Sometimes a recipe calls for just half a tin or a spoonful of coconut milk, and you’re stuck with the rest. Instead of instinctively shoving it into the fridge, just for it to go off a couple of days later, reduce your potential food waste by freezing it! Here’s how.
Can you freeze coconut milk?
Absolutely! Freezing coconut milk is one of the best ways to store any remaining amounts after opening the can or carton. You can freeze it in smaller quantities, which are more useful to use in smoothies, sauces, curries, and more.
The ice cube method
Ice cube trays hold the perfect amount of liquid for freezing leftover coconut milk (or any other leftover liquids you may have). Holding up to a tablespoon or two, having blocks of coconut milk handy in your freezer is so versatile. Decant any leftover coconut milk into ice cube trays, freeze them for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight), and then transfer the frozen cubes to a zip-lock bag.
To use, all you have to do is pop them into whatever dish you’re making, heat them up to emulsify the fat and liquid, and voila!
Other methods
Consider using zip-lock bags if the ice cube tray trick doesn’t tickle your fancy. They are perfect for creating larger and flatter blocks of frozen liquid, which makes stacking in the freezer easier.
Don’t get perturbed when the coconut milk defrosts: it will look split, chunky, and most likely, grainy. But remember, coconut milk is an emulsion of its liquids and fats. A little heat and a stick blender will return it to its former glory, in no time.
How long can you freeze coconut milk for?
Coconut milk, depending on any power outages or loadshedding, can keep for a couple of months in the freezer, easily. Remember to label freshly frozen milk to help you keep track of dates. Once defrosted, it can be kept in the fridge for up to two days.
Prevent the risk of leftover coconut milk going off before you get the chance to use it. Freezing it might end up being a more beneficial way of storing it in the first place!
Also See: Coconut Cream vs. Coconut Milk vs. Cream of Coconut: When and how to use each in your cooking
Coconut Cream vs. Coconut Milk vs. Cream of Coconut: When and how to use each in your cooking
