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Canned coconut milk is a popular ingredient in many recipes, especially in dishes that require a creamy and tropical flavor.
If you’re wondering how many cups are in a can of coconut milk, read this article to get insights into the perfect measurement before you use canned coconut milk for your next recipe!
How Many Cups In A Can Of Coconut Milk?
The answer may vary depending on the size of the can. However, the most commonly available cans of coconut milk come in a standard 12-ounce size.
Since a cup is equivalent to eight ounces, a can of coconut milk would contain one and a half cups. This measurement is useful to know when following recipes that call for a specific amount of coconut milk. If a recipe requires two cups of coconut milk, you would need to use approximately one and one-third cans.
It’s important to note that different brands and varieties of canned coconut milk may have slightly different volumes. Some cans may contain more or less than the standard 12 ounces. It’s always a good idea to check the label on the can for the exact volume before using it in your recipes.
If you prefer to measure coconut milk in milliliters, it’s worth knowing that there are approximately 4.22 cups in 1000 milliliters of coconut milk. This measurement can be useful if you come across recipes that use metric units or if you prefer to work with milliliters in your cooking.
How Many Oz Is A Standard Can Of Coconut Milk?
Coconut milk comes in 13-ounce cans. Coconut milk comes in a can with two-thirds coconut extract and one-third coconut water. This combination makes coconut milk creamy and rich, suitable for flavoring many recipes.
Varied brands have varied can sizes and weights, but they all contain the same amount of coconut milk. Some brands sell 8-ounce cans of coconut milk, while others sell 16- or 20-ounce cans. Variations are mostly for recipe needs and serving sizes.
The measurement of coconut milk depends on its use. A measuring cup can be used to pour and measure coconut milk for a recipe.
This is a practical way to measure coconut milk for baking or cooking.
What Size Is A Can Of Coconut Milk?
Coconut milk usually comes in 400-milliliter or half-liter cans. These cans are larger than commercially prepared canned milk. The larger size lets cooks use more coconut milk and makes it easier to utilize.
Coconut milk contains desiccated coconut, coconut cream, and water. Most canned coconut milk does not contain sugar or preservatives, making it healthier than other canned milk products.
Coconut milk comes in 13.5-ounce cans. This US quantity yields enough for coconut milk for recipes.
Knowing the US cup-to-ounce conversion helps measure coconut milk in cups. Coconut milk weighs 8.04 ounces per US cup. Thus, 16.1 ounces of coconut milk is needed for a 2-cup dish. 4 cups of coconut milk is 32.2 ounces, and 5 cups is 40.2.
What Is The Weight Of A Can Of Coconut Milk?
In a half-cup of coconut milk, there are approximately 114 grams. This measurement is based on the US cup system, which is commonly used in recipes. It’s important to note that the weight may vary slightly depending on the brand and the consistency of the coconut milk.
To provide a more comprehensive understanding, here is a conversion chart for coconut milk from US cups to grams:
- 1/8 cup (US) = 28.5 grams
- 1/4 cup (US) = 57 grams
- 1/3 cup (US) = 76 grams
- 1/2 cup (US) = 114 grams
This chart can be useful if you’re working with a recipe that requires a specific amount of coconut milk in grams. It allows you to accurately measure and add the desired quantity to your dish.
What Is The Maximum Amount Of Milk That One Can Will Produce?
The maximum cup-measured milk production depends on the type of milk. Condensed milk yields 3 1/2 to 8 ounces, depending on size.
Vaporized milk yields 14 1/2 ounces, or 1-2/3 cups.
Things You Can Make With Half A Can Of Coconut Milk
If you find yourself with half a can of coconut milk leftover from a recipe, don’t let it go to waste! Here are a few creative ways to utilize that remaining coconut milk in your regular cooking:
- Rice: Coconut milk makes rice creamy and delicious. Cook rice with half coconut milk and half water. The fragrant, fluffy rice goes with many recipes.
- Bowls made with oats and chia seeds: Overnight oats and chia seed pudding can be made with coconut milk. Add half a can of coconut milk, oats or chia seeds, sweeteners, and toppings like fruits, nuts, or spices. After refrigerating the mixture overnight, you’ll enjoy a creamy breakfast or snack.
- Smoothies: Coconut milk makes smoothies creamy and tropical. Mix half a can of coconut milk with your favorite fruits, vegetables, and add-ins like protein powder or nut butter. Enjoy a healthy smoothie after blending.
- Soups and stews: Coconut milk makes soups and stews creamy. Make curries, chowders, and noodle soups with it. Coconut milk sweetens and enhances soups and stews.
- Bechamel without the dairy: Coconut milk can replace dairy in bechamel if you’re lactose sensitive or vegan. It replaces milk or cream in bechamel sauce. Coconut milk provides taste and creaminess.
Out Of Ideas With Coconut Milk? Here Are Recipes You Can Try!
Coconut milk works great for vegan, dairy-free, or paleo diets. Here are some recipes to try with your freshly made creation!
Thai Coconut Soup (Tom Kha Gai)
Tom Kha Gai is a delicious Thai soup. Coconut milk, lime juice, red chile, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves make this soup creamy and spicy.
To make dinner, add chicken, tofu, mushrooms, and bell peppers. It’s soothing with steamed rice or alone.
Quick Instant Pot Coconut Curry Chicken
Instant Pot coconut curry chicken is a quick and easy dinner. Curry powder, turmeric, and cumin give the curry a powerful taste, while coconut milk makes it velvety.
Let the Instant Pot cook chicken and veggies like potatoes and carrots. It’s wonderful and satisfying with rice or naan.
