Until we took our “No Refined Oils” mini-pledge last year I had never before purchased or cooked with coconut oil. And, like many others, I was surprised when I first learned that coconut oil is—or should I say “can be”—a solid.
I set out to use unrefined coconut oil in baked goods (like muffins, banana bread, pumpkin bread, and waffles) instead of the typical refined oils like canola/vegetable/grapeseed, which are obviously always in liquid form. Coconut oil, on the other hand, can actually change from a liquid to a solid (and then back again without causing any harm) pretty frequently because the melting point is 76 degrees F, which is fairly close to room temperature.
And since my husband is a little stingy with the A/C and heat usage in our house, I've found that our coconut oil is actually in liquid form in the summer and in solid form in the winter…talk about throwing me for a loop! So I thought it was pretty appropriate to put together this post today on how to work with these changes in consistency.
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Coconut oil tips that I've collected from various sources…
- Have all other ingredients at room temperature (like eggs, milk, and flour) before mixing them together with coconut oil that's in liquid form
- In most cases, it is best to melt coconut oil that's in solid form before measuring and adding it to a recipe...
- You can melt the oil by scooping some out of the jar and heating it in the microwave or on the stove
- You can also put the entire jar in the microwave or stick it in a pot of warm water to bring it to liquid form (it's okay for the oil to go back and forth many times between liquid and solid)
- If you decide to scoop out the coconut oil before heating it then consider warming up some of the other ingredients (like honey and/or vanilla extract) together with the coconut oil to bring more than just the oil to a warmer temp
- Quickly whisk in the warm/liquid coconut oil (and other ingredients you may have heated as well) at the end after all the other ingredients have already been mixed together thoroughly
- Even after heating your coconut oil it can still turn into little solid chunks once it's mixed with other cold ingredients, so…
- Consider whipping the batter more thoroughly in a blender to get rid of those oil chunks
- Make the recipe with the oil chunks in the batter anyway…I’ve done this with waffles and the end product still turned out okay
- Consider heating and mixing all ingredients together in a double boiler on the stove…it doesn’t take much to get above 76 degrees
- Some people actually prefer to use coconut oil in a solid form when using it as a replacement for Crisco or butter in recipes like pie or pastry crust
- Coconut oil can also be used to sauté veggies and other foods on the stove, and although I haven't tried it yet I've heard it can add an especially good flavor when making stir-fry
- Check out the Nutiva website for some other general FAQs regarding coconut oil
To learn more about why we use coconut oil (and what kind of coconut oil to buy) check out our “No Refined Oils” mini-pledge post from last year. And if you have any other tips please share them with us in the comments below!
Rach (DonutsMama) says
Thanks for the tips. I'm starting to cook with it now, but was unsure if the food would taste too coconut-y. Have you had this issue?
100 Days of Real Food says
I tried coconut oil in quiche crust once and did not like the flavor, but it's been good in most everything else (like baked goods) that I've tried.
T says
Stacy - I use it instead of regular oil in our stove-top popper. I'm not sure what you mean by in the bag - we cook all of our corn on the stove-top rather than the microwave.
Allison says
Nice tips! When we do decide to have pan fried and breaded things like pork chops or fish, we love when its made fried in coconut oil!
Vicky says
I had heard it was good to add it to smoothies... I tried it this morning, and it made the smoothie a bit "grainy" (like tiny chunks). Any ideas on how to smooth it out? (I assume melting it would be negated by the frozen berries and refrigerated veggies/ fruits that I add).
Ginger (msbelle) says
I use coconut oil for just about everything now. Love it! I brown beef and chicken with it, use it in banana bread and cookies, and yesterday for the first time I used it in my whole wheat bread machine bread instead of olive oil. I melted it first. It gave the bread a wonderful sweet flavor. It was delicious!
I never thought about using it as a moisturizer. Great tips here in these comments!
Stacy says
How do you all use coconut oil in popcorn? Do you put it in the bag with the kernels before popping or melt it and pour it on the already popped kernels?
Megan says
The coconut oil is used to pop stove-top popcorn, not microwave popcorn. =)
Candis says
You can also use it to pop corn in the microwave, just not the pre-packaged micro bags. Just put some oil in a bowl with a few tablespoons popcorn kernels and cover loosely and microwave. Watch it carefully. You can also buy specialty microwave popcorn bowls.
