How To Brown Butter
Browning butter is one of the simple cooking techniques that will make you look and feel like a professional chef in your own kitchen! I still remember learning about browning butter as it changed how I cook and bake forever. The aroma that fills your kitchen is like caramel and roasted nuts, and the flavor it adds to cakes, cookies, and sauces is unbeatable. Once you master the culinary art of brown butter, there is no going back!
Servings: 1 *See Note
Ingredients
- 1 cup salted or unsalted butter, cut into pieces
Instructions
- Heat a light-colored skillet over medium heat. Add the slices of butter to the skillet and stir frequently with a whisk. The butter will melt quickly and begin to sizzle and bubble. As the butter is cooking continue to watch it closely while whisking as it can burn easily if not stirred.
- Within 6–8 minutes, you’ll notice the butter turning a light amber color with brown specks forming at the bottom of the pan. Those specks are the milk solids, and that’s exactly what you want — it’s what gives brown butter its signature flavor. You’ll also notice a rich, nutty aroma. As soon as that happens, remove the pan from the heat and carefully pour the butter into a glass bowl. I like to pour mine directly into the mixing bowl I’ll be using if I need it right away, or transfer it to a glass mason jar for later. And make sure you add all of those little brown bits- that is what adds the most flavor!
- Use this butter as desired but make sure to read the post for complete tips for baking with brown butter!
Notes
Butter is about 80% fat and 18% water, so a small amount of water will evaporate during browning process. If you’re browning butter for a baking recipe, consider adding an extra tablespoon to account for the loss and ensure you have the perfect amount.