Description
Discover the rich, nutty flavor of Brown Butter, a simple yet transformative ingredient that adds warm, toasty depth to both savory and sweet dishes. This versatile kitchen essential enhances sauces, baked goods, vegetables, and more, elevating everyday meals with its comforting aroma and moist texture.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Unsalted butter – 1 cup (2 sticks)
- Optional salt – a pinch
Optional Flavor Additions
- Fresh herbs (thyme, sage, rosemary) – a sprig, optional
- Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, chili flakes) – a pinch, optional
- Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans) – 1-2 tablespoons, optional
- Sugar – 1 tablespoon (for caramel variation), optional
- Vanilla extract – ½ teaspoon (for caramel variation), optional
Instructions
- Prepare Your Butter: Cut unsalted butter into even pieces to ensure it melts evenly. Use a light-colored pan to clearly monitor the color change.
- Melt the Butter Over Medium Heat: Place the butter pieces in the pan and stir gently as it melts, allowing the milk solids to separate without burning.
- Watch for the Color Change: The butter will foam and then begin to turn golden brown while releasing a nutty aroma. This indicates the milk solids have toasted perfectly.
- Remove From Heat: Once browned, immediately transfer the butter to a cool bowl to stop the cooking process and prevent burning.
- Add Optional Flavors: Stir in any desired herbs, spices, or nuts to personalize your brown butter before using it in your recipe.
Notes
- Use a light-colored pan to easily see the butter’s color progression and avoid burning.
- Keep stirring continuously to brown the milk solids evenly and prevent scorching.
- Don’t walk away while browning butter; it cooks quickly and requires attention.
- For a smooth finish, strain the brown butter through a fine mesh sieve to remove browned bits if desired.
- Allow brown butter to cool slightly but not solidify before adding to delicate batters to avoid clumping.
- Store leftover brown butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months.
- Reheat gently over low heat or in short microwave bursts, stirring frequently to maintain smooth texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Universal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 90 mg (without added salt)
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 31 mg