Toasting Nuts and Seeds
Raw nuts often taste flat and feel waxy. A few minutes in a pan transforms them into crisp, brittle ingredients that hold their own against salt and dressing.
Commit to the stove.
Nuts go from toasted to burnt in the space of thirty seconds. Keep your eyes on the pan the entire time.
- Heavy-bottomed stainless steel or cast iron skillet
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
What goes in.
- 1 cupNuts or seeds (walnuts, pecans, almonds, pumpkin seeds, or sesame)
Trust your nose over your eyes
Visual color changes can be subtle. When the room fills with the distinct, unmistakable aroma of the nut, they are done.
The method.
Heat the skillet
Set your skillet over medium heat. Do not add oil or butter; the nuts have enough natural fat to toast themselves.
Spread in a layer
Add the nuts or seeds to the pan. Ensure they are in a single layer so they cook evenly. If you have too many, toast them in batches.
Agitate
Shake the pan or stir constantly. You want every surface to contact the hot metal intermittently. If you see dark spots forming, lower the heat.
Transfer immediately
The moment you smell them, pour the nuts onto a cold plate or a sheet of parchment. Leaving them in the hot pan will cause them to keep cooking and eventually scorch.
Other turns to take.
Spiced
After removing from the heat, toss the warm nuts with a pinch of salt and a small amount of chili powder or ground cumin.
Candied
Toss with a teaspoon of maple syrup or honey during the last 30 seconds of heat until sticky and coated.
When it doesn't go to plan.
Always chop large nuts like walnuts or pecans after toasting, not before, to keep the edges clean.
If toasting pine nuts or sesame seeds, keep the heat to low; their high oil content makes them burn almost instantly.
Let the nuts cool completely to room temperature before storing, otherwise, the steam will make them soft.
The ones that keep coming up.
Can I toast nuts in the oven instead?
Yes, spread them on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. It is easier for large quantities, but the stovetop method gives you more control.
How long do toasted nuts stay fresh?
They will remain crisp in an airtight container for about one week. After that, the oils begin to degrade.
How real cooks make it.
No one’s shared their version yet. Be the first to put your kitchen on the map.
Cook this your way?
Share your version — your steps, your story. We’ll feature it right here.
Add your recipe