Toasted coconut is a nutty accompaniment to a wide range of desserts, whether it is on a healthy fruit salad or yogurt parfait or a somewhat unhealthier but deliciously delectable ice cream treat or a topping for baked goods.
You could even snack on toasted coconut on its own as a standalone treat should you so choose to if you are particularly fond of the coconut flavor!
As well as that, toasted coconut is also a fantastic way to bring out that nutty flavor whilst offering a crisp and crunchy texture.
No matter how you choose to use it, you are sure to create some interesting dishes with the addition of some toasted coconut.
If you are interested in making your own toasted coconut but are unsure of how to do so, then keep reading to find out exactly how to do so!
The Three Methods Of Creating Toasted Coconut
There are three ways that you can use when it comes to how to toast coconut flakes, all of which will provide slightly different results.
You might not always have access to the best cooking equipment, so with the help of our guide, you’ll be able to make yourself some tasty toasted coconut, no matter what your options might be in terms of how to go about cooking it.
You don’t need any other ingredients, either, such as oil or salt. You can use all kinds of coconut for this, such as sweetened shredded coconut, sweetened coconut flakes, shaved coconut flakes, or unsweetened coconut.
Choose the kind of coconut you want to toast and you are ready to go!
The three methods of toasting coconut are as follows:
- Oven
- Skillet
- Microwave
Let’s take a closer look at each cooking method.
How To Toast Coconut In The Oven
The oven method is arguably the most popular when it comes to toasting coconut, as it can toast it evenly, creates great texture, and also makes for a gorgeous, coconut aroma that is sure to make your kitchen smell divine!
Follow the next steps to learn how to toast coconut in the oven:
- Preheat your oven to around 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Take your shredded coconut (or flaked coconut or whatever kind of coconut you have chosen!) and place it onto a large baking sheet. A rimmed baking sheet is ideal. Make sure that it has been lined with either parchment paper or a baking mat.
- When you are placing your coconut, make sure that it is evenly spread across the sheet to avoid any clumping and to ensure that it cooks evenly throughout the process.
- Gently place the baking sheet into the oven, preferably in the middle of the oven rack in order to achieve even dispersion of heat as it cooks.
- Bake for around three minutes.
- Once three minutes have passed, open up the oven and stir frequently with a spatula. Be gentle and careful as you do so, as you don’t want to spill any of your coconut or accidentally burn yourself!
- Once stirred and evenly spread, put the coconut back into the oven for another three to four minutes, or until you see that it has become a golden brown color.
- Once the coconut is back in the oven and cooking, keep a close eye on it. It can be very easy to burn and once it starts to do so, it can burn super quickly. No one wants burnt coconut, so be careful!
- Take the coconut out of the oven and leave it until it is cool completely.
How To Toast Coconut In The Microwave
The microwave is likely to be the most hassle-free option for many, as well as the best option for those who might not have easy access to an oven, such as students living in accommodation with shared kitchen facilities.
When you are sharing a kitchen, the oven might be in use when you want it, so a microwave could be your only choice when it comes to toasting some coconut.
If so, follow these steps to get the best out of the microwave method:
- Place your coconut onto a microwave-safe plate.
- Put the coconut into the microwave and start cooking it for 15-second increments at a time.
- Take out the coconut and stir it to spread it out in an even layer in these 15-second breaks.
- Keep microwaving and stirring frequently until the coconut is toasted to your liking.
- A tip to toasting coconut in the microwave is to only use a small amount, but not less than half a cup of it. This is because it can burn much more easily when there is less of it, but you can have trouble getting it to toast evenly if there is too much. The key is to find the right balance!
- If you find that your coconut continues to burn, try using your microwave on reduced power if you can.
- Once golden brown or lightly browned, leave it to the side to cool completely.
How To Toast Coconut In A Skillet
This stovetop method might work best for you if you prefer cooking with a more hands-on approach.
Not only that, but it is also relatively easy to do!
Here are the steps you can follow:
- Turn on your stovetop to medium-low heat.
- Grab your coconut and place it in a large skillet, heating it via the stove top.
- As you heat it, stir it with a spoon or spatula and create an even layer to allow the heat to distribute evenly.
- As soon as the coconut turns crispy and golden brown (or lightly browned if you would prefer), remove it from the skillet and the stove top, leave it to cool completely, and it should be ready to eat!
How To Store Toasted Coconut
Toasted coconut can be stored for up to a month in an airtight container- such as a ziplock bag- or a jar, so once you have toasted your coconut, you can easily put it aside as a treat for another day.
Final Thoughts
Those were three different ways that you can quickly and easily toast some coconut if you feel like adding a coconut taste to a wide range of food possibilities.
Using different kinds of coconut can also change the texture of your food, with different kinds including sweetened coconut, shaved coconut, coconut flakes, etc.
Whether you have a high-end kitchen or just a basic setup, you are sure to be able to toast up some coconut with ease in order to create some unique and delicious coconut concoctions!
