This little kitchen hack is so easy . . .
It almost feels like cheating, but of all the methods I’ve used to make coconut milk it actually delivers the best results. (And I’ve used a few – you can watch my daughter and I make coconut milk from fresh coconut here and coconut flakes here.)
Rich in immune-boosting lauric acid, bone building phosphorous and soothing magnesium, coconut milk is one of my favorite kitchen ingredients. I especially love it in soft-serve ice cream, coconut creme brulee, raspberry custard tartlets, fudge pudding pops, though it makes a fantastic base for dairy-free shrimp chowder, too.
Why not just buy the canned stuff?
Sometimes I do! But there are two main reasons I don’t use it very often:
BPA
Manufacturers can slap on the “BPA-Free” label even if their products still contain toxic bisphenol. You can read more about that here.
Additives
Canned coconut milk often contains thickeners like guar gum and xanthan gum, which can cause digestive problems in some people. Xanthan gum in particular can be problematic for people sensitive to corn, soy, dairy, or wheat, since it is a product of bacterial fermentation that is often grown on those mediums.
Personally, I’ve noticed that my stomach feels a little “off” after consuming coconut milk that contains guar or xanthan gum, so I prefer additive-free.
Are there any good brands of coconut milk available?
There are a few brands that I know of that do not have any thickeners or additives. Here are my “go to” options if I’m using pre-made.
This method is so quick and easy, though, that I don’t even consider pre-made unless I can’t get coconut cream concentrate.
How To Make Coconut Milk From Coconut Cream
Ingredients
- ¾ cup water
- 2 tbsp coconut cream concentrate (also known as coconut butter, or more if you want a creamier milk)
Instructions
Method One:
- Pour coconut cream and water into a blender and mix until smooth. An immersion blender works, too!
- Optional step: If you’re using the coconut milk for baking, the above steps should be sufficient. However, if you’re drinking it and want a smoother texture, allow the coconut milk to thicken and then strain it through cheesecloth before serving.
Method Two:
- Stir coconut cream into hot water until dissolved.
- Optional step: If you’re using the coconut milk for baking, the above steps should be sufficient. However, if you’re drinking it and want a smoother texture, allow the coconut milk to thicken and then strain it through cheesecloth before serving.
