How to Toast Coconut

There are so many different ways to enjoy coconut, but one of the tastiest options is toasted coconut. Preparing coconut this way helps to enhance its flavor, making the coconut richer and nuttier. It also adds a nice crunch to your dish, which can add texture. Toasted coconut can be used in everything from dessert to breakfast--and even savory foods--and it adds a unique flavor when compared to regular coconut. It’s one of those foods you’ll want to keep on hand to sprinkle on everything.

Although you can buy store-bought toasted coconut, making it at home is easy, and you don’t have to worry about any added sugars, preservatives, or other unnecessary ingredients. Freshly toasted coconut also tastes better than the processed and packaged kind. Plus, stores usually charge more for toasted coconut, so you can save yourself some money by making your own at home. There are a number of ways to toast coconut, from using the oven, to doing it on the stovetop and even in the microwave. Depending on how much time you have and how you like your coconut, you’ve got plenty of options when it comes to cooking with coconut.

If you’re lost and wondering how to toast coconut at home, don’t fear. We’ve got you covered. Here’s how to make toasted coconut a number of different ways.

Note: For each of these methods, you’ll want to begin with shredded, shaved, or flaked coconut.

Oven

The first way to prepare toasted coconut flakes is to make it in the oven. Baking your coconut in the oven typically allows you to make more toasted coconut at once, since baking sheets tend to be larger than skillets. It’s also very hands off and doesn’t require you to spend much time stirring or tending to the coconut while it’s cooking. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the coconut evenly on the baking sheet, making sure the coconut is in a thin layer. Bake for about 5-10 minutes until coconut begins to brown. Make sure you check on the coconut flakes or coconut shreds frequently, as it can start to toast quickly. You’ll also want to stir it after a few minutes. This will help prevent burning as well as encourage even toasting.
3. Remove baking sheet from oven, and then remove coconut immediately from baking sheet to allow it to cool completely.

Tips:

• Sweetened coconut takes less time in the oven, as the sugar speeds up the process.
• Use a large enough rimmed baking sheet to make sure your coconut doesn’t overlap.
• Check your coconut after 5 minutes to make sure it hasn’t started to get too crispy.

Stovetop

Making toasted coconut flakes on the stovetop is useful since it’s quicker than making it in the oven, especially if you don’t want to spend time waiting to preheat the oven. You also have more control over the heat of the pan, so you can toast the coconut faster without letting it burn. Here’s what to do:

1. Add coconut to a large, wide skillet, and turn the heat on to medium.
2. Cook the desiccated coconut until it’s lightly browned and fragrant, which typically takes about 3-5 minutes. Make sure you stir frequently to avoid burning.
3. Remove immediately from the pan and let cool completely.

Tips:

• If your coconut is cooking too quickly, lower the heat to medium low. You can also remove from heat completely after a few minutes and allow the residual heat to toast the coconut.
• Opt for a large pan so the coconut has room to toast evenly on all sides.
• Make sure you stir frequently so none of the coconut burns.
• Sweetened coconut also takes less time to brown using this method.

Microwave

The third and final way to make toasted shredded coconut is in the microwave. Like the stovetop method, the microwave takes less time than the oven, but it requires more hands-on work, as you must stir and check on the coconut frequently. This method is best for smaller amounts of coconut, such as when you’re making toasted coconut for a garnish or topping.

There are two ways to toast coconut flakes in the microwave. One includes heating the coconut in smaller time increments, while the other involves cooking the coconut for longer periods of time and stirring in between. If you want a more hands-off recipe, opt for the second technique Here’s how to do each:

Technique #1

1. Spread the unsweetened coconut flakes in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate or dish.
2. Microwave the coconut on high for 30-second increments, stirring after each. Continue cooking and stirring in 30 second increments until the coconut becomes brown and toasted.
3. Remove coconut immediately from the plate or dish, and let cool completely.

Technique #2

1. Spread coconut in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate or dish.
2. Microwave the coconut on high for about 5-8 minutes, or until coconut begins to brown. Make sure to stir the coconut every 2-3 minutes to ensure that it cooks evenly.
3. Remove immediately from the pan and allow to cool completely.

Tips

• Make sure your microwavable plate or dish is large enough for the coconut to be spread evenly.
• Glass or Pyrex pie plates work well and allow you to place the coconut in a thin layer.
• Keep a close eye on the desiccated coconut, as it can burn easily in the microwave.

Storage

If you have any leftover toasted coconut, or want to make big batches to save for later recipes, you can store your remaining coconut in an airtight jar or container. This will last for up to a month. If you want to store your toasted coconut for longer, put it in the freezer. When you’re ready to use it, you can slightly retoast it again to help it regain its crispiness.

Which Method to Use

There is no one right way to make toasted coconut, but if you’re considering which method to use to brown your coconut, you’ll want to assess your needs. Need a big batch of toasted coconut? Your best bet is to cook it in the oven, which allows you more space to cook more coconut at once. Making a small amount to top off your ice cream? Opt for the microwave, which doesn’t require as much space or time. Short on time? Use the stovetop or the microwave, and you won’t have to wait to heat up your oven. Don’t want to spend time tending to your coconut or stirring it? Opt for the oven, which doesn’t require you to watch the coconut as closely.

Experiment with these different methods to see what works best for you. Everyone’s ovens, microwaves, and stove tops differ, so you might find that you prefer one way of toasting coconut to another.

How to Use Toasted Coconut

Now that you know how to toast coconut, you’ll want to know all the various ways you can use it! You can use toasted coconut in any recipe that calls for regular coconut, but there are also plenty of dishes that taste especially flavorful when toasted coconut is involved. Here are some ideas for cooking with coconut:

Sweet

Because toasted coconut tends to have a sweet and nutty flavor, it works well in many desserts. You can sprinkle it on ice cream or a sundae. You can turn it into baked goods like cookies or brownies, and even cakes and coconut cupcakes. Use it in cheesecakes or bake it into bread! It also tastes good in drinks such as smoothies and milkshakes, or hot chocolate and coffee. Toasted coconut can be mixed into oatmeal, pancakes, or waffles to be enjoyed at breakfast. You can even use it on top of a chia seed pudding or on a bowl of Greek yogurt. For a special treat, you can make toasted coconut butter to spread on toast. Basically, anytime you want to cook with coconut, you can replace it with your toasted coconut for a more complex flavor.

Savory

Just as regular coconut can be used in savory dishes, so can toasted coconut. It works especially well in savory dishes, since toasting the coconut brings out more of the nutty flavor. Toasted coconut can be used in dishes with chicken, curry dishes, rice dishes, and salads. It tastes great with some noodles, or even sprinkled on popcorn.

Toasting coconut might seem fancy, but the process is easy, inexpensive, and quick. Whether it be in the oven, on the stove, or in the microwave, toasting your own coconut at home allows you to cook with coconut without having to worry about any unwanted ingredients. It allows you to add a richer, nuttier flavor to your dishes, and it can help save you time and money when you want some toasted coconut and don’t have it on hand. Toasted coconut can be used in many dishes, so it’s time to start browning!

 

Sources:

How to Toast Coconut

https://www.myrecipes.com/how-to/how-to-toast-coconut-and-what-to-do-with-it
https://www.marthastewart.com/334712/toasted-coconut