How to Simply Brown Butter Step by Step

Start by cutting the butter into equal sized pieces to promote even melting.

Place the butter in a light-colored, heavy-bottomed pan or skillet over medium heat. Dark pans can make it difficult to judge the color of the butter.

Allow the butter to melt completely. It will start to foam and bubble.

Continue to cook, keeping an eye on the butter and stirring frequently. The color will begin to change from lemony-yellow to a toasty-brown. Small brown specks will start to appear.

As soon as the butter gives off a nutty aroma and turns a caramel-brown color, remove it from the heat. The butter can burn quickly, so pay close attention.

For longer storage, strain the browned butter through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove browned bits. Cooling and storing in a glass jar in the refrigerator is recommended.

Use it in your recipes to add rich, complex flavors.