What Is Drawn Butter And Why Is It So Popular?

Drawn butter, a culinary staple, is a versatile sauce made from melted butter that has been slowly heated until the milk solids separate and sink to the bottom of the pan. The resulting clear, golden liquid is known as drawn butter. Its delicate flavor and velvety texture enhance the taste of various dishes.

The Process of Drawing Butter

Creating drawn butter is a simple yet delicate process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Melt the Butter: Place unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat and melt it slowly.

2. Simmer and Skim: Bring the melted butter to a gentle simmer and skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.

3. Separate the Milk Solids: As the butter simmers, the milk solids will start to separate from the fat. Continue simmering until the milk solids become visible at the bottom of the pan.

4. Strain the Butter: Use a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth to strain the butter, separating the clear liquid from the milk solids.

Uses of Drawn Butter

Drawn butter is a versatile sauce with numerous culinary applications:

1. Seafood: It’s an ideal accompaniment to grilled, steamed, or poached seafood, adding richness and flavor.

2. Vegetables: Drawn butter enhances the taste of steamed or roasted vegetables, giving them a glossy sheen.

3. Pasta: It can be used as a base for creamy pasta sauces or as a flavorful addition to simple pasta dishes.

4. Baking: Drawn butter is often used to brush over pastry before baking, creating a golden-brown crust.

5. Sauces: It forms the base for various sauces, including hollandaise, béarnaise, and meunière.

Benefits of Drawn Butter

In addition to its culinary versatility, drawn butter offers several benefits:

1. Purity: The drawn butter is free of milk solids, making it a purer form of butter.

2. Intensified Flavor: The process of drawing butter concentrates the flavor, resulting in a more intense and aromatic sauce.

3. Heat Resistance: Drawn butter has a higher smoke point compared to regular butter, making it suitable for high-heat cooking.

Storage and Shelf Life

Drawn butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the drawn butter in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it on low power until melted.

Variations of Drawn Butter

The classic drawn butter can be customized with various flavorings to create unique variations:

1. Lemon Drawn Butter: Add lemon juice and zest to the drawn butter for a bright and citrusy flavor.

2. Herb Drawn Butter: Stir in chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or tarragon for an aromatic twist.

3. Garlic Drawn Butter: Infuse the drawn butter with minced garlic for a savory and garlicky flavor.

4. Compound Drawn Butter: Combine drawn butter with other ingredients like shallots, mushrooms, or capers to create a complex and flavorful sauce.

Wrap-Up: The Culinary Magic of Drawn Butter

Drawn butter is an indispensable ingredient in any kitchen, offering a versatile and flavorful sauce that elevates the taste of countless dishes. Its purity, intensified flavor, and heat resistance make it a culinary staple. Whether used to enhance seafood, vegetables, pasta, or baking, drawn butter adds an irresistible touch of richness and elegance.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: What is the difference between clarified butter and drawn butter?

A: Clarified butter is made by melting butter and removing all the milk solids, while drawn butter removes only some of the milk solids, resulting in a clearer and milder flavor.

Q: Can I use drawn butter as a substitute for regular butter?

A: Yes, drawn butter can be used as a substitute for regular butter in most recipes, but it may have a slightly different flavor profile.

Q: How long does drawn butter last?

A: Drawn butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.