The Originators of Quick & Easy Cooking!
Down-Home Cookin': 24 Easy Southern Favorites
Bonus: Get our newsletter & special offers for free. We will not share or sell your email address. View our Privacy Policy
How to Crack a Coconut
So, you got your hands on some fresh coconut, but you aren't really sure where to begin. You've heard of people using cleavers and cracking open the coconut against sharp edges; you've even seen them use machetes in some areas, but these aren't really practical options for you in your kitchen. That's why we're showing you a couple of the easiest ways we know how to crack open a coconut. Opening a coconut with our methods is less risky and much more kitchen-friendly. After just a few tries, you're going to become a pro at cracking a coconut!
How to Crack a Coconut
- First, you'll want to drain the coconut water that's in the coconut. To do this, place a kitchen towel underneath a heavy cutting board, and then place another towel on top of the cutting board. This'll help prevent the coconut from slipping. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to puncture the coconut's "eyes" (these are circular shaped indentations at one end of the coconut). You may need the help of a hammer to puncture the eyes, as only one of them will be soft enough to puncture. (Watch your hands!) Once you've made the holes, you can empty the water into a bowl and save it to use in soups, sauces, or drinks.
- Option 1: This is the fastest way to open a coconut. Hold the coconut firmly with one hand and whack the coconut firmly with a hammer (Watch your hands again!). Do this several times, sort of rotating it as you go along, until it cracks open. Remove the meat by using a spoon to pry it apart.
- Option 2: Place a coconut on a baking sheet (after removing the water) and bake for 15 minutes at 400 degrees F. After it cracks in the oven, let it cool for a bit before tapping it to separate the meat from the shell.
- To remove any of the brown skin before shredding or grating the coconut meat, you can simply use a vegetable peeler. Of course, you can always eat it as-is, too!
Usually, if a recipe calls for coconut we simply go to the pantry and pull out a bag of shredded coconut. Pretty easy, huh? But if you've got fresh coconut on hand, and you know how to open a coconut (you should now!) you can always substitute with freshly shredded or grated coconut.
Our from scratch Automat-Style Coconut Cream Pie will quickly become a favorite dessert, and bring back memories for those who grew up loving it! It's whipped, light, and full of that shredded coco-nutty goodness we all love.
Enjoy a tropical dinnertime meal with this recipe for Coconut-Crusted Pork Chops. A coconutty crust and some flavorful spices gives these baked pork chops an exotic island taste that's undeniably delicious.
Fans of macaroon cookies are going to go nuts when you set out this Chocolate Macaroon Pie. This flourless pie features a coconutty-crust and a rich chocolate filling that makes it absolutely to-die-for.
Imagine you're sitting on a beach chair, staring out into the clear blue waters when, all of a sudden, you're handed creamy, Coconut Pudding, garnished with a bright red cherry on top... Luckily, we've got half the recipe for your tropical daydream right here!
Share This Recipe
Thanks for your comment. Don't forget to share!
Report Inappropriate Comment
Are you sure you would like to report this comment? It will be flagged for our moderators to take action.
Thank you for taking the time to improve the content on our site.
LATEST TV RECIPE & VIDEO
Stuffed Chicken Rollups 
Turn ordinary chicken breasts into a favorite main dish by stuffing them with our creamy, flavorful filling and rolling them in a crunchy homemade breading. Stuffed Chicken Rollups are easy for weeknights, and are a company-favorite too!
WHAT'S HOT
- How to Core an Apple
-
How To: Cook Bacon in the Microwave
- How to Make Hard-Boiled Eggs
-
How To: Cook Bacon in the Oven
-
How to Thaw a Turkey
-
How To Make Glaze
-
How to Slice an Onion
-
How to Keep Apples from Turning Brown and Apple Storage Tips
-
How to Mince Garlic
- How to Cook a Burger: Tips & Tricks for Flavorful, Juicy Burgers Every Time
You May Also Like
|
|
