Coconut flour is a versatile substitute for grain-based flour when you are cooking for special diets. It’s generally better to use established recipes for coconut flour, since it's significantly different in structure than wheat flour. Follow a few guidelines to confidently use it in baked goods, meat dishes and even as breading for chicken and vegetables. If you’re on a low-carbohydrate diet, a gluten-free diet or you are trying to increase your family’s fiber and protein intake, coconut flour is one solution.
Substitute for Low-Carb Diets
Coconut flour is lower in net carbohydrates than grain-based flours, which means that it has fewer carbohydrates that your body can digest. Replace from 10 to 30 percent of the regular flour called for in a recipe with coconut flour when you're baking breads, cakes, cookies or dinner rolls. Generally, 1/4 cup to 1/3 cup of coconut flour can take the place of one cup of grain flour. Coconut flour is drier than other flours, however, so you will have to add more liquid and eggs to the mixing bowl to keep the end product moist and fluffy. For every cup of coconut flour you use in a recipe, you will need about 6 eggs and 1 cup of liquid, such as milk or water.
Beef Up Your Meat Recipes
Make meatloaves and meatballs gluten free by substituting coconut flour for the crackers or bread crumbs that are included in most recipes. Just substitute coconut flour at half the amount listed in the recipe. For instance, if your meatballs call for 1 cup of breadcrumbs, use 1/2 cup of coconut flour instead. As when baking, you will have to increase the amount of liquid used in the meat recipe. Unlike a cake or cookies, you can tell if your meatballs are too dry just by touch. Add extra beef broth or tomato sauce, a little at a time until you reach the right consistency.
Bread Chicken and Vegetables
Make fried chicken or tempura vegetables by substituting equal amounts of coconut flour for grain flour. Dredge the meat or vegetables in whisked egg as you normally would, and then roll it around in coconut flour. The egg will help with the flour’s moisture absorption, as will the oil you fry it in, so you don't have to add extra liquid.
Remember These Tips
When using coconut flour in your recipes, use a few tips to help make your cooking experience successful. When baking cookies, bread, cakes or a similar item, you may need to whisk the flour and wet ingredients together first. Let this mixture sit for about 15 minutes to moisten the flour so that the end product comes out moist and fluffy. Coconut flour also has a higher level of fiber than other flours. Your digestive system may not be ready for the difference, so don’t eat too much coconut flour all at once if you’re not used to consuming it.