Serunding Kelapa
Serunding Kelapa, also known as 'coconut floss', is a savory and slightly spicy condiment made from shredded coconut cooked with a blend of aromatic spices. It has a dry, crumbly texture and is often served with rice, noodles, or as a filling.

🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g Fresh shredded coconut(Or desiccated coconut, lightly toasted)
- 15 Dried chilies(Soaked in hot water, adjust to spice preference)
- 2 stalks Lemongrass(Cleaned and cut into thirds)
- 1 inch Galangal(Cut into coins)
- 3 medium Shallots(Peeled)
- 4 cloves Garlic(Peeled)
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- 1 tsp Fennel powder
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 3 tbsp Oil(For spice paste)
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1 tsp Lime juice
- 4 Kaffir lime leaves(Thinly sliced)
- to taste Salt
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Make the Spice Paste: In a food processor or blender, combine the soaked dried chilies, lemongrass, galangal, shallots, garlic, turmeric powder, cumin powder, fennel powder, coriander powder, and 3 tablespoons of oil. Blend until a smooth paste is formed.
💡 Tip: If using desiccated coconut, lightly toast it in a dry pan until golden brown before starting. - 2
Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pan or wok over medium heat. Add the prepared spice paste and sauté until fragrant and the oil begins to separate, about 8-10 minutes. Be careful not to burn the paste.
- 3
Add the shredded coconut to the pan. Stir well to coat the coconut with the spice paste. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture is dry and crumbly, and the coconut turns a deep golden brown. This process can take up to 30-40 minutes.
💡 Tip: Stirring constantly, especially towards the end, is crucial to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. - 4
Stir in the sugar, lime juice, thinly sliced kaffir lime leaves, and salt to taste. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes until the serunding is completely dry and has a fluffy, floss-like texture.
- 5
Remove from heat and let the Serunding Kelapa cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or refrigerate for longer storage.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The key to good serunding is the slow cooking process, which allows the flavors to meld and the coconut to dry out.
- ✓Adjust the amount of dried chilies to control the spiciness.
- ✓Freshly grated coconut will yield a chewier texture, while desiccated coconut will result in a crispier floss.
🔄 Variations
- Add dried shrimp (rinsed and ground) to the spice paste for a richer flavor.
- Incorporate a tablespoon of fish sauce for added umami.
- Some recipes include a small amount of palm sugar for a hint of sweetness.