Leftover Canned Coconut Milk? Use it in One of These 15 Recipes (2024)

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Don’t let leftover canned coconut milk go to waste! Use it up in breakfast recipes like grab-and-go chia cups, quick and easy dinners like coconut shrimp, or treats like coconut cupcakes.

By

Rachel Knecht

Rachel Knecht

Rachel Knecht turned her home baking into a career in 2016 when she began working as the head baker at The Greenbean Coffeehouse in Seattle, WA. Afterwards, she started Baking with Rachel (her blog), began teaching kids' cooking classes, and recipe tested for the cookbook "Let's Stay In" by Ashley Rodriguez.

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and

Robin Shreeves

Robin Shreeves

Robin Shreeves is a food and beverage writer.

Learn about Simply Recipes'Editorial Process

Updated May 26, 2022

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Leftover Canned Coconut Milk? Use it in One of These 15 Recipes (1)

I’m one of those people that saves every scrap of food. Look in my fridge and you’ll find mini containers strewn throughout containing leftover beans or tomato sauce that I don’t want to toss down the drain.

More often than not, I’ll find a use for these leftover ingredients. When it comes to coconut milk, I might stir it in my morning oatmeal or swirl in a warming soup. Even if you only have a little coconut milk leftover from last night’s curry it’s easy to find a way to use it up.

For the recipes below, look for brands of canned, unsweetened, full-fat coconut milk (not coconut extract). It might also have water, guar gum in the ingredient list. Cream of coconut, coconut water, and coconut cream are different products that have different uses.

What about lite coconut milk? Well, it will work most of the time but because it has less fat, it does not have the same amount of coconut flavor. Be sure to check the recipe before making substitutions as it can impact the final dish.

When storing leftover coconut milk, make sure you date the container and keep it refrigerated. It’s best to use coconut milk within seven days. You can also freeze it by pouring it into ice cube trays. It will keep in the freezer for up to one month.

— Rachel Knecht

Robin Shreeves joins Rachel in creating this list.

  • Grab-and-Go Oatmeal Chia Cups

    Leftover Canned Coconut Milk? Use it in One of These 15 Recipes (2)

    I’m all about finding easy, breezy breakfast options, especially on school days. Sub the milk for coconut milk and layer in mason jars on the weekend for breakfast all week long. —RK

    Uses 1/3 cup coconut milk.

    Get Recipe

  • Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Chili Mayo

    Leftover Canned Coconut Milk? Use it in One of These 15 Recipes (3)

    My family loves shrimp, especially when breaded and fried! Two tablespoons of coconut milk added to the batter enhances the coconut flavor. These make a great appetizer or serve alongside Ginger Beef Stir Fry to complete the meal. —RK

    Uses 2 tablespoons coconut milk.

  • Quick Green Curry Chicken with Zucchini Noodles

    Leftover Canned Coconut Milk? Use it in One of These 15 Recipes (4)

    This recipe uses store-bought green curry paste but you could always make your own. Coconut milk is added to the chicken to create a creamy curry sauce sure to delight everyone at the table. —RK

    Uses 3/4 cup coconut milk.

    Get Recipe

  • Curry Chickpea-Loaded Baked Potatoes

    Leftover Canned Coconut Milk? Use it in One of These 15 Recipes (5)

    Speaking of curry, how about this vegan version for your next baked potato bar? Baked potatoes are an inexpensive and nutritious option for weeknight cooking. It can be made ahead and quickly warmed up whenever the troops are hungry. —RK

    Uses 1 cup coconut milk.

    Get Recipe

    Continue to 5 of 15 below.

  • Coconut Cupcakes with Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting

    Leftover Canned Coconut Milk? Use it in One of These 15 Recipes (6)

    Use a cup of coconut milk in place of the usual dairy variety, which boosts the coconut flavor in these tender cupcakes. Of course, the coconut doesn’t stop there, sweetened shredded coconut is in both the cake and frosting. —RK

    Uses 1 cup coconut milk.

    Get Recipe

  • Coconut Banana Cream Pie

    Leftover Canned Coconut Milk? Use it in One of These 15 Recipes (7)

    Use up overripe bananas and leftover coconut milk in the same recipe! The pie custard uses both whole milk and full-fat coconut milk for a luscious filling. The graham cracker crust is a cinch and can be made ahead of time if needed. —RK

    Uses 1 1/4 cup coconut milk.

