How to Brown Butter (easy step-by-step tutorial)
How to brown butter - Brown butter is simply melting butter gently on the stovetop until the milk solids become toasty golden brown, producing a nutty caramel-like aroma and flavor. It elevates both savory sweet sweet dishes and requires just one ingredient.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter (more or less, as called for in your recipe) cut into Tablespoon-size pieces
- light-colored saucepan or skillet
- whisk or rubber spatula
- glass bowl
Instructions
- Cut the butter into pieces. The butter melts more evenly when sliced into small pieces. Add the butter to a light-colored pan.
- Melt the butter. Bring the skillet to medium heat. As the butter melts it will begin to foam and sizzle, continue to whisk and swirl the pan for even caramelization.
- Cook the butter. At around the 5-8 minute mark, depending on the amount of butter used, you will notice the color will progress from a bright yellow to a deep golden brown with toasted milk solids at the bottom emitting a nutty aroma. Watch carefully as the butter can easily burn at this stage. Once the desired color is reached, turn off the heat.
- Transfer the brown butter. Remove the skillet from the stovetop, and use a rubber spatula to transfer the brown butter to a glass bowl. Scrape all of the little brown bits from the bottom of the pan into the bowl to avoid losing any flavor.
Notes
How to avoid burning browned butter?
- Cook the butter on medium heat. Monitor the pan closely, do not walk away. The entire process should take between 8-10 minutes, with cook times varying, depending on the amount of butter and pan used.
- Whisk continuously. As the butter begins to foam and change from bright yellow to golden in color.
- Transfer when ready. Once you smell the nutty aroma, see the brown specks at the bottom of the pan, and a rich golden color, immediately transfer the browned butter to a bowl.