What To Do With Extra Coconut Milk

Extra coconut milk can be used in curries, smoothies, soups, baked goods, and even coffee so nothing goes to waste.
 
If you’ve ever opened a can for a recipe and ended up staring at the leftover half wondering what to do with extra coconut milk, you’re definitely not alone.
 
That rich, creamy liquid is too good to toss, and luckily there are plenty of ways to put extra coconut milk to good use.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through the best ways to use up extra coconut milk, how to store it properly, and a few clever tricks that make leftover coconut milk a total kitchen hero.
 
Let’s get into it.

What to Do With Extra Coconut Milk in the Kitchen

There are so many delicious ways to use extra coconut milk, and here are some of the best.
 

1. Stir It Into Curries and Soups

The easiest thing to do with extra coconut milk is to pour it into a curry or soup.
 
A splash of coconut milk adds instant creaminess to dal, chickpea curry, or a simple vegetable soup.
 
It mellows out spice and gives everything a silky texture without any dairy.
 
If you’re already cooking a curry, just swap in your extra coconut milk for the cream or yogurt the recipe calls for.
 

2. Blend It Into Smoothies

Extra coconut milk makes smoothies taste like a tropical vacation.
 
Toss a few frozen bananas, berries, and a spoonful of extra coconut milk into your blender for a thick, creamy treat.
 
It works especially well in place of milk or yogurt in smoothie recipes, and it adds a subtle coconut flavor that pairs beautifully with mango and pineapple.
 

3. Use It in Baked Goods

If you’re wondering what to do with extra coconut milk when you’re in a baking mood, this one’s for you.
 
You can substitute extra coconut milk for regular milk in muffins, pancakes, and cakes.
 
It keeps baked goods moist and adds a lovely richness.
 
Just stir the can well first, since full-fat coconut milk separates at the top.
 

4. Add a Splash to Your Coffee

Extra coconut milk is a fantastic dairy-free creamer.
 
Just whisk a spoonful into your morning coffee or tea for a creamy, tropical twist.
 
It’s simple, fast, and a great way to use up extra coconut milk before it goes bad.
 

5. Make Coconut Rice

Cooking rice with extra coconut milk instead of water is one of the tastiest ways to use it up.
 
Swap half the water for coconut milk and your rice turns rich, fragrant, and downright addictive.
 
This trick works great with jasmine rice, and it pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or stir-fries.

How to Store Extra Coconut Milk So It Lasts

Once you’ve opened a can, proper storage is key to keeping your extra coconut milk fresh.
 

1. Refrigerate It in an Airtight Container

Transfer any leftover coconut milk from the can into a glass jar or airtight container.
 
Opened coconut milk generally lasts about four to five days in the fridge.
 

2. Freeze It for Later

If you won’t use extra coconut milk within a few days, freeze it.
 
Pour leftover coconut milk into an ice cube tray and freeze.
 
Then pop the cubes out and store them in a freezer bag, so you can drop a cube or two into curries and smoothies whenever you need them.
 

3. Watch for Spoilage Signs

Give your extra coconut milk a sniff before using it, and check for any discoloration or curdling.
 
If it smells sour or looks off, toss it.

Other Clever Uses for Extra Coconut Milk

Beyond cooking, there are a few surprising things you can do with extra coconut milk.
 

1. Make Dairy-Free Ice Cream

Blend extra coconut milk with frozen fruit and a little honey, then freeze it for a simple homemade dairy-free ice cream.
 

2. Whip It Into Coconut Whipped Cream

Chill a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight and whip the thick cream at the top for a dairy-free topping.
 

3. Use It as a Hair Mask

Believe it or not, extra coconut milk can double as a moisturizing hair treatment.
 
Massage it into your hair, let it sit for twenty minutes, and rinse.
 

4. Stir It Into Oatmeal

Cook your oats with extra coconut milk instead of water for a creamy, flavorful breakfast.

So, What to Do With Extra Coconut Milk?

Extra coconut milk can be used in curries, smoothies, soups, baked goods, and even coffee so nothing goes to waste.
 
Whether you stir it into a curry, freeze it in cubes, or blend it into a smoothie, there’s no shortage of ways to put extra coconut milk to work.
 
Store it properly, use it within a few days or freeze it, and you’ll never have to wonder what to do with extra coconut milk again.