3 Reasons You Should Try Baking With Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has become a darling of the whole food movement with good reason. It's now considered a healthy fat and has antibacterial properties. It also tastes delicious in baked goods or slicked on vegetables before roasting. And who doesn't love a hint of the tropics in the middle of winter? Here are 3 reasons why we love it - and some recipes to try.

Why Coconut Oil?

1. Cooking with coconut oil, which is mainly saturated fat, is ideal because it's able to withstand higher temperatures than other oils (perfect for slathering on roasted veggies and using in stir-fry).
2. Although it's saturated fat, studies have shown that the saturated fat in coconut oil is mostly lauric acid, which means it has a more neutral effect on long-term heart health.
3. Coconut oil can be substituted one for one with butter in baked goods, making the results taste a bit lighter and with a touch of coconut.

What Should I Buy?

There are two kinds of coconut oil widely available commercially: "virgin" or "extra virgin" -- or cold-pressed coconut oil -- that contains antioxidants and has a stronger coconut flavor and aroma; and refined coconut oil -- "expeller-pressed" -- which is more processed and has a more neutral taste and scent and a higher smoke point than virgin. Both cold-pressed and expeller-pressed coconut oil can last about two years without refrigeration when stored in a cool, dark place, but there are so many ways to use coconut oil I doubt you'll have any hanging around that long.

How Can I Use It?

Use refined coconut oil for pan-frying: preheat the oil in the pan to 350 degrees F-375 degrees F (175 degrees C-190 degrees C) and try it in your favorite fried chicken recipe. Or toss vegetables in a tablespoon of coconut oil and roast until lightly browned. Saute your favorite protein and/or vegetables in coconut oil and serve atop a bed of brown rice laced with coconut milk. Vegans will love using coconut oil as a sub for butter in dessert recipes.

Remember that coconut oil has a melting point of 78 degrees F (25.5 degrees C), so if you're in a warm climate your oil may be liquid at room temperature. To measure solid or chilled coconut oil, spoon it into a measuring cup, pack it down, and then scrape a knife along the top to measure accurately. You may have to gently warm your coconut oil in the microwave or stove when a recipe calls for a liquid fat.

Check out our tips below to get started cooking with coconut oil.

Everyday Recipes That Use Coconut Oil

• Swap one-for-one with butter or another oil in baked goods, like this Almond Flour Banana Bread recipe. You'll usually need to melt your coconut oil before using it in your baking and when mixing with cold ingredients make sure to stir the oil in quickly so it doesn't solidify.

• In your coffee, like in this recipe for coconut oil coffee, to give your morning cup a hit of healthy fats.

• On vegetables, particularly sweet potatoes or winter squash, that you plan to roast. Try this recipe for Roasted Sweet Potato Bites

• As a sub for olive or vegetable oil in your favorite granola recipe. Add coconut flakes to really up the coconut flavor, like in this recipe for Coconut Granola

• When popping a bowl of popcorn, skip the butter and use coconut oil instead. Try this recipe for Coconut Oil Popcorn to get a taste.

• To saute vegetables or protein for a quick and easy dinner; try this recipe for Stir-Fried Garlic Chicken.

Explore our complete collection of Coconut Oil Recipes.