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Can you toast coconut in the microwave?

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Toasting coconut

Toasting shredded coconut is a great way to bring out its flavor, just as toasting walnuts, pecans and other nuts brings out their nuttiness. Toasting gives coconut a beautiful brown color and takes it from soft to crisp, adding texture to your recipe in addition to color and flavor. It is easy to toast coconut in a skillet or in the oven, but it is also possible to toast coconut in the microwave if you’re looking for an even faster way to get some coconut toasted. Simply spread some coconut in a thin layer on a glass/pyrex pie plate or microwave-safe plate, then pop the coconut in the microwave. Cook on high, stirring the coconut every 30-45 seconds to ensure that it browns evenly and doesn’t scorch. Depending on how much coconut you’re toasting, you should be done in less than 3 minutes.

While this method is fast, I would only use it for small amounts of coconut. Many microwaves have hot spots and, since they get so hot (relative to ovens at a low temperature), it is actually quite easy to scorch the coconut. When you have less coconut to start, it is much easier to keep an eye on it. Otherwise, it turns out just as well as oven-toasted coconut does, so keep that in mind when you want some toasted coconut for a garnish and don’t want to spend more time than you need to to toast a bit up!

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6 Comments
  • Margaret
    October 7, 2010

    Thanks. Good tip.

  • Linda
    October 7, 2010

    For some reason I never think of microwaves browning anything so I never thought about it. That’s a terrific idea when you need a small amount. I have found I don’t have good luck with keeping it in a shallow pan in the oven, though, and have gone to a deeper one like a cake pan and have better luck with turning it without turning it all over the floor, oven bottom, etc.

  • the blissful baker
    October 7, 2010

    oh wow, didn’t know you could do this! thanks for the tip 🙂

  • bg
    October 7, 2010

    Good post. Love the plates, details?
    BarbaraG

  • Liz
    October 8, 2010

    This is about how long it takes to toast coconut over the stove. Plus when you toast it, the kitchen smells nice! But this is still a good tip, you never know when it will come in handy!
    Thanks!
    LC

  • rae
    October 10, 2010

    Thanks for the tip

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