How to Make Coconut Milk

Many people mistake the liquid inside a coconut for coconut milk.

Coconut milk, derived from coconut meat, makes an excellent substitute for cow's milk. An essential ingredient in many Indian and Thai dishes, coconut milk has risen in popularity and usage in the U.S. As of 2011, the increased demand for coconut milk and a devastating harvest has made coconut milk an expensive and rare find in some Western countries. Fortunately, coconut milk is very easy to make at home.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup dried coconut meat, unsweetened
• 2 cups hot water
• Blender
• Strainer
• Bowl

1. Purchase dried coconut meat from a grocery store or market.

2. Place the dried coconut meat and hot water in a blender.

3. Turn on the blender and mix for about 30 seconds.

4. Position the strainer over a bowl and press the mixture through the strainer.

5. Adjust the consistency of the coconut milk by adding a little extra water if necessary.

6. Store the coconut milk in the refrigerator. It will keep for about three days.

Tips & Warnings

• To extract more liquid from the coconut, press it through a cheesecloth instead of a strainer.

References

• "How to Cook Everything Vegetarian"; Mark Bittman; 2007
• "The Telegraph"; Coconut Milk Crisis as Supermarkets Run Dry; Harry Wallop; May 2011
• "Coconut Lover's Cookbook"; Bruce Fife; 2008

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish