Whether it is whole or sliced almonds, they are a very nutritious nut comprising 35% of your daily dosage of vitamin E, healthy plant based protein, and dietary fiber. However, toasting sliced almonds enhances the flavor and texture of the meal.
From cooking to baking, professional chefs recommend you take extra time to toast almonds before adding or garnishing a dish. Let’s discuss toasting sliced almonds in a microwave quickly.
How do you toast sliced almonds in a microwave? Spread a cup of sliced almonds on a microwave-safe plate, minimize overlap and avoid greasing the plate.
Microwave the sliced almonds on high for 1 minute then stir, then repeat the process with 30 second increments until the nuts are golden-brown and nutty fragrant. Always stir before adding additional cooking time to even out the heat to toast them.
Microwave toasting sliced almonds is prettyquick and does not require additional fat to toast them successfully. Toasting sliced almonds brings out the nutty flavor all the better.
Toasted sliced almonds are great ingredient to top on a salad, baked cookies and cakes, or even something to just snack on. However, sliced almonds burn a bit easier compared to toasting nuts in the microwave in their whole form without being cut or sliced.
In this article, we will go over microwaving sliced almonds and why you need to toast them before baking. Additionally, covered below are answered to frequently asked questions regarding microwave tips to toast sliced almonds anytime your in a hurry.
Is it OK to microwave sliced almonds?
Yes, it is fine to microwave sliced almonds as it brings out the nutty flavor even more. Microwave for a minute, toss them and repeat with 15 to 30 second intervals until they turn a sizzling golden color.
When microwaving sliced almonds, ensure the amount is small and they are placed in a single layer for even toasting. Do not overcrowd the dish as the toasting will not be even.
For 1100W, a minute total should be sufficient depending on the slice thickness and total amount being toasted. For lower wattage appliances, the time required will be slightly longer for toasting sliced almonds.
The key it to always toss them every 15 to 20 seconds. This will allow you to keep a watchful eye on them to catch the peak doneness before they start to overcook and burn.
Microwave toasted sliced almonds are good for 1 to 2 weeks. Ensure to store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
If you would like to enjoy toasted sliced almonds for a bit longer, store them in freezer and the nuts can last for up to 3 months.
Why do you toast sliced almonds?
Toasting sliced almonds enhances its nutty flavor and crunchy texture. This makes the almonds more pleasurable.
As they say, if you have toasted sliced almonds, there is no going back. Toasting brings out the best of its natural flavors.
Toasted sliced almonds can be topped on salads, baked goods, main course dishes, oatmeal, or just be snacked upon. When you toast sliced almonds, they release aromas and increase the nuttiness of almonds.
Their nutty flavor, texture, and crispiness are unique for toasted sliced almonds, and the taste is transcendental.
The more brown or golden they are they do have incredible earthy and nutty flavor. When using microwave to toast sliced almonds, add ½ teaspoon per ½ cup of nut oil to encourage more browning and make the toasting process happen even faster.
Should sliced almonds be toasted before baking?
Toasting enhances the texture and nutty flavor. When sliced, the toasting is even and all through.
Moreover sliced almonds are crispy because of layers. When added to baked goods, sliced almonds maintain their crispiness, nutty flavor, and texture.
Almonds have an earthy rich flavor that becomes all the more prominent when sliced and toasted. However, ensure that sliced almonds are not too thin or too thick.
Too thin slices of almond can result in burning when toasting them at high heat. If it is too thick, it may take a long time to reach a crunchy level.
However, store bought sliced almonds are generally perfect thickness to toast easily. They will give you a deep nutty flavor and heavenly aroma with intense texture wherever used in your dishes.
Tips to toast sliced almonds in the microwave
Toasting sliced almonds in a microwave is easier than using an oven or skillet method. Compare to toasting whole nuts, sliced almonds may be trickier due to high chance to get easily burnt.
If you have been experiencing burnt almond slices, here are some tips that will help you to toast evenly without burning:
- Take a microwave-safe plate and spread a layer of sliced almonds even over it.
- Do not overcrowd the almonds on the plate. Use small amounts of almonds in each batch.
- Microwave for around a minute on high with periodic tossing every 15 to 20 seconds.
- Remove the nuts when the sliced almonds are light golden brown.
- If you smell toasty, this is when you should remove them and allow them to cool.
- Toast dry sliced almonds without adding any fat. However, to speed up browning, add melted butter or oil, then stir well before microwaving.
- To store sliced nuts after toasting, use an airtight container to keep the moisture off and reduce spoilage.
- Use a cooking spray if required before placing them on a plate.
- Stir the sliced almonds in between to avoid burning and promote even toasting.
Burnt sliced almonds is hard to catch if you set the timer and completely walk away leaving them unattended. The best way to avoid destroying your almond slices is to check and stir them often to prevent overcooking.
Best way to toast sliced almonds in the microwave
The best ways to toast sliced almonds in a microwave is by placing them in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate. Operate on high power setting and run the microwave for a minute with periodic stirring of the nuts to prevent burning and provide even heating and toasting on every almond slice.
Follow the steps below for the ebst way to toast sliced almonds in a microwave:
- Take a microwave-safe plate and layer the sliced almonds on it.
- Microwave on high for a minute.
- Keep stirring every 15 seconds for even heating and to prevent burning.
- If they are golden brown, remove them from the microwave.
- If they are not brown enough, run the microwave for another 15 seconds to achieve perfect doneness.
- Repeat the steps with stirring or tossing the nuts until they are perfectly roasted.
- For larger quantities, toast sliced almonds in batches.
- Remove the plate and let the sliced almonds cool down before using them in your favorite dishes.
Microwave Toasting Sliced Almonds: Conclusion
Sliced almonds are safe and easy to toast in a microwave compared to traditional methods like oven or skillet roasting. With toasted sliced almonds, you can garnish your favorite salad or top on a sweet cookies as you wish.
Also, toasted sliced almonds stay crispier and retain their flavor for long time whether it is baked with other ingredient or in extended shelf life. Keep the flavor and nutrient filled with fiber and minerals in the almonds to benefit your diet.
In order to toast sliced almonds in a microwave, place the nuts on a microwave-safe plate and evenly distribute to ensure space in-between the pieces. Avoid greasing the plate in this case with added butter or oil unless you want the sliced almonds to toast extremely quickly.
Microwave on high power setting for 15 second increments and stir well after each duration for a total time of 1 to 2 minutes. As a result, you will prevent almonds from burning and evenly coat with heat to get browning started.
Repeat the process until the nuts are nice golden-brown and have a nutty aroma. To enhance the nutty flavor, crispiness, and texture of the almonds,toast sliced almonds in microwavewith frequent stirring in between and enjoy while fresh.