What To Do With The Cream In Canned Coconut Milk

Embracing separation — using coconut cream and coconut water separately

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There are numerous ways to incorporate coconut cream and water into various recipes after they have separated. In fact, some dishes require you to use just one of the two. To achieve separation, simply chill the can in the refrigerator for several hours; it's advisable to do this the night before you plan to cook.

Once the coconut milk is adequately chilled, the cream will become thick and solid. You can either open the can from the top and gently scoop out the cream with a spoon, or you can open it from the bottom and pour out the water before accessing the creamy solids. This coconut base is ideal for creating coconut whipped cream, vegan frosting, or rich, indulgent smoothies.

Even if your recipe only calls for coconut cream, don’t forget to save the coconut water, as it is equally versatile. A simple way to use it is by adding it to drinks to stay hydrated, as it is packed with potassium, magnesium, and other essential minerals. When combined with chicken stock and ginger, it creates a flavorful broth perfect for cooking rice. If you can’t use it immediately, coconut water freezes well too. You can add ice cubes to smoothies or use it to elevate your homemade ice pop recipes.