15 Recipes To Use Up Canned Coconut Milk

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.

Grab-and-Go Oatmeal Chia Cups

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.

Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Chili Mayo

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.

Pressure Cooker Saag Tofu

Simply Recipes Contributor Coco Morante says, "When shopping for frozen spinach, look for the chopped loosely-packed variety that comes in a bag. If all you can find is spinach frozen in a solid block, make sure to defrost it before adding it to the pot."

Uses 1/4 cup coconut milk.

Curry Chickpea-Loaded Baked Potatoes

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.

Coconut Cupcakes with Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting

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.

Vegan Chocolate Frosting

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.

Paleo Hot Cocoa

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.

Coconut White Russian

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 cocktail 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.

Adobo Chicken Meatballs

Simply Recipes Contributor Coco Morante says, "This recipe works well with other ground meats than chicken. Ground pork makes for slightly richer meatballs, and ground turkey has a more assertive flavor but is good, too. For leaner meatballs, use ground chicken breast or turkey breast. Plant-based chicken “grind” works, too"

Uses 1/2 cup coconut milk.

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.

Zanzibar Pilau (Rice Pilaf)

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.

Iced Chai Latte

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.

Vegan Alfredo Sauce

Simply Recipes Contributors Julie and Amy Luxemberg say, "You can use roasted and/or salted cashews, but the sauce will have a nuttier flavor and darker color. Adjust the salt accordingly."

Uses 1 cup coconut milk.

Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Simply Recipes Contributor Kathy Strahs says, "Many recipes for green bean casserole call for canned green beans, which will work in a pinch, as will frozen but for this recipe I like to use fresh green beans. I blanch the green beans, cooking them briefly in boiling water so they remain gently crisp, then plunge them into an ice bath to retain their bright, green color."

Uses 1 cup coconut milk.

Strawberry Almond Oat Smoothie

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

Uses 1 cup coconut milk.