Description
Brown butter is made by gently cooking butter until the milk solids turn golden brown, creating a nutty, caramel-like flavor that enhances both sweet and savory dishes.
Ingredients
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into even pieces
Instructions
- Place butter in a light-colored, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat.
- As it melts, stir or swirl the pan to ensure even cooking.
- Watch as it melts, foams, and begins to bubble. After a few minutes, golden-brown specks will form on the bottom and a nutty aroma will develop.
- Once the butter reaches a deep golden color, remove from heat immediately.
- Pour into a heat-proof bowl to stop cooking. Let cool before using or storing.
Notes
- Add fresh herbs like sage, thyme, or rosemary while browning for a savory infusion.
- For sweet applications, stir in vanilla extract or cinnamon after removing from heat.
- Replace regular butter in cookies, cakes, or frosting with brown butter for richer flavor, adding 1–1½ teaspoons water per stick to make up for moisture loss.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–7 minutes
- Category: Basic Technique
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Universal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
