Finding a great buttermilk substitute has been the headache of casual and professional cooks alike. Because buttermilk can sometimes be challenging to find and store, it is wise to learn how to create a replacement that can match its texture and flavor. With just two or three ingredients, you can make a worthy buttermilk substitute to help you prepare your dishes.
What is Buttermilk?
Buttermilk is flavorful, rich by-product of churned butter. Sweet buttermilk is the most frequently found product in stores. However, it can also be sour in taste. The flavor depends on the butter that was churned. While people living in the countryside usually have easy access to it, city residents are not so lucky. Fortunately, there are a few simple but effective buttermilk substitute recipes to try.
Why is Buttermilk Preferred?
This sweet or sour product is included in many recipes for several reasons. It is processed to the point where it produces lactic acid. Lactic acid allows buttermilk to soften meat and therefore tenderize it. Cooks like its effect particularly on tougher meats like beef, mutton and goat. Bakers also prefer buttermilk because it reacts well with baking ingredients. The result is lighter and crispier cookies, breads and treats. It also gives cakes and cornbread a moist, rich texture.
How to Make a Buttermilk Substitute
It is true that buttermilk can be made from all types of milk. However, it is important to choose the right kind of milk and curdling agent to create a replacement that is just as rich and tasty. The factors you should always keep in mind when making a buttermilk substitute are texture, acidity and fat content.
The rich texture of buttermilk can be replicated by using whole milk. However, if you are watching your calorie intake, it is better to use whey or skim milk instead. In fact, skim milk is preferred by many because it is low in fat, and can produce the consistency similar to buttermilk. Curdling the milk only requires an acidic agent, which is not hard to find.
Recipes for Buttermilk Substitute
Making a suitable replacement for buttermilk is simple and quick. It can be produced using products you already have in your kitchen.
Milk and Lemon Juice:
With this method, all you have to do is add a tablespoon of lemon juice to every cup of milk. Sit the mixture aside for 5 to 10 minutes to allow it to curdle.
Milk and Sour Cream:
Sour cream makes a great acidifying agent. Blend it together with your choice of milk until you achieve the same consistency as buttermilk. To lower fat content, opt for low-fat sour cream.
Milk and White Vinegar:
White vinegar has the same effect on milk as lemon juice does. You can use it to create a rich buttermilk substitute by letting it settle for 5 to 10 minutes as well.
Milk and Yoghurt:
The yoghurt used here should be plain and not sweetened in any way. The good bacteria in plain yoghurt are essential to achieve buttermilk taste and texture. Mix two tablespoons with your whole, skim or whey milk.
Although buttermilk has a unique taste, consistency and texture, its properties can be recreated with a buttermilk substitute. Whether you prefer whole or whey milk, lemon juice or yoghurt, a replacement can be made in your kitchen in less than 10 minutes. Once it’s curdled, you can enjoy tender meats and crispy treats in no time.
Leave a Reply