coconut milk, thaw it in the fridge or at room temperature. It may separate a little after thawing, but you can easily mix it together again with a whisk or by shaking the container well.
Ice Cube Trays
Another convenient option to store leftover coconut milk is using ice cube trays. Pour the coconut milk into the compartments of the tray and place it in the freezer. Once the cubes are frozen, you can transfer them to an airtight container or a ziplock bag labelled with the date. This method is particularly useful when you only need a small amount of coconut milk for a recipe or a drink.
- Fill the ice cube trays with coconut milk
- Freeze until solid
- Transfer the frozen cubes to an airtight container or ziplock bag
- Label the bag with the date and keep it in the freezer
What to do with Leftover Coconut Milk – Savoury Dishes
Creamy coconut milk can be used in lots of savoury dishes, particularly spicy dishes, as the milk cools the whole dish down a touch. It’s a really versatile ingredient so don’t be afraid to experiment a little!
Coconut Rice
Enhance your regular rice dish with the rich flavour of coconut milk. Simply replace half of the water with coconut milk when cooking basmati rice. This will give the rice a creamy texture and a lovely coconut flavour that pairs well with various dishes, including curries and stews.
Add to Soups
Coconut milk is a fantastic addition to soups, providing a creamy, dairy-free alternative that adds a subtle coconut taste. Simply stir some coconut milk into your favourite soups, whether it’s a vegetable-based soup or a rich tomato-based soup. The coconut milk will provide added depth and a velvety texture. Full-fat coconut milk gives the creamiest result.
Green Curry
Green curry is a simple yet tasty Thai-inspired dish that is a perfect way to use up your leftover coconut milk. Combine it with green curry paste, vegetables, and your choice of protein (tofu, chicken, or shrimp), for an aromatic and creamy curry packed with flavour. Cook it on the hob or in an Instant Pot.
Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff
Make a delicious dairy-free mushroom stroganoff using coconut milk instead of heavy cream. Sauté mushrooms, onions, garlic, and your preferred spices, then stir in the coconut milk for a rich, creamy sauce. Serve this over pasta or rice for a satisfying vegan meal everybody will enjoy.
Red Lentil Curry
Coconut milk works beautifully with lentils for a flavourful, comforting curry. Cook red lentils with coconut milk, water, tomato sauce, and curry spices for a thick and hearty curry. Enjoy this red lentil curry on its own or with a side of rice or flatbread.
Curried Chickpeas
Coconut milk adds depth to curried chickpeas, creating a filling and satisfying dish. Sauté onions, garlic, and spices, then add the chickpeas, coconut milk, and some vegetable stock to achieve the desired consistency. Simmer and serve over rice or on a bed of sautéed greens for a healthy and delicious meal.
What to do with Leftover Coconut Milk – Sweet Dishes
It’s not just savoury dishes that benefit from adding coconut milk, plenty of sweet treats work well with it too.
Vegan Biscuits
Fancy some delicious vegan biscuits? Your leftover coconut milk can be a perfect ingredient for preparing these treats. Here’s a simple recipe to follow:
- 240g plain flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 60ml coconut oil
- 120ml leftover coconut milk
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (Gas Mark 4).
- Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl.
- Melt the coconut oil and add it to the dry ingredients, gently mixing until a dough is formed.
- Gradually add the leftover coconut milk, ensuring not to over-mix the dough.
- Roll out the dough and use a biscuit cutter to cut out your desired shapes.
- Bake the biscuits for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Let the biscuits cool, and then you’re ready to indulge in a delightful sweet snack!
Vegan Chocolate Frosting
Another fantastic way to make use of your leftover coconut milk is by creating a vegan chocolate frosting. This can be used to frost cakes, cupcakes, or biscuits. Here’s a quick recipe:
- 240ml leftover coconut milk
- 200g dairy-free chocolate, chopped
- 60ml maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Heat the coconut milk in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once the coconut milk begins to steam, remove it from the heat and add the chocolate.
- Stir until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add the maple syrup and vanilla extract, stirring until fully combined.
- Allow the frosting to cool and thicken before using it.
Using your leftover coconut milk in these two sweet dishes, you can create scrumptious treats that taste great and are vegan-friendly.
Drinks to Make with Leftover Coconut Milk
In this section, we’ll explore some tasty and refreshing drink recipes that make use of leftover coconut milk. Get ready to try some delicious smoothies, iced chai lattes, and coconut white Russians that are simple to make and perfect for using up that extra coconut milk.
Smoothies
Using coconut milk in your smoothies adds a lovely, tropical flavour and provides a rich, creamy texture. To get started, blend leftover coconut milk with ingredients of your choice, such as:
- Banana, plain yoghurt, and frozen fruit
- Frozen mango chunks, lime zest, and fresh mint
- Frozen pineapple chunks and grated fresh ginger
- Frozen raspberries and cocoa powder
Experiment with different flavours and fruit combinations to discover your favourite smoothie blend.
Iced Chai Latte
An iced chai latte with coconut milk is a delightful twist on the classic drink. To make it, follow these steps:
- Prepare a chai tea concentrate by steeping a chai tea bag in hot water for a few minutes, then remove the tea bag and let it cool down.
- Fill a glass with ice and pour the cooled chai concentrate over the ice.
- Add your desired amount of leftover coconut milk, which adds a smooth, creamy note to your iced chai latte.
- Mix well and sweeten with honey, agave syrup, or any preferred sweetener if desired.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top, and enjoy your refreshing coconut-infused iced chai latte.
Coconut White Russian
Transform the classic White Russian cocktail into a tropical treat with the addition of coconut milk. Here’s what you need to do:
- Mix 60 ml of vodka and 30 ml of coffee liqueur, such as Kahlúa in a cocktail shaker.
- Pour 60 ml of leftover coconut milk into the shaker, adding a creamy coconut twist to your cocktail.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake it vigorously.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a dusting of cocoa powder, a sprinkle of toasted coconut, or a fresh mint sprig, as you prefer.
Cheers!
Coconut milk is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of recipes. Whether you have leftover coconut milk or are looking for new ways to incorporate it into your cooking, there are plenty of options to explore. From savoury curries and soups to sweet treats like smoothies and desserts, coconut milk can add a unique flavour and creamy texture to your dishes. So don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with this tasty ingredient!