Butter In The Pan: How Much?

Whether you're frying, baking, or making a sauce, the amount of butter you put in a pan depends on what you're cooking and your personal preference. For example, when frying fish, you'll want to use enough butter to coat the bottom of the pan to prevent the fish from sticking and ensure even browning. However, if you're making a sauce, you might want to brown the butter first, which will give it a nutty aroma and flavour. When melting or browning butter, it's important to use low heat and keep stirring to prevent the butter from burning.

How much butter to use when cooking fish

The amount of butter you should use when cooking fish depends on the method of cooking, the type of fish, and your personal preference. Here are some guidelines and tips to help you get the best results:

Pan-frying

When pan-frying fish, the general rule of thumb is to use enough butter to coat the entire bottom of the pan with no dry spots. This will ensure even cooking and prevent the fish from sticking to the pan. The exact amount will depend on the size of your pan, but it's usually around 2-4 tablespoons. If you want a more buttery flavour, you can add extra slices of butter or even completely cover the fish in butter, effectively deep-frying it. However, this may be wasteful as good results can still be achieved with less butter.

Baking

When baking fish, you have more flexibility with the amount of butter you use. You can simply add pads of butter on top of each fillet, or you can bake the fish in a pool of butter. For a single layer of fillets in a 13x9-inch baking dish, one user recommends using a whole stick of butter.

Broiling

When broiling fish, it's important to preheat the oven to a high temperature. Place the fillets on a baking sheet with pads of butter, skin-side down, and add more butter on top along with some lemon juice and black pepper. One user recommends using a whole stick of butter for two cod fillets.

Tips for success

• To prevent sogginess, use fresh fish instead of frozen, as frozen fish releases a lot of liquid during cooking.
• For even browning and to prevent sticking, make sure the heat is high enough before adding the fish to the pan.
• After cooking, remove the fish from the butter and place it on a rack or paper towel to absorb excess butter.
• For a crispy exterior, lightly dredge the fillets in flour before cooking.
• For extra flavour, warm the butter with herbs before adding it to the pan or using it to baste the fish.

How to melt butter on a stovetop

Melted butter is a versatile ingredient used in everything from popcorn toppings to baked goods. It can be melted in a microwave or on a stovetop. This article will focus on the latter.

To melt butter on a stovetop, start by placing butter pieces in a heavy saucepan. The amount of butter you use will depend on your intended use. For instance, if you want to make garlic-herb bread, you'll need enough melted butter to stir in the herbs and garlic and serve as a dip. If you're using it to cook fish, you'll need enough to coat the bottom of the pan.

Once you've measured out your desired amount of butter, place the saucepan on the stovetop and turn the heat to low. Butter has a low smoke point, so it's important to use low heat to prevent burning. Stir the butter occasionally with a wooden spoon as it melts. As soon as the butter has completely melted, remove it from the heat.

If you want to brown the butter for a nuttier flavor, you can continue heating it until the milk solids start to brown. Just be careful not to burn them. This type of butter, known as "browned butter," can be used in pasta sauces and cookie recipes, adding a rich, caramel-like flavor.

Now that you know how to melt butter on a stovetop, you can try it out with your favorite recipes!

How to brown butter

Browned butter, or beurre noisette, is a classic French staple in the kitchen. It's a simple process that can add a heap of personality to your cooking. The butter is cooked until it gets a bronzed and golden colour, with a nutty fragrance and flavour.

What You'll Need:

• Butter (salted or unsalted)
• A light-coloured pan (preferably with a thick or heavy bottom)
• Something to stir with (a wooden spoon, silicone whisk, or rubber/silicone spatula)
• A heatproof bowl

Steps:

• Cut the butter into equal-sized pieces. This will ensure the butter cooks evenly.
• Place the pieces of butter in the pan and turn the stove heat to medium. Begin stirring to move the butter as it melts.
• The butter will start to foam and sizzle around the edges. Keep stirring. This process should take around 5-8 minutes, depending on the amount of butter.
• The butter will turn golden brown, and the foam will subside. The milk solids at the bottom of the pan will be toasted brown and give off an intense, nutty fragrance.
• Remove the pan from the heat and pour the butter into a heatproof bowl. This will stop the cooking process and prevent the butter from burning.

Tips:

• Don't stop stirring! This ensures the butter cooks evenly.
• Don't walk away from the stove. The difference between brown butter and burnt butter is only a few seconds.
• Use a light-coloured pan so you can easily see when the butter has browned.
• If using the brown butter as a sauce or dip, salted butter is recommended.
• If using in a baking recipe that calls for softened butter, make sure the brown butter cools and solidifies first.