Penny says
Wow what great ideas and info. So if I want a neutral smell/taste coconut oil what brand should I use? I have an unopened jar of Spectrum, is it's sweet taste a coconut flavor (hope that doesn't sound like a goofy question, never tried any brand of coconut oil)? I'm not a fan of a coconut taste and would hate to open a jar and then not use it.
Heather@TripleBlessing says
My spectrum oil tastes nothing like coconut (nor does it smell like it). :) It is pretty taste-free.
Chrissy says
You are a mind reader!!!! I just ordered coconut oil from amazon after reading some articles about it... it came in the mail, and I have NO CLUE what to do with it! LOL :) I literally thought to myself as I was staring at it the other day, "I should post something to Lisa and see if she has ideas!"... Thank you, again!
And, thanks for adding the "pin it" icon on your site so I can start pinning to Pinterest...I'm trying to get into that as well!
Thanks!! :)
Shelly Smith says
Love to use coconut oil! I get mine from Tropical Traditions, which has a high-quality oil and many varieties available! They also package the oils in glass jars, unless you buy large quantities (which we have begun to so recently!) and then they come in food-safe plastic containers (gallon or larger!) I just dig out the amount I want with a butter knife and put it in my glass measuring cup to microwave and melt it (also, its easier to measure in the liquid form!) Their website has good explanations about the differences in the types of coconut oil, but basically I have found that the "expeller pressed" does NOT have the smell or flavor of coconut oil (also tends to be the cheapest!) Their extra-virgin coconut oil is delicious, but has a mild coconut flavor! I have used both in my baking, frying, and just to add healthy fats to smoothies, etc.
Stephanie Cook says
I have been using Dr.Bronner's organic unrefined fresh pressed virgin coconut oil for sauteeing, roasting, baking, popping popcorn. You name it I've done it. I can smell the coconut after cooking but cannot taste it.
Laurie Carlson says
I have been using Coconut oil for about 3 years. I cook with it and bake cookies and pies with it as well. It also makes a great dipping sauce for fresh bread,just add spices and heat slightly.
I understand that coconut oil is composed of medium fatty acids that are metabolized differently than other saturated fats. Thus the concern for weight is invalid. In fact, according to the book mentioned above - if you replace your fats with coconut oil - you can lose weight.
Verna Steele says
http://www.cbn.com/media/player/index.aspx?s=/mp4/LJO190v1_WS
Above link is good information to watch about coconut's oil benefit on Alzheimer Disease...
Jesyka says
Coconut oil is also a great base for making your own deodorant and even mascara.
Ruby says
I use coconut oil for popcorn and we used it today for making home made fries. They are great. just a tad greasy but then regular from the resturant fires can be that way. We loved them and it was a great learning experience for my 12.5 yr old for cooking.
Amy J. says
I just recently started using coconut oil and love it. I don't melt before measuring...just use a little bit less than the recipe calls for and everything turns out great. When I do need to melt it, I just put it in a pan over low heat on the stove...it melts super fast. I'm really cutting back on our microwave use. Also, just last week I got a great deal on Nutiva EVCO through Amazon.
Anne says
Good to hear your insight. Any concerns about it being to heavy for some recipes?
100 Days of Real Food says
It's certainly not the right choice for all recipes...but it takes trial and error to figure that out since it is personal preference.
Wendy Booth says
Going back and reading about processed oil, you mentioned that olive oil should be a little cloudy, Can you tell me what brand you use, becaue I have never seen it cloudy, I have seen some more green than others. Sorry, I am new at alot of this.
100 Days of Real Food says
I just recently bought "organic extra virgin olive oil" that is "cold pressed" and made by "Bionaturae"...Carrie Vitt (who wrote that post about the olive oil being cloudy) gave it two thumbs up. I will say...it was expensive so it better be the right stuff! :)
simply heidi says
I love coconut oil. I bake with it, fry with it, eat a daily spoonful plain and use as the main ingredient in my moisturizing bar and deodorant. It's wonderful for popping popcorn, or spread on toast with a bit of honey. And there are lots of recipes out there for homemade "magic shell" made by melting it with chocolate chips. Pour it on your ice-cream and it hardens right up.
Can you tell I'm a fan?
