What Is Clarified Butter? (and How To Make It)

Clarified butter, also known as ghee, is a type of butter that has been heated and skimmed to remove its milk solids. This process results in a pure, golden-colored fat that has a higher smoke point and longer shelf life than regular butter.

Benefits of Clarified Butter

Clarified butter offers numerous culinary and health benefits:

• High Smoke Point: With a smoke point of around 485°F (252°C), clarified butter can handle high temperatures without burning, making it ideal for searing, sautéing, and frying.
• Longer Shelf Life: By removing the milk solids, clarified butter has a significantly longer shelf life than regular butter. It can be stored at room temperature for several months or in the refrigerator for up to a year.
• Lactose-Free: The removal of milk solids makes clarified butter lactose-free, making it a suitable choice for individuals with lactose intolerance.
• Rich Flavor: Clarified butter has a slightly nutty and caramelized flavor that adds depth and richness to dishes.
• Healthy Fat: Clarified butter contains a high concentration of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been linked to various health benefits, including reduced inflammation and improved heart health.

How to Make Clarified Butter

Making clarified butter is a simple process that requires only butter and a heavy-bottomed pan:

1. Melt the Butter: Place the butter in a pan over medium heat and melt it completely.
2. Skim the Foam: As the butter melts, a white foam will form on the surface. Use a spoon to skim off and discard this foam.
3. Heat until Golden: Continue heating the butter until it turns golden brown and the milk solids at the bottom of the pan turn a dark brown color.
4. Strain the Butter: Line a fine-mesh sieve with cheesecloth or a paper towel and pour the hot butter through it. This will remove any remaining milk solids.
5. Store: Store the clarified butter in a jar or container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Culinary Uses of Clarified Butter

Clarified butter is a versatile culinary ingredient that can be used in various applications:

• Searing and Sautéing: Its high smoke point makes clarified butter ideal for searing meats, poultry, and vegetables.
• Baking: Clarified butter can be used as a substitute for regular butter in baking, adding a richer flavor and texture to cakes, cookies, and pastries.
• Frying: Clarified butter is the preferred fat for deep-frying, as it produces crispy and golden-brown results without burning.
• Sauces and Dressings: Clarified butter adds richness and depth to sauces, gravies, and dressings.
• Spread: Clarified butter can be used as a spread on toast, crackers, or pancakes.

Clarified Butter vs. Regular Butter

While clarified butter and regular butter share some similarities, there are key differences between the two:

• Milk Solids: Clarified butter contains no milk solids, while regular butter does.
• Smoke Point: Clarified butter has a higher smoke point than regular butter.
• Shelf Life: Clarified butter has a longer shelf life than regular butter.
• Flavor: Clarified butter has a nutty and caramelized flavor, while regular butter has a more milky flavor.

Health Considerations

Clarified butter is generally considered a healthy fat, but it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It is high in saturated fat, which can raise cholesterol levels if consumed in excess.

Top Questions Asked

1. Is clarified butter the same as ghee?
Yes, clarified butter and ghee are the same thing. Ghee is the traditional Indian name for clarified butter.

2. Can I use clarified butter in place of olive oil?
Yes, you can substitute clarified butter for olive oil in most recipes. However, olive oil has a lower smoke point, so it is not suitable for high-heat cooking.

3. How long does clarified butter last?
Clarified butter can be stored at room temperature for several months or in the refrigerator for up to a year.

4. Can I make clarified butter in the microwave?
Yes, you can make clarified butter in the microwave. However, it is important to do so carefully to avoid burning the butter.

5. What is the difference between clarified butter and browned butter?
Browned butter is made by heating butter until it turns brown and develops a nutty flavor. Clarified butter is made by removing the milk solids from butter, leaving behind a pure fat.