This simple coconut milk recipe using shredded coconut is super easy and cheap to make. All you need is shredded, dried coconut, a blender and a piece of cotton! Let’s get started with this amazing homemade coconut milk recipe!
Coconuts are part of the daily diet for many people. Coconut has rich dietary fiber that supports a healthy digestive and immune system, and we’re all about that here!
Making your own coconut milk might seem like a lot of effort, but once you try this great taste recipe there is no going back to store-bought! It really is so easy to make and the coconut flavor is subtle and just delicious.
Making coconut milk with shredded coconut does take a little more time because it needs time to re-hydrate. I don’t find that an issue with a bit of planning since it’s hands-off time.
This unsweetened coconut is from dehydrated mature coconut meat. It is low-carb yet still has significant amount of fiber. Vegan sourced with no sugar or preservatives added.
I like plain coconut milk, but you could add any flavor you love to this recipe!
How do you make coconut milk from unsweetened shredded coconut?
Re-hydrate the Coconut!
Add the fine, dry, coconut shreds to a bowl with boiling water. You want to get the shredded coconut with finer shreds, not stringy like the sweetened shredded coconut found in typical grocery store baking aisles.
Let the coconut re-hydrate for ± 1 hour. This step is optional, but I think you get more flavorful milk if you let it stand for a while.
Blend to emulsify!
Before blending your milk, I suggest slowly warming it in a pot on the stove. This makes it easier to strain if the oils and cream are warm. Think body temperature only!
Add everything to a high-speed blender – as seen in the images above, this is an important step to get the most out of your milk.
If you are flavoring your milk, this is when you’d add it!
Strain your milk through a nut milk bag
Pour the milk from the blender into a piece of material or nut milk bag over a container.
I like to use a sieve as well, just in case I squeeze the coconut pieces out of the edges of the material. I also do this in two straining batches so I can get all the milk out of the coconut easily!
If the material is loosely woven, strain it twice to get rid of any little pieces of coconut.
Use the coconut pulp to make your own Coconut flour!
Once you made this delicious coconut milk, enjoy it with other healthy snacks to kick off your day! Here are some healthy breakfast recipes to go along:
Blending is an important step to get all the coconut goodness out! If you strain it through the material without blending, you get a kind of coconut water. It isn’t creamy at all! The fresher your coconut, the more flavorful your milk will be.
Coconut milk will naturally separate, just give it a quick shake before pouring it into your coffee or cereal!
Keep your shredded dried coconut in the fridge in an airtight container to keep it from going rancid.
Dry the coconut meat that is leftover from making your milk and turn it into coconut flour!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between shredded coconut, desiccated coconut, and coconut flakes?
They all come from the flesh of white coconut meat. Desiccated coconut has a fine and powdery texture. Shredded coconut is slightly more coarse with larger particle size. Desiccated coconut is drier with a milder flavor. In most recipes, shredded coconut can be used in substitute just fine as they are both dried and grated coconut meat. Coconut flakes come in larger particle size than shredded coconut, so I would avoid in using in similar recipes.
Is shredded and grated coconut the same?
Shredded coconut is a type of grated coconut. Depending on which you buy, it is more coarsely grated into longer strands and has lightly higher moiture content than desiccated coconut.
Is shredded coconut good or bad for you?
Shredded coconut is full of nutrient. It has excellent daily value of protein and fiber, as well as other essential minerals like iron and magnesium. It helps with digestion and may reduce the risk of intestinal disease. However, certain coconut meat is calorie-dense, so eating in moderation is the key. You can also choose something else high in healthy fats, like tree nuts, seeds, or avocados.
What else can I use unsweetened shredded coconut for?
It is ideal for adding an extra protein punch and crunchy texture to smoothies, granola, oatmeal, ice cream, cakes, salads, cookies, and more.
What does raw shredded coconut taste like?
Raw shredded coconut has a subtle sweet and nutty flavor with a slightly chewy texture.
Do you have to use hot water to make coconut milk?
Yes! If you don’t use hot water, it will be difficult to strain as the fats will be hard.
How long does homemade coconut milk last?
Homemade coconut milk lasts about 5 days in an airtight bottle in the fridge.
This simple coconut milk using unsweetened shredded coconut is super easy and cheap to make. Excellent source of fiber. All you need is dried coconut, a blender and a piece of cotton! The subtle coconut flavor will make you fall in love with this recipe!
* Soaking the coconut for 1 hour is optional, but I think you get more flavorful milk if you let it stand for a while.
** Before blending your milk, I suggest warming it a bit if it has gotten cold. This makes it easier to strain if the oils and cream are warm. Think body temperature.
*** If the material is loosely woven, you may need to strain your milk twice.
This article demonstrates an impressive level of expertise. The depth and precision of your analysis are truly commendable, offering significant value to readers. Your ability to articulate complex concepts clearly showcases your strong grasp of the subject matter. I am eager to delve into more of your insightful content. Thank you for providing such a high-quality resource.
I thought you did a great job here. The wording is excellent and the illustration is tasteful, but there’s a feeling that you might be giving more, which would probably happen again if you go on this walk.
This article demonstrates an impressive level of expertise. The depth and precision of your analysis are truly commendable, offering significant value to readers. Your ability to articulate complex concepts clearly showcases your strong grasp of the subject matter. I am eager to delve into more of your insightful content. Thank you for providing such a high-quality resource.
I thought you did a great job here. The wording is excellent and the illustration is tasteful, but there’s a feeling that you might be giving more, which would probably happen again if you go on this walk.