Cooking’s a blast, especially when you get to play around with ingredients.
Sometimes we find ourselves stuck without a key component, like clarified butter.
That’s not a dead end, though.
There are plenty of swap-outs that can save your dish without a hitch.
We’ve pulled together the top 5 alternatives that’ll keep your cooking on track.
And you know what? Some might even become your new go-to.
It’s all about keeping things moving in the kitchen with what you’ve got on hand.
No stress, just solutions and good food at the end of the day.
Ready to dive in and see what these substitutes are all about?
The 5 Best Substitutes for Clarified Butter
If you’re looking for a clarified butter substitute, you’ve come to the right place.
| Substitute | Key Characteristics | Substitute Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Make Your Own Clarified Butter | Homemade version of clarified butter where milk solids are removed | Use an equal amount of homemade clarified butter as a substitute for clarified butter |
| Ghee | Traditional Indian clarified butter, known for its rich flavor and high smoke point | Use an equal amount of ghee as a substitute for clarified butter |
| Coconut Oil | Extracted from the meat of coconuts, it has a mild coconut flavor and can be used in both cooking and baking | Use an equal amount of coconut oil as a substitute for clarified butter when cooking or baking |
| Olive Oil | Obtained from olives, it offers a distinct flavor profile and is suitable for various cooking methods | Use an equal amount of olive oil as a substitute for clarified butter when sautéing, roasting, or drizzling |
| Canola Oil | Neutral-flavored oil extracted from rapeseed, it has a high smoke point and can be used in a variety of cooking techniques | Use an equal amount of canola oil as a substitute for clarified butter in cooking methods that require higher smoke points, such as frying or deep-frying |
If you want to enhance your recipes and need substitutes for clarified butter, consider these five alternatives:
1 – Make Your Own Clarified Butter
Have you ever wanted to cook with clarified butter but weren’t sure how to make it? Well, the process is quite simple.
All you need is a bit of time and some patience. First, start with a pound of unsalted butter.
Cut it into small cubes and place them in a saucepan over low heat.
Slowly melt the butter, stirring occasionally.
As the butter melts, the foam will begin to form on the surface.
Use a spoon to remove the foam, careful not to disturb the butter underneath.
Continue cooking the butter until it becomes clear and golden in color.
This can take up to 45 minutes. Once the clarified butter is finished, carefully pour it into a glass jar or container.
Be sure to strain out any solids that may have sunk to the bottom of the pan.
Clarified butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to six months.
Now that you know how to make clarified butter put it to good use in your cooking.
It’s great for sauteing vegetables or frying chicken.
You can even use it in place of regular butter in baking recipes.
2 – Ghee
Ghee is a type of clarified butter that has been used in Indian cooking for centuries.
Unlike regular butter, composed of milkfat, water, and milk solids, ghee is made by simmering butter until all the water has evaporated and the milk solids have separated.
This process gives ghee a richer flavor and makes it shelf-stable and easier to digest.
In addition, ghee has a higher smoke point than regular butter, making it ideal for cooking at high temperatures.
While ghee was traditionally made from cow’s milk, it is now available from other sources, such as goat’s and buffalo milk.
Use an equal amount of ghee as a substitute for clarified butter in your recipes. It adds a distinctive taste and works well in various dishes.
No matter what type of ghee you choose, it will add a delicious depth of flavor to your cooking.
3 – Coconut Oil
Substituting coconut oil for clarified butter is a great way to add a tropical twist to your cooking.
Not only does coconut oil have a delicious flavor, but it also has various health benefits.
Unlike other oils, coconut oil is composed mostly of medium-chain fatty acids, metabolized differently by the body.
This means that coconut oil can help to boost your energy levels and improve your cognitive function.
In addition, coconut oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it an ideal choice for those with autoimmune disorders or chronic pain.
Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative to clarified butter or want to experiment with new flavors, substituting coconut oil is a great way to add excitement to your cooking.
It can be used as a substitute for clarified butter when cooking or baking. Use an equal amount of coconut oil in place of clarified butter in your recipes to add a hint of coconut flavor.
4 – Olive Oil
It’s no secret that olive oil is healthy cooking oil.
It’s packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and has been shown to improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
But did you know that olive oil can also be used in place of clarified butter? Clarified butter is simply butter that has been heated so that the water and milk solids evaporate, leaving behind the pure butterfat.
This process makes clarified butter more shelf-stable than regular butter but removes some of the flavors.
Olive oil, on the other hand, retains its flavor and can be used in various ways.
You can use it for sauteing, roasting, or even baking.
And because it’s already in liquid form, there’s no need to clarified it before using it.
Use an equal amount of olive oil as a substitute for clarified butter when sautéing, roasting, or drizzling over dishes. Note that it may impart its unique taste to the recipe.
5 – Canola Oil
Canola oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the canola plant’s seeds.
It is high in monounsaturated and low in saturated fats, making it a healthy choice for cooking.
Canola oil can be used in place of clarified butter in many recipes.
It has a neutral flavor that does not interfere with the dish’s flavor.
In addition, canola oil has a high smoke point, making it ideal for cooking at high temperatures.
Clarified butter is butter that has had the milk solids and water removed.
It is higher in calories and fat than canola oil.
It also has a lower smoke point, so it is unsuitable for cooking at high temperatures.
When substituting canola oil for clarified butter, it is important to use the same oil as butter.
This will ensure that the recipe turns out correctly.
Canola oil is a healthy, versatile cooking oil that can be used in place of clarified butter in many recipes.
Substitute clarified butter with an equal amount of canola oil in cooking methods that require higher smoke points, such as frying or deep-frying.
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