How To Toast Pecans In Your Oven Or On The Stovetop

As with many other nuts, toasting is the best way to allow the taste of pecans to shine. This simple step releases the nuts' flavors and gives them a crunchy texture that holds up when added to a wide variety of recipes. But what is the best way to toast pecans, either in the oven or on the stove?

If you choose to toast the pecans in the oven, keep in mind the golden rule of using low and slow heat when roasting nuts. While you're at it, make sure your oven temperature is accurate before preheating the oven to 250 degrees. Nuts can burn quickly and toasting low and slow will keep them from cooking too fast, as will having a good handle on how hot your oven really is (and, no, your oven temperature probably isn't as accurate as you think it is). Spread the nuts in a single layer onto a baking pan lined with parchment paper, which will prevent the nuts from sticking to the pan. Toast for five to 10 minutes or until the pecans are fragrant.

Using the stovetop is just as simple as the oven method. Place an ungreased frying pan on a stove set at medium-high heat. Add the nuts and stir them every so often to prevent burning. After five minutes or so, your pecans will be nicely toasted and ready to use.

No matter which way you decide to toast pecans, you will know they are finished when you can smell their fragrant aroma. Remove them from the heat as soon as they're done toasting to prevent burning. They're now ready to be used in any dish that will benefit from a crunchy, nutty addition. Toasted pecans can be seasoned and eaten as a savory snack or used in place of pricey pine nuts in pesto. For a sweet treat like a rich pecan pie or a classic Watergate salad, giving those pecans the toasting treatment will ensure the best texture and taste even when the pecans sit in a rich, high-moisture mixture.

The most important thing to remember when toasting pecans using either method is to keep an eye on them as they cook. Many have turned away from the task for just a moment, only to find out that the nuts are burned beyond use. Burning can happen very quickly because of the nuts' high amount of oil, so pay close attention when they're toasting.