Vietnamese Candied Coconut Ribbons (Mứt Dừa)
Mứt Dừa is a delicious Lunar New Year treat made with young coconut flesh. You won't be able to stop snacking on this lightly sweet and creamy candy.
- Prep time
- 35 min
- Cook time
- 45 min
- Yield
- 2 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 1 20 oz can young coconut ribbons in light syrup
- 3½-4 tbsp sugar
- 1 drop food coloring ((optional))
- 1 tsp vanilla sugar ((optional))
Instructions
- 1
Strain and rinse the can of coconut shreds. Let most of the water drain out before transferring the coconut to a dry bowl.
- 2
Mix sugar into the coconut ribbons and let sit for a minute until a sugar syrup forms.
- 3
If using food coloring, add a drop to the sugar water and mix thoroughly. Let coconut sit for at least 30 min.
- 4
Transfer all of the coconut and liquid into a nonstick pan on medium high heat. Stir constantly as the liquid evaporates.
- 5
Once most of the liquid has evaporated and the coconut has darkened and become sticky, turn heat down to low or medium-low. Add the vanilla sugar if you wish.
- 6
Continue to stir and mix the coconut constantly until all of the liquid has evaporated, the coconut has turned opaque, and each ribbon is coated in a thin layer of sugar.