Clarified butter is melted butter that has the solids removed. This butter is a delicious simple ingredient that is often used in sauces and as a condiment for lobster and other seafood. Best of all, it only takes a few minutes to make! See Step 1 below to get started.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Taking the solids
Step 1. Melt the butter
Place the butter in a saucepan and slowly melt it over low heat. Don't let it brown.
Step 2. Remove the butter from the heat and let it rest
The foamy solids will collect on the surface of the melted butter.
Step 3. Take the butterfat from the top
Use a spoon to scoop out the white solid, then strain the clear yellow liquid into a container.
Method 2 of 4: Strain through cloth
Step 1. Melt the butter
Place the salted or unsalted butter in a saucepan and completely melt it. Don't overcook or the butter will brown.
Step 2. Leave the butter for a few minutes
Solids will rise to the surface.
Step 3. Strain the butter through the cloth
Pour the butter through a clean napkin or a damp filter cloth. Let the liquid run through the cloth into the bowl.
Method 3 of 4: Using a plastic bag
Step 1. Melt the butter
Melt your desired butter in a saucepan over low heat. Don't let it get so hot that it browns.
Step 2. Set aside the butter
Remove from the stove and allow the solids to collect at the top.
Step 3. Pour the butter into a resealable bag
Use the type of food storage plastic bag that has a zipper seal (ziploc). Close the plastic bag, making sure it is tightly closed.
Step 4. Let the butter cool
Two distinct layers will form in the pouch; liquid layer on the bottom, and solid layer on top.
Step 5. Cut the corners of the pouch
Cut just enough of one of the bottom corners of the plastic bag to make a small hole through which the liquid can drain.
Step 6. Let the liquid drain into the bowl
Solids will not be able to pass through the hole.
Method 4 of 4: Using a microwave and a pipette
Step 1. Put unsalted butter into a standard tall and wide drinking glass
Step 2. Place the glass in the microwave
Slowly melt the butter on medium power until you see three layers of butter forming (frothy solids on top; clear yellow liquid in center; and heavy solids on bottom).
Step 3. Let the butter sit for a few minutes
Leave it until the layer separation is complete. Then remove it from the microwave.
Step 4. Squeeze the ball part of the pipette
Insert the tip of the pipette into the middle layer and suck the clear yellow liquid (butter) from the glass.
Step 5. Transfer to a separate container
Repeat until all the clarified butter is removed, leaving a solid.
Tips
- Check the butter packaging to see if it's salty or not and adjust according to the amount of salt added in your recipe.
- Store butter in a tightly closed bottle in the refrigerator.