Uses for Browned Butter:

• Sauce for pasta, meat, or vegetables
• Brown butter chocolate chip cookies
• Brown butter sugar cookies
• Brown butter pound cake
• Brown butter chocolate brownies
• Brown butter blondies
• Brown butter banana bread
• Brown butter frosting

How to measure butter

Measuring butter can be tricky, especially when recipes call for a specific amount in cups, or refer to sticks of butter. Here is a comprehensive guide to measuring butter, with some additional tips and tricks.

Using a Measuring Cup

If your recipe calls for a cup of butter, you will need two sticks. However, if your butter is irregularly shaped, or you are unsure how much you have, you can use a dry measuring cup. Allow the butter to soften, then scoop it into the measuring cup, pressing it down lightly with a spoon or spatula to remove any air bubbles. Level it off with a knife or spatula, then scoop the butter out and use it as instructed in your recipe.

Using Water and the Rules of Displacement

This method is less common but can be very useful if your butter is too firm or irregularly shaped. You will need a sharp knife, a measuring jar that can hold at least two cups, water, and butter. First, slice your butter into cubes and fill the measuring jar with one cup of cold water. Place the butter into the water-filled jar, keeping an eye on the rising liquid. For example, if your recipe calls for 1/4 cup of butter, add butter until the water level reaches 1 1/4 cups. Remember to fully submerge the butter and pat it dry before adding it to your recipe.

Using a Ruler or Tape Measure

If your butter comes in sticks, each stick is typically eight tablespoons. If your butter stick does not have these measurements marked, you can use a ruler or tape measure to divide it into eight even pieces. This allows you to cut the exact amount of butter you need.

Using a Kitchen Scale

Measuring butter by weight is the most accurate method. Digital scales make this process quick and easy, reducing the number of dishes you need to wash. Zero out your scale, then add pieces of cool, firm butter until you reach the desired weight.

Using the Butter Twist

The Butter Twist is a kitchen gadget that measures butter by performing a 180-degree rotation, dispensing the desired amount of butter.

Additional Tips

• If your recipe calls for melted or whipped butter, simply allow the butter to soften, then use the measuring cup method.
• If your recipe calls for one cup of butter, you do not need to measure it in a cup; simply use two sticks of butter, as one stick is pre-measured to equal 1/2 cup.
• Always follow the recipe's instructions. If it calls for softened or melted butter, be sure to measure the butter in that state.
• When measuring softened butter, be sure to press out any air bubbles for an accurate measurement.
• When using a kitchen scale, you can zero out the scale between ingredients, adding them directly to your mixing bowl for fewer dishes.
• If you are measuring butter in tablespoons, most store-bought butter lists the calorie count for one tablespoon on the side of the tub.
• One tablespoon of butter is typically around 100 calories.
• If you are measuring butter in teaspoons, remember that three teaspoons equal one tablespoon.
• One cup of butter is equal to 16 tablespoons or eight ounces.
• One pound of butter is typically four sticks or 16 ounces.

Happy cooking!

How to butter a skillet

There are several ways to butter a skillet. The goal is to spread the melted butter evenly over the surface of your frying pan without it burning. Here is a step-by-step guide:

The Buttered Bread Method

• Turn the burner of your stove on to a medium setting.
• Place the cold skillet on the burner.
• Tear off a piece of bread that is at least 3 inches square.
• Slice off a pat of butter and place it on the bread.
• Holding the bread in your hand, wipe the buttered side over the cooking surface of the skillet.

This method ensures an even coating of butter in your pan.

The Direct Method

• Drop a wad of butter into the skillet.
• Allow the butter to melt by itself.
• Move the frying pan around to ensure the entire surface is coated.

This method may require more butter and the butter may burn if you're not careful.

Other Methods

• Spray the skillet with non-stick cooking spray.
• Use cooking oil instead of butter.
• Use clarified butter or ghee, which have higher smoke points than regular butter.

When using butter in a cast-iron skillet, it's important to preheat the skillet on low to medium-low heat for 5 to 10 minutes. If the butter turns brown or starts to smoke, it's too hot. The ideal temperature is when the butter foams up.

For pan-frying, there is no such thing as too much butter. As long as there is enough butter to coat the bottom of the pan, your food should not stick.

Frequently asked questions