Daily Kitchen Note
Browning butter is a simple technique that transforms regular butter into a complex, toasty ingredient. It adds a rich, nutty depth to both sweet and savory dishes.
How to Brown butter
- Cut unsalted butter into uniform pieces and place in a light-colored skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook until the butter melts, froths, and the water evaporates, stirring constantly with a heatproof spatula.
- Watch closely as the milk solids turn a dark golden brown and emit a nutty aroma, about 1 to 3 minutes after melting.
- Immediately remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the browned butter, including all the toasted bits, into a heatproof bowl.
Why it works
As butter heats, its water evaporates and the milk solids separate. These solids undergo the Maillard reaction, toasting and creating complex, nutty flavor compounds and a dark color.
Source
America's Test Kitchen: What Is Browned Butter and How to Make It
