Making Coconut Milk from Scratch
Extract coconut milk by blending freshly grated coconut meat with hot water and pressing the liquid through a fine-mesh nut milk bag or cheesecloth. The ratio of water to coconut determines the richness, with two cups of water per coconut yielding a standard milk suitable for most recipes.
Freshness determines the yield.
Look for a mature coconut that sounds heavy and sloshes when shaken. Ensure the eyes are clean and mold-free before cracking.
- hammer or heavy knife
- grater or food processor
- nut milk bag or double-layered cheesecloth
- mixing bowl
What goes in.
- 1 largemature brown coconut
- 2 cupshot water (not boiling)
Extraction mechanics
The secret is in the pressure applied during straining. A firm, twisting grip on the bag ensures you extract the natural oils along with the liquid.
The method.
Open the coconut
Pierce the softest eye with a screwdriver to drain the coconut water first. Wrap the nut in a kitchen towel and tap the equator firmly with a hammer until it splits into two or three large pieces.
Remove and grate
Use a butter knife to pry the white meat away from the shell. Peel off any woody brown skin attached to the meat, then grate it finely or pulse it in a food processor until it resembles coarse snow.
Blend
Place the grated coconut in a blender. Pour the hot water over it and pulse until the mixture is thick and pulpy.
Strain
Place your nut milk bag over a bowl. Pour the mixture in, then gather the edges of the bag. Twist the top tightly and squeeze with both hands until no more liquid flows out.
When it doesn't go to plan.
Save the leftover coconut pulp; spread it on a baking sheet and dry it in a low oven to make homemade desiccated coconut.
If you want thinner 'light' milk, repeat the straining process using the same pulp and a second batch of warm water.
Use water just below boiling; high heat can cook the proteins and make the milk grainy.
The ones that keep coming up.
How long does fresh coconut milk keep?
It lasts up to three days in the refrigerator stored in a sealed glass jar.
Why did my milk separate?
Separation is natural. The cream will rise to the top while the water settles at the bottom. Shake the jar vigorously before use.
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