Coconut-Milk Irish Cream
Why not try making coconut milk Irish cream? This dairy-free version is equally as tasty and creamy. Blend coconut milk, Irish whiskey, sweetened condensed coconut milk, instant coffee, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
Blend till smooth and refrigerate for two hours to blend flavors. It’s delicious alone or in coffee.
Strawberry Coconut Ice Cream Recipe
Enjoy this strawberry coconut milk ice cream. You can make tasty homemade ice cream with coconut milk, fresh strawberries, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
Blend all ingredients, pour into an ice cream maker, and churn until creamy. Frozen strawberry delight awaits.
Coconut-Mango Popsicles (Probiotics)
Coconut mango popsicles are perfect for hot days. Blend coconut milk, mangoes, honey or maple syrup, and a probiotic supplement. Fill popsicle molds, attach sticks, and freeze.
Probiotics can be added to your diet with these tasty popsicles.
How To Make Your Own Coconut Milk From Scratch?
Coconut milk is a versatile and delicious alternative to dairy milk, and making it from scratch is easier than you might think. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy fresh, homemade coconut milk that is free from preservatives and fillers. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own coconut milk from scratch.
Making coconut milk from scratch is simple. Fresh, preservative-free coconut milk is easy to make. A step-by-step method for producing coconut milk from scratch.
Step 1: Gather Ingredients
Coconut milk requires:
- 4-cup water
- 1–2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
Step 2: Heat the Water
Heat the water to a simmer. This will help to extract the flavors and oils from the shredded coconut.
Step 3: Blend Coconut and Hot Water
Blend or Vitamix the shredded coconut with heated water. Batch this step if the water doesn’t fit. Blend until creamy.
Step 4: Strain the Mixture
Pour the combined mixture through a mesh sieve to remove most coconut particles. This refines and smooths coconut milk.
Step 5: Squeeze the Liquid
Squeeze the strained liquid through a towel or several layers of cheesecloth to remove the coconut chunks. This makes coconut milk smooth and textureless.
Step 6: Repeat if needed
Put all the coconut you drained back in the blender if you blended the water and coconut in batches. Blend and strain again with the remaining water.
Step 7: Store/Enjoy
Coconut milk tastes best when refrigerated for 3–4 days. When refrigerated, coconut milk cream may separate from the top due to no preservatives or fillers. Shake before use.
Customize Coconut Milk
Making coconut milk yourself lets you personalize it. Try these flavors:
- Vanilla Coconut Milk: Sweeten the combined mixture with 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla essence.
- Strawberry Coconut Milk: Add 1/2 cup pureed fresh or frozen strawberries.
- Chocolate Coconut Milk: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence for a decadent treat.
After mastering the basic recipe, you can experiment with tastes and additives.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Coconut Milk?
Not only does it offer a creamy texture and rich flavor, but coconut milk also provides numerous health benefits. In this section, we will explore the various ways in which coconut milk can improve your overall well-being.
Fat Loss
Coconut milk helps with weight loss. Coconut milk contains MCTs, which the body quickly digests and metabolizes.
MCTs promote metabolism and satiety, making them perfect for weight loss.
Coconut milk is low in calories and high in fiber, making it filling and preventing overeating.
Heart Health
Coconut milk is abundant in lauric acid, a saturated fat that raises “good” HDL cholesterol.
HDL cholesterol removes “bad” LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream, lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke. Coconut milk is cholesterol- and trans-fat-free and heart-healthy.
Antioxidant Disease Prevention
Coconut milk contains antioxidants that fight free radicals and oxidative stress. Free radicals destroy cells and cause chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Antioxidants destroy toxic chemicals, lowering illness risk. Vitamins C and E and phenolic chemicals in coconut milk are powerful antioxidants.
Infection-Fighting Antimicrobials
Coconut milk has antibacterial lauric acid. Monolaurin, produced from lauric acid, has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
Coconut milk is a great natural antibiotic and immune booster. Coconut milk may prevent and treat bacterial, viral, and fungal illnesses.
What Are Some Substitutes Of Coconut Milk To Use In Your Recipes?
Many Southeast Asian and Caribbean cuisines use coconut milk.
However, if you’re lactose intolerant, allergic to coconuts, or don’t have coconut milk, there are various alternatives.
These coconut milk alternatives add taste and creaminess to recipes:
Soy Milk
Soy milk is a dairy-free alternative. It can replace coconut milk due to its creamy texture and nutty taste. Soy milk has a stronger taste, so consider how it will complement the other tastes in your recipe.
Almond Milk
Almond milk can also replace coconut milk. It tastes creamy and nutty.
Use unsweetened almond milk to avoid altering the flavor of your food. Nut-allergic people can use almond milk in sweet and savory recipes.
Cashew Milk
Cashew milk is rich and creamy like coconut milk. Its mild, sweet taste complements many foods. Vegan and dairy-free recipes use cashew milk for cooking and baking.
Oat Milk
Soaking oats in water, mixing, and filtering creates oat milk. It is creamy and mildly sweet. Oat milk can replace coconut milk in sweet and savory meals. It froths well for coffee and lattes.
Hemp Milk
Hemp seed milk tastes nutty. Its creamy texture can replace coconut milk in recipes. Plant-based eaters like hemp milk for its omega-3 content.
Rice Milk
Blending cooked rice with water and straining produces rice milk. It is thin and tastes light and sweet. Rice milk is a good replacement for persons with allergies or dietary limitations.
Spicy Milk
Spiced milk can replace coconut milk in recipes for a unique taste. To flavor foods, infuse milk with cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom. Desserts and hot drinks benefit from this substitution.
Evaporated Milk
Evaporated milk is 60% concentrated milk. Its rich, creamy texture can replace coconut milk in heavier recipes. However, lactose-intolerant and dairy-allergic people should avoid evaporated milk.