    Get Recipe

  • Vegan Chocolate Frosting

    Leftover Canned Coconut Milk? Use it in One of These 15 Recipes (8)

    Coconut milk is a great dairy alternative for anyone following a vegan diet or with a dairy intolerance. An added bonus is that chocolate and coconut is a classic flavor combination, meaning this frosting tastes spectacular even if dairy is still on the menu. —RK

    Uses 3/4 cup coconut milk.

    Get Recipe

  • Paleo Hot Cocoa

    Leftover Canned Coconut Milk? Use it in One of These 15 Recipes (9)

    You’re gonna want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for when the temperature drops. Make the chocolate syrup and then mix it with warm coconut milk for a deliciously cozy drink. —RK

    Uses 1 cup coconut milk.

    Get Recipe

    Continue to 9 of 15 below.

  • Coconut White Russian

    Leftover Canned Coconut Milk? Use it in One of These 15 Recipes (10)

    While the kids are sipping on hot cocoa, how about a drink for the grown-ups? It's super simple – just vodka, coffee liqueur, and coconut milk. This co*cktail is perfect for using up leftover coconut milk because it's easy to adjust the amounts to your personal preference. Cheers! —RK

    Uses coconut milk to taste.

    Get Recipe

  • Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff

    Extra mushrooms replace the beef in this creamy stroganoff, and coconut milk replaces the usual sour cream. Perfect vegan comfort food for a cold winter day. —RS

    Uses 1/2 cup coconut milk.

    Get Recipe

  • Zanzibar Pilau (Rice Pilaf)

    Leftover Canned Coconut Milk? Use it in One of These 15 Recipes (12)

    Basmati rice — infused with aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves bloomed in butter then cooked in coconut milk — becomes rice pilaf-like in this recipe. It makes a flavorful base for meat stews, vegetables, or beans. —RS

    Uses 1/2 cup coconut milk.

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  • Iced Chai Latte

    Leftover Canned Coconut Milk? Use it in One of These 15 Recipes (13)

    Save money by making your own iced chai latte that's better than what you'll get at the café. You can use whatever kind of milk you want in the drink so it's a perfect way to use up leftover coconut milk. —RS

    Uses coconut milk to taste.

    Get Recipe

    Continue to 13 of 15 below.

  • Grilled Tofu Satay (Sate) with Spicy Peanut Sauce

    Leftover Canned Coconut Milk? Use it in One of These 15 Recipes (14)

    There's coconut milk in the peanut sauce used for this satay. And, if you have leftover peanut sauce, toss it with noodles or as a dip for veggies, stretching your leftover coconut milk even further. —RS

    Uses 1/4 cup coconut milk.

    Get Recipe

  • Vegan Biscuits

    Leftover Canned Coconut Milk? Use it in One of These 15 Recipes (15)

    Substitute equal amounts of coconut milk for the almond milk in these fluffy, tender, full-of-flavor biscuits. —RS

    Uses 1/2 cup coconut milk.

    Get Recipe

  • Strawberry Almond Oat Smoothie

    Leftover Canned Coconut Milk? Use it in One of These 15 Recipes (16)

    Substitute coconut milk for the almond milk in this smoothie. It still some almond flavor from almond extract. —RS

    Uses 1 cup coconut milk.

    Get Recipe

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Leftover Canned Coconut Milk? Use it in One of These 15 Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What to do with leftover coconut milk from can? ›

Robin Shreeves joins Rachel in creating this list.
  1. Grab-and-Go Oatmeal Chia Cups. ...
  2. Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Chili Mayo. ...
  3. Quick Green Curry Chicken with Zucchini Noodles. ...
  4. Curry Chickpea-Loaded Baked Potatoes. ...
  5. Coconut Cupcakes with Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting. ...
  6. Coconut Banana Cream Pie. ...
  7. Vegan Chocolate Frosting. ...
  8. Paleo Hot Cocoa.

