Coconut is a delicious ingredient that you will use in a wide variety of both sweet and savory dishes. It is a really versatile ingredient that can add a lot of depth and creaminess to a recipe.
However, you can make coconut taste even better by toasting it. This then provides you with a deeper flavor and better texture that is different from regular coconut.
In this article, we will discover the three mains in which you can toast coconut yourself.
Toasting Coconut
There are, in fact, three ways in which you can toast coconut. This includes on the stove top, in the oven and in the microwave. Each method will only take a couple of minutes for you to create a perfect batch of toasted coconut.
The time it takes to toast coconut will differ significantly depending on whether you’re using a stove, microwave, or oven. Both sweetened coconut flakes and shredded coconut work well.
In particular, if you’re using a microwave or a skillet, we advise using roughly 1-2 cups of coconut.
However, if you want to make a larger amount of toasted coconut, then it is better to use a large baking sheet and toasting the coconut in the oven.
Toasting Coconut In The Oven
Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 °C). On a baking sheet, distribute the quantity of coconut required for your dish in a single, even layer.
Once the oven is preheated, insert your baking tray with the coconut on it into the oven. The coconut will need between 8 and 12 minutes to get properly toasted.
Keep a tight watch on it. Every couple of minutes you will want to stir the coconut as it begins to become a light brow color.
Once it has browned, take it out of the oven. Then leave the coconut on the baking sheet to finish cooling.
Toasting Coconut In The Microwave
You won’t need to be concerned about turning on the oven and warming up the house when using this method. The microwave actually performs just as effectively as the oven.
Spread the coconut out evenly in a small baking dish that can go in the microwave to toast it. A 9-inch pie plate or an 8-inch glass dish are two good examples to consider using.
After that, heat the baking dish for increments of 30 seconds in the microwave. Stir the coconut with a fork after each interval.
To prevent burning, begin microwaving the coconut in increments of 15-20 seconds once it begins to turn a light brown color.
Once it has all become fully brown. You can remove the dish from the microwave and allow the coconut to cool. Then you can use your toasted coconut.
It is important to note that different microwaves will take more or less time to toast the coconut. It can take between 4 and 5 minutes on average, depending on the wattage of your microwave.
Toasting Coconut On The Stove Top
The last method of toasting coconut is on the stove top in a skillet. Since the coconut doesn’t toast as uniformly as the other methods, it isn’t as popular a method to use.
Despite that, this method does still work, and the coconut will still taste good as well.
Simply put 1-2 cups of coconut in a large skillet and fry it over low to medium heat, turning the coconut frequently. Remove the skillet from the heat when the coconut has a light brown color.
Then spread it out on a baking sheet to cool completely. This method takes a couple of minutes, but it is much easier to burn the coconut using this method, so you need to watch it all the time.
What Can You Do With Toasted Coconut?
The coconut is given a delicious nutty flavor by being toasted. A lovely crisp texture is also produced.
No matter the method that you choose, this effect should be achieved. Once you have created your toasted coconut, you need to find a use for it.
There are a lot of ways to use your toasted coconut. They are a great addition on top of cakes or mixed into cookie and biscuit recipes.
Alongside that, you could use your toasted coconut in your favorite curry or add it to your morning oatmeal. It is a really healthy ingredient to be added to your diet.
The options are endless. If you are someone that loves coconut, then you will have plenty of ways to incorporate toasted coconut into your all-time favorite dishes.
While you can eat it raw, by being toasting it makes it even more enjoyable and a better flavor.
How To Store Toasted Coconut?
It’s time to store it once you’ve chosen your method and toasted some delectable coconut flakes.
Before storing, your toasted coconut needs to cool completely. Then, once it has cooled down, you can transfer it into either a zip-top bag or airtight container.
It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month. Or you can leave your toasted coconut out at room temperature for up to a week.
Final Thoughts
There are three ways in which you can toast coconut. By toasting your coconut, you enhance the natural flavors of this ingredient and make it even more delicious to eat.
Toasted coconut can be used in a broad range of both sweet and savory dishes.
Whether you use the oven, stove top or microwave. You now know how you can easily toast your coconut to perfection. It is important you keep an eye on your coconut to ensure that it browns evenly and doesn’t burn.
We hope you have found this article useful and found a method of toasting coconut that works for you.
Have you ever made something so delicious that you wished you could savor it forever?
Only to find that the recipe has now mysteriously vanished from your phone and the entirety of the internet. Yep, there’s not much more painful than that.
Hi, my name is Mark Williams and I have been infatuated with cooking since I was young. I would beg my mother to pull a chair up to the counter so I could watch what she was doing.
