How-To: Pan-Toast Nuts (or Seeds)
I wish I could say I wasn’t internally laughing while typing this post, but alas…
Firstly, yes, you may use your microwave!
America’s Test Kitchen offers clear instructions for microwave-toasting nuts on TikTok.
- Place 1/2 to 1 cup (125-250 mL) raw nuts in a wide glass dish – like a pie plate.
- Microwave 1 minute, then toss. Repeat until nuts just begin to color.
- Switch to microwaving and tossing in 30-second intervals until nuts are evenly toasted.
And microwave-toasting works, but…
there are a few key differences that keep me connected to pan-toasting.
You have to be able to rely on visual cues.
As with pan-toasting, I hoped my nuts would become aromatic when they were halfway done. Unfortunately, they released their smell after 2 minutes in the microwave, and then needed 4 more.
The appeal of being freed from the stove is chastened by the reality of being strapped to the microwave.
Theoretically, you can do something else while your nuts cook. But there’s really not much you can do in 30- to 60-second chunks!
Moreover, when microwave-toasting, the acts of heating and tossing are separated. My nuts toasted for a total of 6 minutes in the microwave, but my raw video footage clocked the entire process around 10 minutes from the first to last time I opened the door.
Microwaves vary widely.
Though most microwaves output 800-1,000 watts, 600- to 1,700-watt microwaves are still considered standard. My total time and yours for cooking anything could be drastically different (or not if you dare play with power levels)!
Yet the microwave is safe!
I mean emotionally safe. There’s a butterfly-like magic in closing the door on a heated transformation while it takes place. If this magic brings you comfort and encourages you to cook, then by all means, open that door to change!
Just know it’s not logistically easier than the stove.
)
How-To: Pan-Toast Nuts (or Seeds)
Description
After stirring frequently, the most important note is that nuts become aromatic when they are halfway done toasting. Both tips will prevent burning!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place nuts in a skillet wide enough to hold them in a single layer, then place skillet over medium-low to medium heat. Note the time!
- Stir occasionally until nuts become aromatic. (You should be able to smell them without leaning closer to them.) They are halfway done at this point! Note the time again, then calculate how many minutes have passed.
- Stir frequently for the amount of time you calculated.
- Remove from heat and use as desired.
Video
Notes
- Use toasted pine nuts to make Vegan Pesto!
