How to Make Coconut Milk 2 Ways

coconut milk in a glass bottle next to an open coconut on a table

The process to make coconut milk from dried, shredded coconut is actually pretty close to making it with fresh coconuts without the hassle of cracking open a coconut. Here you can find both ways.

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Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: coconut milk, homemade coconut milk

Prep Time: 10

Total Time: 10

Servings: servings

Calories: 187kcal

Author: Don't Mess With Mama

Equipment

Blender
Nut milk bag

Ingredients

For Making Coconut Milk With Dried Coconut

2 cups coconut flakes unsweetened
4 cups filtered water boiled

For Making Coconut Milk With Fresh Coconut

2-3 fresh young coconuts
filtered water, boiled

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

How To Make Coconut Milk Using Dried Coconut

In a Vitamix, combine the shredded coconut and boiled water.
Blend for about 5 minutes.
Pour mixture through a sieve or nut milk bag to separate liquid from coconut pieces.
Store coconut milk in the refrigerator to use as needed.

How To Make Coconut Milk with Fresh Coconuts

Either drill holes in the eyes of the coconut or use a knife to poke a hole in the eyes of the coconut. Drain the coconut water and set aside.
Take one coconut and find the seam that goes around it. Cover with a kitchen towel and hold still. Split the coconut open along the seam using a hammer. Keep turning the coconut while hitting it with a hammer along the seam until you go all the way around the coconut.
Once the coconut is open, scoop out the coconut meat and set aside. Repeat for all coconuts.
Rinse the coconut meat to remove all the brown outer pieces. In a blender, combine the coconut meat and coconut water. The coconut water volume can vary, so add boiled, filtered water to the blender as needed. I find a ratio of about 1 cup of coconut meat to 2 cups of coconut water or filtered water works best.
Blend coconut meat and water for about 2-3 minutes. Pour mixture through a sieve or nut milk bag to separate liquid from coconut pieces. Store coconut milk in the refrigerator to use as needed.

Notes

Keep the coconut pulp and follow this recipe to make Homemade Coconut Flour.

Nutrition