How to Clarify Butter in 3 Steps

Clarified butter, which has the milk solids and water removed, has a pure, clean flavor and won't burn at high temperatures like regular butter can. It's also easy to make at home. Here's how!

Step 1: In a saucepan, melt 1 lb. unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Don't use salted butter: The salty flavor will be concentrated when the butter is reduced.

Step 2: As the butter melts, skim off the white foam that rises to the top.

Step 3: Once the butter is melted and the foam is skimmed (this will take about 10 minutes), the milk solid sediment will be at the bottom of the pan with a layer of golden liquid on top. Carefully pour the top layer -- the clarified butter -- into a bowl.