What can I use canned coconut milk for? ›

Use It to Replace Dairy in Creamy Sides

Add rich, creamy texture and nuttiness to classic dishes like creamed spinach and mashed sweet potatoes using this non-dairy option. You can also mix it into rice to delicious effect—coconut rice is just about one of the most irresistible ways to use canned coconut milk.

Can you save leftover canned coconut milk? ›

Canned coconut milk spoils quickly, so pour whatever you don't use into ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen, pop them out and store in a freezer bag. Add the cubes to the blender when making fruit smoothies, or to flavor a pot of hot soup or stew. The cubes may also be thawed overnight in the refrigerator.

What can I do with expired canned coconut milk? ›

Safe Consumption After Expiration Date

An unopened can of coconut milk may still be safe to consume after the expiration date, provided it was stored properly and shows no signs of damage. It's definitive if the can is undamaged and the contents do not exhibit any signs of spoilage.

Can you turn coconut milk into whipped cream? ›

Scooping hardened coconut cream into a mixing bowl and leaving any clear liquid behind (reserve for smoothies, etc.) Whipping with a hand mixer or stand mixer until light peaks form. Optionally sweetening with sifted powdered sugar or stevia to taste (liquid sweeteners can weigh it down)

How long can leftover coconut milk last in the fridge? ›

We've found that leftover coconut milk will last up to a week in the fridge with no depreciation in quality, but we wondered if we could freeze it to make it last even longer.

Can I put coconut milk in coffee? ›

The taste of coconut milk in coffee is refreshing and slightly sweet. You can buy sweetened or unsweetened coconut milk to use in your coffee. However, most people prefer sweetened coconut milk. You will enjoy subtle hints of coconut flavor with creamy undertones and a refreshing finish.

Is canned coconut milk good for baking? ›

The best option for cooking and baking is canned coconut due to its thickness and ability to pair well with bold spices. Asian inspired flavor profiles make wonderful sauces and stews when simmered in rich coconut milk.

Can I use coconut milk on my hair? ›

Coconut milk is a fantastic natural hair moisturizer. People have traditionally used these ingredients to boost hair growth. Combining them moisturizes hair while reducing hair loss. Mix one cup of pure aloe vera juice with two cups of coconut milk to prepare this moisturizer.

How can you tell if canned coconut milk has gone bad? ›

To know if your coconut milk has gone bad, smelling it is the first and best test. If the milk gives off a pungent or sour odor, instead of a neutral or slightly sweet smell, it's time for it to hit the bin. Another way to know if your coconut milk is bad is to see if it has curdled, which will turn it gritty or lumpy.

Can dogs have coconut milk? ›

Coconut milk is not toxic to dogs and can even offer a few health benefits, such as strengthening the immune system, freshening their breath, and improving the appearance of their coat. However, too much coconut milk or coconut milk-based foods might cause diarrhea or loose stools in your dog.

Why did my coconut milk go bad? ›

Once any type of coconut milk has been opened, it will begin to spoil. Thicker coconut milks will stay good for seven to ten days in the refrigerator, while thinner milks will spoil in about seven days.

How long is canned coconut milk good for once opened? ›

Comparison of coconut milk shelf life
Shelf life – room temperatureShelf life – refrigerator, opened
Canned coconut milk2-5 years7-10 days
Carton coconut milk6-12 months7-10 days
Jun 16, 2023

Is canned coconut milk the same as coconut cream? ›

Compared to normal coconut milk, coconut cream has a much higher fat content, containing around 19-22% fat. Coconut cream still retains the delicious coconut flavor that coconut milk has, but is much thicker as it is essentially coconut milk with less water.

How long does leftover canned coconut milk last? ›

Once opened, you should put any unused coconut milk in the fridge right away, where it can last for 7 to 10 days. However, some brands of coconut milk may last longer, up to 14 days.

Can you freeze coconut milk that comes in a can? ›

Opened canned coconut milk lasts up to 5 days refrigerated. If the can is unopened, it lasts for 2 to 5 years: so the pantry is your best bet for long-term storage! But if you've opened the can, the best way to preserve it is in the freezer, where it lasts for up to 6 months.

How long can coconut milk last in a can? ›

Unopened and half-opened cans of coconut milk have different expiration dates. An unopened can will have a shelf-life of two to five years, while an opened can will only last you about a week.

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