Chrissie says
Can you tell me about how you use coconut oil to make your own deodorant? I'm intrigued. :)
Jasanna says
I have tried the fried rice thing! It tastes quite yummy! I totally recommend it. I wrote a blog post about it here: http://munchtalk.blogspot.com/2012/01/spiffy-business-jarrow-formulas-review.html
Michelle says
I also wanted to add in another really GREAT coconut oil option~
Tropical Traditions is what we use & if you buy the "expeller pressed" you won't taste or smell the coconut but it still has all of the good stuff in it. ;)
I use it for everything from sauteeing veggies to making cornbread.
Cindy says
Coconut Oil is Ahhhhmazing!!! I use it everyday.... It has so many uses. I love, love, love it! Check out the book The Coconut Oil Miracle. I use it as a lotion, to cook with and the list goes on and on.
Tracy says
I use coconut oil for everything! From skin care to baking, you just can't beat it. My favorite is popcorn! I use so much that I order it in bulk from Vitacost. I use their own brand (extra virgin and organic) for $6.99/lb - a very good price if you usually buy it in the grocery store.
Teresa says
I use coconut oil on just about everything as well, and I love to use it with popcorn! Thanks for the Vitacost tip!
Angie S says
I love coconut oil, for many uses!
I use a little bit in my coffee and tea instead of other sweeteners.
I use it when cooking in place of butter (it's AWESOME to lightly toast steel cut oats before adding the oats to your water).
I have a jar in my bathroom for my hands and to tame my frizzy hair occasionally. I know there's more, but I can't remember! (It obviously doesn't help memory!)
Tiffany says
Best popcorn ever is made with coconut oil...soooo good!
Jenn says
Here's a great video about how coconut oil was used by a Dr. in treating her husband's Alzheimers
http://www.cbn.com/media/player/index.aspx?s=/mp4/LJO190v1_WS
emmycooks says
These are great tips! I just discovered coconut oil and couldn't believe how great it smelled when I opened the jar. I haven't tried baking with it yet, but I will. And making popcorn with it! And buttering my pans! And...thanks for all the great ideas.
Jennie says
What about cholesterol issues? You might be too young to worry about them, but mine has been rising lately, and coconut oil is only approved for minimal use, as are full-fat dairy products.
I'll use it sparingly and stick with my lowfat and nonfat dairy, as I'm very concerned about heart disease (did you know it's the #1 killer of women?).
Penny says
Hi Jennie.. I just watched the documentary Forks over Knives last night. It talks a lot about heart disease and diet. I highly recommend watching it! It talks a lot about a plant based diet. It really made me think. :)
Hannah says
Jennie,
I would suggest that if you are concerned about cholesterol and/or heart disease, you research coconut oil further before incorporating it into your diet. I think that what you'll find will surprise you. Here's a couple websites to get you started:
http://www.thaifoodandtravel.com/features/cocgood.html
http://www.coconutoil.com/coconut_oil_21st_century.htm
Susan says
A better movie for you to watch would be "Fat Head." It explains how we've been lied to by the government about saturated fats. They do not cause heart disease. It's all that fake, plastic margarine and processed oils that are clogging our arteries.
Shelly Smith says
Jennie, Tropical Traditions website also has some great (TRUE) information about the health benefits of coconut oil. I am a nurse and was impressed with their well-written and researched information and enjoyed their book Virgin Coconut Oil (a quick read), which you will get FREE with your first purchase from a referral link. You are welcome to use my referral link below, if you want to check out their site and TRY their fabulous coconut oil! (PS- I often wait for a sale or Free Shipping offer!)
http://tinyurl.com/3sgmqfp
100 Days of Real Food says
The negative research on coconut oil was done on hydrogenated coconut oil, which is not the type we are recommending. Also, you should check out this article in regards to low-fat products (and why we don't use them): https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/04/15/mini-pledge-week-6-no-low-fat-lite-or-nonfat-food-products/
Jolie says
I use coconut oil at least once a day. I use it in all my baking and I use it to grease my pans. I keep 2 different jars on hand: one expeller pressed and one virgin (I usually buy Tropical Traditions during their buy 1 get 1 sales). I personally love the smell and taste of coconut so use the virgin oil most of the time but when I don't want the taste of coconut I use the expeller-pressed. It has no smell or taste.
Shelly Smith says
I agree, Jolie! I LOVE Tropical Traditions and use both of these types of coconut oil as well! I also have switched to coconut oil for all of my baking, and we love to pop popcorn in it, as well!
Sarah D. says
Coconut oil in stir-fry is the best! I don't notice a coconut taste in anything I make with it. I use the Spectrum brand, which I have heard is a little sweet, but I don't notice it.
