Bittman Basics

Brown Butter Is an Easy and Elegant Way to Elevate a Dish

You need just 4 tablespoons and time

Photo: Aya Brackett

Brown butter fell out of style when we irrationally started to see butter as the enemy.

While certainly not an everyday sauce, brown butter is great for special occasions when you want something both satisfying and elegant.

Browning butter gives it both color and a full spectrum of nutty, caramelized flavors. It takes only a few minutes, even with any of the additions in the variation and the list that follows. Serve over steamed or broiled fish or chicken, or toss it with noodles and parmesan for a quick pasta. And the recipe is (obviously) easy to double if you think you’ll need more.

Brown Butter

Makes: ¼ cup
Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter

Instructions

1. Put the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir, scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula, until the foam subsides and the butter turns brown and smells irresistible.
2. Turn off the heat. Keep warm until you’re ready to use it, up to 15 minutes.