Brown butter is what we called beurre noisette. When you bake goods, pasta and sauces, it can add a rich, nutty, toasty depth of flavor to your dish.
Brown butter is usually made on the stovetop. However, microwave offers you a more convenient, mess-free way to make brown butter. And it would bring great results for small batches and quick recipes.
Read on for the simplest method to make brown butter in only 4 steps!
What Is Brown Butter?
Brown butter is simply regular unsalted butter that has been gently cooked until the milk solids toast and turn golden brown. The process releases aromas of hazelnut and caramel and intensifies the butter’s flavor.
What You Need to Make Brown Butter?
You can easily make brown butter with some easy-to-get ingredients at home. The methods we provide in thig blog post would be extremely efforltess and messy-free.
1.Unsalted butter
First of all, you will need sdome unsalted butter. We would recommand you to prepare 4 tbsp to 1 cup of unsalted butter for the brown butter recipe.
2. A microwave-safe bowl
And you will need a microwave-safe bowl to put the butter in microwave with. It is recommended to use a deep, glass microwave-safe bowl with lid for the brown butter recipes, so it can effectively prevent splatter. If you don’t have a suitable lid at hand, it is also okay to use a microwave-safe plate or paper towel as cover.
3.A spoon or whisk
Also, you are going to need to have a spoon or whisk at hand for stirring, so the ingredients could mix perfectly.
4.Other tools (Optional)
To make brown butter in a microwave oven, you might also need some other tools like fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. However, they are optional for the brown butter recipe. It would be totally fine if you don’t have them in your kitchen.
How to Make Brown Butter in the Microwave?
Browning butter in the microwave is a convenient way to add a nutty, rich flavor to your dishes.
We will provide you with several methods to make brown butter in the microwave. Whether you are a cooking beginner or an experienced cooking enthusiast, there will be a recipe for you to make perfect brown butter in microwave.
Method 1: The Timed-Interval Approach (Great for Beginners!)
This method gives you more control and is perfect if you’re new to making brown butter.
1.Cut and Place: Cube your butter and put it in a deep, microwave-safe bowl. Cover it loosely.
2.Initial Melt: Microwave on high for 30 seconds, then stir well.
3.Continue in Short Bursts: After the first minute, continue microwaving in 15 to 30-second intervals, stirring after each. You’ll see the butter go from melted, to bubbling, to foaming, and finally, you’ll spot brown specks at the bottom.
4.Watch and Smell: The butter is ready when it turns an amber-golden color and has a distinct nutty smell. This usually takes 2 to 4 minutes, depending on how much butter you’re browning and your microwave’s power.
5.Cool Down: Let the brown butter sit for about a minute; it will continue to darken slightly. If you prefer, you can strain out the browned solids.
Method 2: The One-Shot Method (For Experienced Cooks)
If you’re confident in your brown butter skills and want a more hands-off approach, this method is for you.
1.Prepare: Place 1/2 to 1 cup of unsalted butter in a deep, microwave-safe bowl. Cover it loosely.
2.Microwave Straight: Microwave on high for 3 to 6 minutes without stirring. Check it after 3 minutes. Larger amounts might need up to 8 minutes.
3.Monitor Closely: Listen for popping sounds, which indicate the water is evaporating. Towards the end, you’ll see browning at the bottom. Stop as soon as the butter turns amber and smells nutty.
4.Finish Up: Let it rest for a minute, then stir. You can strain out the browned milk solids if you wish.
Important Note: This method works best with larger batches of butter (6 tablespoons or more). Using smaller amounts increases the risk of burning.
Method 3: The Stirring Technique (Good Control, Smoother Results)
This method offers a nice balance between control and ease, often resulting in a smoother texture.
1.Melt First: Fully melt your butter in the microwave (about 1-2 minutes).
2.Stir and Heat: Stir the melted butter, then microwave again in 15-second intervals, stirring after each one.
3.Look for Color and Aroma: Keep an eye out for brown flecks and a rich aroma. Once browned, remove from the microwave and cool.
Tips for Perfect Brown Butter Every Time
●Use a Large Bowl: Butter foams up as it cooks, so a larger bowl prevents it from overflowing.
●Don’t Wander Off: Brown butter can go from perfectly golden to burned in just a few seconds, so stay close!
●Unsalted is Best: Unsalted butter tends to splatter less and browns more evenly.
●Know Your Microwave: Higher wattage microwaves cook faster. Adjust your times if your microwave has lower power.