Note: the amount you need, and actual browning time, depends on how much is called for in the recipe you’re using.
Music Pairing: Bread & Butter by The Newbeats
Add butter to a small pot over medium-low heat. Cook until the butter is melted, turns a deep golden color, and little browned bits begin to appear (this will take 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how much butter you’re browning). Foam will rise to the top of the pot during the browning process. These are the milk solids. Give the pot a swirl, and you’ll notice the foaming will dissipate as the solids begin to brown.
Pour the browned butter into a heat-safe bowl and let it cool slightly, about 10 minutes, before proceeding with your recipe. You can alternately leave it in the pot too, just keep in mind that it will take longer to cool down. A note about the browned bits at the bottom of the pot: some folks say they will add a bitter flavor to your finished dish, and pour the browned butter through a strainer before using. I’ve never found that to be the case, provided you don’t burn the butter.
Recipes using browned butter: