What To Know
- Drawn butter is a culinary staple that adds richness, flavor, and moisture to a wide range of dishes.
- Drawn butter has a higher smoke point than regular butter, meaning it can be heated to a higher temperature without burning.
- As a base for sauces, drawn butter provides a rich and flavorful foundation for dishes such as hollandaise, béarnaise, and beurre blanc.
Drawn butter is a culinary staple that adds richness, flavor, and moisture to a wide range of dishes. It is simply melted butter that has been heated and then skimmed to remove the milk solids, resulting in a clear, golden liquid.
Why Use Drawn Butter?
Drawn butter offers several advantages over regular melted butter:
- Enhanced flavor: The removal of milk solids intensifies the butter’s flavor, making it more pronounced and desirable.
- Higher smoke point: Drawn butter has a higher smoke point than regular butter, meaning it can be heated to a higher temperature without burning.
- Improved texture: The absence of milk solids prevents the butter from curdling or separating, resulting in a smooth and velvety texture.
How to Make Drawn Butter
Making drawn butter is a straightforward process:
1. Melt the butter: Place unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat and melt it completely.
2. Skim the milk solids: As the butter melts, white foam will form on the surface. Use a spoon to skim off and discard this foam.
3. Pour off the drawn butter: Once the foam has been removed, carefully pour the clear liquid into a separate bowl or container.
Culinary Applications of Drawn Butter
Drawn butter is an incredibly versatile ingredient with a wide range of culinary applications:
- Sauces: As a base for sauces, drawn butter provides a rich and flavorful foundation for dishes such as hollandaise, béarnaise, and beurre blanc.
- Seafood: Drawn butter is the perfect accompaniment to seafood, enhancing the natural flavors of fish, shrimp, and shellfish.
- Vegetables: Steamed or roasted vegetables can be drizzled with drawn butter for an extra boost of flavor and moisture.
- Pasta: Drawn butter adds richness and creaminess to pasta dishes, creating a luxurious and satisfying meal.
- Eggs: Eggs cooked in drawn butter, such as eggs Benedict or poached eggs, are a classic and indulgent breakfast or brunch option.
Tips for Using Drawn Butter
- Use unsalted butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of your drawn butter.
- Heat gradually: Heating the butter too quickly can cause it to burn or separate.
- Skim the foam thoroughly: Removing all the milk solids will ensure a clear and flavorful drawn butter.
- Store properly: Drawn butter can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Health Benefits of Drawn Butter
While drawn butter is high in fat, it also contains some essential nutrients:
- Vitamin A: Important for vision, immune function, and cell growth.
- Vitamin E: An antioxidant that protects cells from damage.
- Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA): A fatty acid that may have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties.
Final Note: A Culinary Essential
Drawn butter is a culinary essential that adds depth of flavor, richness, and moisture to countless dishes. Its versatility and ease of use make it a must-have ingredient for any home cook or professional chef. Whether you’re preparing a classic sauce, enhancing seafood, or simply enriching vegetables, drawn butter is the perfect choice to elevate your culinary creations.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Can I use drawn butter to make ghee?
A: Yes, drawn butter is the first step in making ghee. To make ghee, simply continue heating the drawn butter until the water evaporates and the milk solids turn golden brown.
Q: How long does drawn butter keep in the refrigerator?
A: Drawn butter can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze drawn butter?
A: Yes, drawn butter can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Q: Can I use drawn butter to make clarified butter?
A: Yes, drawn butter is a type of clarified butter. However, it is not as clear as some commercially available clarified butters because it still contains some milk solids.
Q: Why does my drawn butter have a cloudy appearance?
A: If your drawn butter has a cloudy appearance, it means that some milk solids were not removed during the skimming process. To achieve a clearer drawn butter, skim the foam more thoroughly.
