What is buttermilk and how to use it? The liquid ingredient is a top choice for bakers and cooking enthusiasts alike who use it to give their food flavor and better texture. If you want to know a bit more about buttermilk and how to use it to make meals, keep reading!
What Is Buttermilk?
Buttermilk is a cultured dairy product commonly used in baked goods and other recipes. It has a thick consistency with a slightly tangy taste. Most people do not drink buttermilk but will use it to prepare some of their favorite foods. There is a good chance that you have consumed something made with buttermilk as a primary ingredient at some point. It’s important to know about what is buttermilk and how to use it.
How Do You Make Buttermilk?
You can make buttermilk by using a 2% version of traditional cow’s milk with an acidic ingredient. Not sure which acidic ingredient to use? Both vinegar and lemon juice are great options.
If you do not have a bottle of tangy buttermilk at home, but a recipe calls for it, pull your container of milk out. You can measure the milk, add the vinegar or lemon juice to it, and wait a few minutes before adding the homemade buttermilk to your recipe. It comes in handy when you are in a pinch!
If you do not want to make it yourself, you can buy it at the store. The buttermilk is usually in the dairy aisle next to the gallons of whole milk and coffee creamers. You can purchase the name-brand version or a generic version because they will all taste similar.
Why Is It Good to Use Buttermilk?
It is good to use buttermilk in different recipes for various reasons. When combined with the baking soda that is a common ingredient in baked goods, it helps those goods start to rise even better.
As a result, you will have fuller loaves of bread, pancakes, and other tasty treats. Because it contains probiotic bacteria that is good for you, treats made with buttermilk tend to have a more wholesome taste. The thicker consistency makes it a better choice in many recipes when compared to traditional cow’s milk.
How Do You Use Buttermilk?
Buttermilk gets used to make some of the most delicious foods. It contains several essential vitamins and nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin D, and calcium. Not only is it nutritious, but buttermilk is also full of flavor and great to add to some of your favorite dishes. You can use it in some of the following dishes, along with many others that you may like to prepare for your family.
My favorite way to use buttermilk is to make a vintage Buttermilk Pie Recipe.
Add It to Your Homemade Mashed Potatoes
When preparing mashed potatoes from scratch, use buttermilk to give them a rich and creamy texture. After you boil the potatoes, begin mashing them in a pot. Add the buttermilk with your butter, garlic, and other ingredients to enhance the taste of the mashed potatoes. You will quickly notice the difference the buttermilk can make.
Make Fresh Pancakes From Scratch
Some people add buttermilk to their pancake batter. The buttermilk makes them fluffier and gives them a butter-like taste that goes great with any syrup. If you want to create the perfect fluffy pancakes for breakfast for your family, use buttermilk. I think buttermilk adds flavor and texture to pancakes that can be matched!
After preparing the batter and cooking the pancakes, add maple syrup or any other type of syrup you prefer on top of them.
Use It to Prepare Creamy Dressings to Use on Salads
Make homemade buttermilk dressings to use on some of your favorite salads. For example, you can mix the buttermilk with a ranch packet seasoning to create homemade ranch dressing. Be sure to refrigerate the dressing after you prepare it.
You can pour the salad dressing over lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and other vegetables that you like to have in your salad. Ranch dressing is not the only kind you can make using buttermilk. Garlic and herb and buffalo ranch dressing are two other creamy dressing you can make with it.
Prepare the Tastiest Fried Chicken With It
You can make a delicious fried chicken meal with buttermilk as an essential ingredient. You would need to dip the chicken legs, breast, or thighs in buttermilk. The chicken can sit in the buttermilk overnight for added texture and flavor.
Make my Air Fryer Fried Chicken with Buttermilk instead of milk for a rich tangy flavor.
After sitting in the buttermilk, you can begin dipping your chicken in the flour mixture before adding it to the deep fryer or air fryer. Many people use buttermilk when preparing fried chicken because they enjoy the flavor it brings to the dish.
How Long Does It Stay Fresh?
If you open your buttermilk, it can stay good for two weeks in the refrigerator. It is best for you to use it within those 14 days. If you have not opened the buttermilk container, it can stay in your fridge for three months. When you need to save it a bit longer than two weeks, pour it into an airtight container and freeze it. Buttermilk is good to stay frozen for a maximum of three months.
Are There Any Good Buttermilk Alternatives?
Alternatives to buttermilk do exist. While there is nothing quite like fresh buttermilk, you do have options. You can use plain yogurt mixed with water or milk as an alternative ingredient. If you are lactose intolerant and have concerns about using traditional buttermilk, you have a convenient option.
Take lactose-free milk and combine it with lemon juice or vinegar. You can still enjoy the benefits of buttermilk without causing yourself discomfort due to consuming dairy.
Did you know you can use buttermilk as a substitute for Baking Powder? Baking Powder Substitutes for Recipes
Buttermilks Many Uses
You may have noticed that many recipes call for buttermilk. The ingredient is an essential one because of its creamy, thick texture and acidic tangy taste that contributes to the flavor of different meals. If you have an interest in baking, make sure you have buttermilk at home.
You will need it! The taste and texture it brings to different foods are undeniable. Even if you do not have it on hand, you can always use alternatives or make buttermilk on your own when you are in a pinch. What would you add to this post about what is buttermilk and how to use it?
Recipes Using Buttermilk
Buttermilk Biscuit Recipe
Crispy Southern Cornbread Muffins
Buttermilk Fried Rabbit
Buttermilk Cake Recipe