How To Brown Butter Recipe

Introduction

Browned butter is a simple yet transformative ingredient that adds a rich, nutty flavor to many dishes. This easy technique turns plain butter into a fragrant, golden delight perfect for both sweet and savory recipes.

A white bowl with a dark rim contains melted butter swirling with a reddish-brown liquid, creating marbled patterns on the surface. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, holding some of the mixed liquid. To the top left of the bowl, there is a white bowl filled with shelled walnuts showing their rough, textured surface. Near it, a bottle of vanilla extract stands, mostly full with a dark amber color. To the top right, a clear glass bowl holds many white chocolate chips, smooth and round. The items are placed on a white marbled surface, and a light gray textured cloth peeks from under the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), sliced into pats

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Melt the butter in a light-colored pan over medium heat.
  2. Step 2: Stir constantly with a spatula or wooden spoon, cooking for 5 to 10 minutes until the butter smells nutty and the milk solids at the bottom turn golden brown. The butter will foam around the edges initially before settling down.
  3. Step 3: Immediately pour the browned butter into a large heatproof bowl to stop the cooking and prevent burning.
  4. Step 4: Use the browned butter right away in any recipe calling for it, or let cool to room temperature and store as needed.

Tips & Variations

  • Use a light-colored pan to easily monitor the color change and avoid burning the butter.
  • Slice butter into pats for even melting and browning.
  • Add fresh herbs or garlic during the browning process for infused flavors.

Storage

Allow browned butter to cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently before use to restore its pourable consistency.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white pot showing a mixture of golden brown liquid with lighter creamy foam swirled on top, creating a marble-like pattern. A silver spoon is held above the pot, coated with the same warm brown liquid. The pot's edges have a gentle rim and it sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I brown salted butter instead of unsalted?

You can brown salted butter, but unsalted butter is preferred to control the salt level in your final dish.

How do I know when the butter is properly browned?

The butter will emit a nutty aroma and the milk solids will turn a golden brown color at the bottom of the pan. Watch carefully, as it can burn quickly once browned.

Print
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How To Brown Butter Recipe


  • Author: Elara
  • Total Time: 9 minutes
  • Yield: ½ cup browned butter 1x

Description

Learn how to perfectly brown butter in just minutes to add a rich, nutty flavor to your dishes. This simple technique transforms regular unsalted butter into a versatile ingredient that enhances baked goods, sauces, and more.


Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), sliced into pats

Instructions

  1. Heat the Butter: Place the sliced unsalted butter into a light-colored pan over medium heat to monitor the color of the butter as it browns.
  2. Stir Constantly: Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir the butter continuously to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
  3. Watch for Foam: The butter will begin to foam around the edges within the first few minutes; keep stirring as it cooks down.
  4. Brown the Milk Solids: Continue cooking for 5 to 10 minutes until the butter smells nutty and the milk solids settle at the bottom and turn a golden brown color.
  5. Remove from Heat: Immediately pour the browned butter into a large heatproof bowl to stop the cooking process and prevent burning.
  6. Use or Store: Use the browned butter right away in your recipe, or let it cool to room temperature and store in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

  • Use a light-colored pan to accurately judge the color changes in the butter.
  • Stirring constantly is key to prevent the milk solids from burning.
  • Browned butter adds a rich, nutty flavor perfect for baking, sauces, and savory dishes.
  • Store cooled browned butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 minutes
  • Category: Sauce/Base
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: brown butter, how to brown butter, beurre noisette, cooking butter, buttery sauce, nutty butter flavor

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