Do you know you can heat up coconut milk in microwave? If you have been using stove-top to warm up coconut milk for coffee or tea, here is safe and quick way to microwave coconut milk.
How do you warm coconut milk in microwave? Pour coconut milk in microwave-safe bowl or cup, then microwave on medium heat for 15 seconds at a time.
Remove the milk from microwave and stir well to distribute the heat from top to bottom. Repeat the process with 15 second increments until coconut milk is warmed and steam starts developing.
Coconut milk is a plant milk that is quite satisfyingly sweet and relatively easy to warm. It has no dairy, thus making it an alternative beverage for individuals who are dairy intolerant.
In this article, you will learn safety and recommended microwaving time for coconut milk to prevent from scorching and burning. Answered below are frequently asked questions with useful tips for the best way to microwave coconut milk for the best results.
Is it OK to Microwave Coconut Milk?
Yes, coconut milk is a non-dairy product that can be heated using the microwave. Microwave on medium heat for 15 seconds at a time, stir in between each duration until desired temperature is reached.
Homemade coconut milk is made by blending coconut flesh in water, and then strain out the pulp leaving the coconut milk behind.
Most stores sell cartoons of coconut milk in the refrigerated and pantry goods departments. So that we’re clear, coconut cream is different than coconut milt, and the high fat content of coconut cream requires a different heating method.
Apply a simple technique using a microwave to warm the coconut milk as desired. Ensure to use the medium heat setting under the gentle heating process and heat for 1 minute or so in total.
However, if microwaving coconut milk under high heat, the creamy coconut milk separates into a thin and watery liquid combined with white lumps, referred to as curdling. When stored at room temperatures, coconut milk rarely curdles unless it is very old.
Is it Safe to Heat Coconut Milk in the Microwave?
Yes, heating a cup of coconut milk in the microwave is completely safe. It’s possible to heat any type of coconut milk regardless of the flavor or sweetness.
Whether it is carton coconut milk or canned coconut milk, all come from the same source. Manufacturers extract all coconut kinds of milk from coconut meat.
Warm coconut milk offers a lot of nutrients and rich in flavor, making it a great alternative to dairy milk. Fortunately, it has plenty of uses found in a varied of cooking and baking recipes.
What Happens If You Microwave Coconut Milk?
Coconut milk is a water based liquid, therefore the microwaves react with the water molecules to generate friction that causes the beverage to heat up.
Heating coconut milk leads to protein denaturation, altering its viscosity and properties, especially if heated above 74 degrees Celsius or 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If coconut is heated beyond, there is the likelihood of causing protein denaturation that alters the stable properties of the emulsion.
Additionally, heating for a longer time will decrease the level of lipids because of the reduction of water content.
As a result, microwaving coconut milk can result in an explosion. Since it’s plant-based milk, coconut milk tends to contain higher water content.
When it is heated in the microwave at a high temperature, coconut milk can quickly become superheated just like the water. Once you dip a spoon into liquid, it can likely bubble up suddenly and spill over the mug or explode.
Is Heating Coconut Milk Bad?
Heating coconut milk is not bad for you. However, we recommend to heat coconut milk in moderation, heat under medium temperature for 1 minute in total with frequent stirring in between.
Exposing coconut milk to high heat can lead to protein alterations that make the coconut milk emulsion unstable. Also, more prolonged heating under high temperatures can enhance the release of lipids .
In general, coconut milk contains carbohydrates components, including starch and sucrose. Starch has a high level of hydroxyl groups; which makes the starch granules absorb the water around and making it difficult for starch granules to move freely.
Heating will make starch granules absorb water molecules which changes the consistency and thickens the beverage.
How Long Does It Take to Warm Coconut Milk in Microwave?
To warm coconut milk using the microwave, put it in a microwave-safe mug and warm for 15 second intervals up to 1 minute in total.
Remove the beverage and stir thoroughly after each time period. You might need to add extra time if the internal temperature does not reach your desired temperature.
On average, 1 cup of coconut milk can take 1 minute to start warming up. Depending on the wattage, power setting and starting temperature of the liquid, it may take less or more to warm up the beverage.
Tips for Microwaving Coconut Milk
Creamy and sweet taste of coconut milk pairs well with other foods and beverages. To enhance the flavor, heating in microwave is quick and easy to accomplish the goal.
To prevent the coconut milk from changing texture and flavor when heated, here are microwave tips to warm coconut milk:
- Always make sure to use a microwave-safe container while heating the coconut milk in the microwave. Glass and ceramic dishes are typically recommended, but some prefer microwaving plastic instead.
- When warming coconut milk, adjust the power setting to medium heat. Microwaving under high temperatures can alter the properties of coconut milk.
- Use short durations of time so that you can stir the coconut milk recently as it heat.
- Do not boil or overheat coconut milk, this will cause it to cuddle, change consistency or even burn at the bottom of the cup.
Best Way to Warm Coconut Milk in Microwave
Using a microwave for heating coconut milk is best way to warm the beverage quickly. Without right steps, coconut milk can explode or even change taste or texture without warning.
Whether you are using packaged or homemade coconut milk, shake the milk prior to heating.
Pour desired amount into a microwavable cup or mug, set temperature at medium heat and nuke for 15 seconds at a time. Remove the container and gently stir well after each duration.
Continue heating for additional intervals until the desired temperature is reached. However, do not heat above 74 degrees Celsius or 165 degrees Fahrenheit as this will cause a shift in the protein structure and consistency of the beverage.
Once coconut milk starts to simmer, take it out of the microwave and stir immediately to distribute the heat throughout the liquid.
Do not allow the coconut milk to reach the boiling point which will alter its taste and texture. In fact, milk is much likely to curdle or have an overcooked taste if you let it boil, and the bottom of the cup may even burn.
Microwaving Coconut Milk: Conclusion
Coconut milk is rich in vitamins and minerals, which is why it’s a great alternative milk that can be added to your morning coffee or vegan curry for lunch.
Quickly warming coconut milk in the microwave is not recommended. Overheating coconut milk in the microwave will cause it to lose nutrients and vitamins, burn at the bottom and change the taste and consistency of the liquid.
If you prefer warming coconut milk in the microwave, start by placing it in a microwave-safe container and cover the top with paper towel or parchment paper to prevent from splattering while microwaving.
Microwave 15 seconds at a time on medium heat for a total of 1 minute and stir gently at each interval.
If it doesn’t get warm to your desired temperature, continue heating for additional time until desired temperature is reached. Remove the coconut milk from the microwave immediately once it starts to simmer.
Boiling coconut milk will cause the beverage to scald or burn, and will alter the structure of the liquid making it thick and causing the fats to separate.
It is not recommended to store leftover coconut milk after heating because it is susceptible to cross contamination and food borne hazards. Therefore, only heat up the amount that you intend on using at one time.
Microwaving coconut milk is safe and easy to do. Depending on the starting temperature of the liquid, how much being heated and the wattage of the appliance, the timing may vary slightly but the method will stay the same, short intervals and frequent stirring until the desired temperature is reached.