"Superior Nutritional Qualities. Coconut oil has high amounts of lauric acid that have strong antibacterial properties....Consuming coconut oil can also help you manage digestive distress, regulating the blood sugar, strengthening the teeth and bones, and strengthening your immune system.
Coconut oil Costs more than Butter. One of the strongest drawbacks to using coconut oil instead of butter is that coconut oil is a great deal more expensive. Extra virgin oil also tends to be more expensive than refined coconut oil.
1. When can we substitute coconut oil for butter?
Coconut oil makes a perfect substitute for butter in stir fry and Thai recipes. If you would like to use coconut oil in baked goods, it is recommended that you use virgin coconut oil because it is semi-solid and has a coconut flavor that will add to the overall flavor of your recipe. People often recommend using half coconut oil and half clarified butter in recipes or ¾ coconut oil in place of a cup of butter if you are concerned about the coconut flavor altering the taste of your food.
2. Which type of coconut oil can we use?
Unrefined. Unrefined or virgin coconut oil has been minimally processed with a small amount of heat during the production process. This version has a mild coconut flavor and scent that is not typically delectable in baked goods.
Expeller-pressed. Expeller pressed oil has been through a deodorizing process that has removed the coconut flavor and scent.
Industrial or commercial grade. Commercial grade coconut oil has been through a deodorizing, refining and bleaching process to remove any coconut flavor or scent. However, this means much of the vital nutrients have been removed from the coconut oil as well.
3. How to use coconut oil in different forms
Liquid form. Melt your coconut oil over low heat, allowing it to briefly cool before applying it to your recipe. You can simply place a bowl or your jar of oil on the stove while you prepare your other ingredients as the oil will melt quite quickly. Then simply use the coconut oil the way you would as any other type of oil. If you are using liquid coconut oil in a cold application, stir it into your recipe quickly so it does not begin to solidify and make your recipe lumpy.
Solid form. As long as you keep the oil below 76 degrees it will remain solid. This makes it ideal for use in applications like pie crusts. You can beat in your coconut oil with your sweetener the way you would use butter. You can also use coconut oil to grease your pans the way you would use butter.
4. How to substitute coconut oil for butter
- Make sure your coconut oil is cool enough to remain solid, particularly if you are working in a warm environment. If necessary, place the coconut oil in the refrigerator until you are ready for it to prevent it from melting. Baked goods will need solid coconut oil to make sure the texture turns out the way it should.
- Read your recipe to determine how much coconut oil you need.
- Measure out your oil. You can use a one to one ratio for the amount of butter your recipe calls for."