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

FAQs

What can you do with coconut milk waste? ›

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.

The robust notes of coffee seamlessly intertwine with the creamy, subtle sweetness of canned coconut milk. This delightful fusion results in a cup that's both indulgent and refreshing. So, when you ask, "Can I use canned coconut milk in coffee?" the answer is a resounding yes.

Of course, portion control is important considering the calorie count of coconut milk, but as a part of a healthy diet, it provides necessary fatty acids in addition to other minerals that support weight loss and detoxification.

If you want to reduce or eliminate the taste of coconut milk when cooking, here are some tips you can try: Dilute with water or other liquids: You can dilute the coconut milk by mixing it with water, chicken broth, or vegetable broth. This will reduce the overall coconut flavor in the dish.

Some signs that coconut milk has gone bad include a sour or off odor, curdling, separation of the liquid and solids, or the presence of mold. If the milk appears thicker or clumpy, or has an unusual color, these are also indicators that it has gone bad.

An unopened can will have a shelf-life of 2–5 years, while an opened can will only last you about a week. Coconut milk also comes in cartons on shelves. Once opened, these cartons must be refrigerated and will last for seven to 10 days. If it's unopened, it will most likely last 2–3 weeks after the date on the package.

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.

Coconut milk is a byproduct of a coconut, and its organic nature means that it will eventually turn. Coconut milk lasts for around one week when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and about a month in the freezer.

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.

Can you use canned coconut milk in cereal? ›

Coconut milk is also a great dairy free option for cereals, oatmeals, and even coffee creamer. Many traditional curries and Thai soups call for canned coconut milk, and it can also be used in baked goods.

It is true that coconut adds some of its natural flavor to coffee, but it does not overpower a good brew. Far from it. Coffee and coconut combine with ease, as though they were made for each other. We find the resulting richness to be utterly satisfying.

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.

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.

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.

The Takeaway

Coconut milk is a byproduct of a coconut, and its organic nature means that it will eventually turn. Coconut milk lasts for around one week when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and about a month in the freezer.