Rena says
Lindsey, you may purchase the oil in glass jars as well. I use Spectrum Expeller Pressed Organic Coconut Oil, purchased at Walmart, 140z. glass jar.
Angelique says
Fawn, try macadamia nut oil if nuts are ok! If not, just use a mild olive oil or butter or coconut oil, or (gasp) homemade lard from pastured pork! (high in omega3 and vitamin d, who'd a thought!)
Tiera says
I love that it has a slight coconut flavor! It makes baked goods taste amazing. I also used it to make your whole wheat tortilla recipe once and it took every ounce of will power I possess not to eat all 12! They were amazing. It was like tropical/latin fusion cuisine. :)
Alyssa says
I use it a lot! It's amazing for popping popcorn!! It's a great moisturizer as well.
Pam@behealthybehappywellness says
Popcorn is also my favorite use!!! (although I use it for lots of other things too).
Alison says
I agree about it being a wonderful moisturizer. I use it on my T zone in the winter. My son recently had a bad patch of excema on his elbows and I used coconut oil on them nightly after his shower and it was completely gone in 5 DAYS! The stuff is amazing.
I use mine for bread, stir frys, Indian food, baked goods. It's not cheap but I feel so good about feeding it to my family (mouth & skin!)
Angelique says
Some companies sell it in a glass jar. Set the glass jar in a bowl of hot water if you need it liquid. Andrea, it totally depends on the brand.
Fawn says
Love your blog, you have inspired me in so many ways! I laughed when I read that you mixed it in chunks in your waffles and they still turned out fine because I recently did the same thing (before I was educated of course!). I've been researching oils like crazy lately but I still feel unsure about what the best thing to use for baking regular sandwich bread (in my bread machine) is, and what to use when roasting vegetables in the oven. Any tips on that? I agree that the coconut taste can only be used with certain things. I did however make some homemade fries in the oven with coconut oil recently and they were delish!
Lisa O. says
I love using organic expeller pressed sesame oil in my breads that call for oil! It gives it a nice nutty flavor!
Becky says
If I am cooking an herb type of bread, I love to use extra virgin olive oil. It gives the bread a nice deep and rich flavor.
100 Days of Real Food says
I use olive oil in our sandwich bread and it tastes great (and thanks!) :)
Angelique says
Jj, not if you buy the filtered kind. Also, veg oils like corn oil and canola oil are so heavily processed and have a high omega 6 to omega 3 ratio that they can cause inflammation and disease. Olive oil, however, as long as it's extra virgin, is fine.
Lindsey says
Correct me if I'm wrong: If heating the plastic tub in the microwave will it not leach BPA into the product?
Susan says
I wouldn't heat a thing in the microwave. It kills nutrients! I bought this butter melter and use it several times a week for butter and coconut oil. Very handy!
http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Pre-Seasoned-Cast-Iron-14-Ounce-Melting/dp/B0002CX9FE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328637114&sr=8-1
Andrea says
I was afraid that coconut oil would taste like coconut, because I have one child who HATES coconut (as in gagging at the smell). But it doesn't at all. I wonder if it depends on what kind you buy? Cause JJ says it smells and tastes like coconut...?
JJ says
The problem with coconut oil is that it smells and tastes like coconut. Yuck! I will stick with my olive oil and veg oil.
Tania Kac says
There are two kinds of coconut oil: Virgin and Extra Virgin. The one with coconut flavor is the Extra Virgin. I personally don't always like the coconut flavor except in sweet recipes and on toast so I buy the Virgin for everything else: https://www.swansonvitamins.com/JR013/ItemDetail (this one doesn't have the coconut flavor). I replace it in baked goods, sauteing and anything oven-bound. You shouldn't use olive oil for medium or high heat. It oxidizes and it breaks down. Vegetable oil is terrible, highly processed. Stay away from it for the love of god.
sara says
Thanks for the tips! I have a mostly-full jar of coconut oil leftover from a recipe that used a little bit, and I am really interested in figuring out how to actually use it! :)
Susan says
Just eat it by the spoonful....So good for you!
Katie | Healthnut Foodie says
We make stovetop popcorn with coconut oil. It has the closest flavor profile to movie theater popcorn we've found. Topped with healthy grassfed butter, it is a great medley of heathy fats, whole grains and fabulous flavor! Perfect for health nuts and foodies!