Why Canned Coconut Milk Turns Solid (And How To Fix It)

If you've never safely cracked a coconut open before, extracting milk from the tropical nut is no easy feat. Canned coconut milk is a convenient and hassle-free alternative that offers the same creamy texture and rich flavor without any work. However, it's not uncommon for canned coconut milk to solidify, which can complicate its convenience.

Canned coconut milk solidifies due to the natural composition of coconut fat, which separates from the liquid and solidifies into a creamy, solid layer as it cools.Solidification is most common in full-fat coconut milk, which has a higher fat content. The temperature at which the coconut milk is stored plays a significant role in determining its liquid or solid state — colder temperatures cause the fat to harden more quickly, while warmer temperatures keep it in its liquid form. Though canned coconut milk can go bad, this solidification is completely natural and does not affect the quality or safety of the milk. Rather, it's simply a result of the fat content's reaction to temperature changes. In fact, solidification indicates that coconut milk is 100% pure and hasn't been canned with added emulsifiers.

Whether you're using coconut milk as a plant-based milk to take poached fish to new heights, or using it to make a sweet and spicy curry dish, solidified canned coconut milk can make cooking challenging, especially when you need it quickly. But luckily, it's easy to bring back to its liquid state on the fly.

To liquefy solidified coconut milk, all you need is a little heat. Pour or scrape the contents of the can into a saucepan and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally to help the fat melt and blend with the liquid. Alternatively, you can place the can in a bowl or pot of hot water. If you're in a rush, microwave the coconut milk in a microwave-safe container, heating it in short bursts while stirring in between. Before opening the can, give it a vigorous shake to smooth out and break up any lumps of solidified coconut milk. This will help your canned coconut milk warm up and reintegrate more quickly.