Clarified butter is a popular ingredient in many cuisines and is known for its rich flavor and high smoke point. However, it is not suitable for everyone’s dietary requirements, especially for those who follow a vegan or dairy-free diet.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the best substitutes for clarified butter like Coconut oil, Ghee, and Olive oil that you can use in your cooking and baking endeavors.
What is Clarified Butter?
Clarified butter, also known as ghee, is a type of butter that has been heated to remove its milk solids and water content, leaving behind only the pure butterfat.
The process of clarifying butter makes it more stable at high temperatures and gives it a longer shelf life.
How to Choose the Best Alternative?
When choosing a substitute for clarified butter, you should consider the following criteria:
- Smoke Point: The substitute should have a high smoke point to prevent burning or smoking during cooking.
- Flavor: The substitute should have a mild flavor that complements the other ingredients in your recipe.
- Nutritional Value: The substitute should be nutritious and provide similar health benefits as clarified butter.
- Availability: The substitute should be easily accessible and affordable.
The Best Substitutes for Clarified Butter
1. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a popular substitute for clarified butter due to its high smoke point of 350°F (175°C) and mild coconut flavor that complements sweet and savory dishes alike.
It is also vegan-friendly and contains healthy fats.
To use it, simply melt it over low heat until it reaches a liquid state, then use it in your recipe as directed.
2. Ghee
Ghee is a type of clarified butter that is commonly used in Indian cooking. It has a high smoke point of 485°F (252°C) and a rich, nutty flavor that complements many dishes. Ghee is also lactose-free, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
Simply melt it over low heat until it reaches a liquid state, then use it in your recipe as directed.
3. Olive Oil
Olive oil is another healthy substitute that offers a mild, fruity flavor and a high smoke point of 375°F (190°C).
It is also rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.
You can drizzle it over your dish or use it to sauté vegetables or meat.
4. Sunflower oil
Sunflower oil has a neutral taste and high smoke point of 450°F (232°C), making it an excellent substitute in high-heat cooking methods like frying or roasting.
To use sunflower oil, heat it up over medium-high heat and add in your veggies or meats until they are cooked through.
5. Avocado Oil
Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point of 520°F (271°C), making it ideal for searing meat or sautéing vegetables at high temperatures. It is also rich in monounsaturated fats that support heart health.
Heat it up over medium-high heat until hot, then add your ingredients to the pan.
6. Soy Butter
Soy butter is made from soybean oil and contains no dairy products, making it an excellent vegan alternative to clarified butter.
It also has a similar taste and texture to butter, making it a great substitute in baking recipes.
You can simply replace the same amount of clarified butter with soy butter in your recipe.
7. Nut Butter
Nut butters like almond or cashew butter can be used as a substitute for clarified butter in baking recipes. They add a nutty flavor and richness to your baked goods while providing healthy fats and protein.
To substitute, use an equal amount of nut butter in place of the clarified butter called for in your recipe.
8. Applesauce
Applesauce is a healthy substitute for clarified butter in baking recipes that require moisture and sweetness. It adds natural sweetness and moisture to baked goods while reducing the amount of fat in the recipe.
Replace half or all of the clarified butter with unsweetened applesauce in your recipe.
9. Vegan Margarine
Vegan margarine is made from plant-based oils and contains no dairy products, making it an excellent vegan alternative to clarified butter. It has a similar taste and texture to traditional margarine but contains healthier oils like canola or sunflower oil.
You can usually substitute it 1:1 in your recipes.
10. Tahini
Tahini is made from ground sesame seeds and has a nutty flavor that complements many dishes. It can be used as a substitute for clarified butter in recipes that require richness and creaminess, such as hummus or salad dressings.
To substitute, replace half or all of the clarified butter with tahini in your recipe.
Tasty Recipe with Substitute
Lemon-Herb Roasted Chicken with Olive Oil
Course: MainCuisine: American, Other world cuisineDifficulty: Easy6
servings20
minutes1
hour30
minutes1
hour50
minutesLemon-herb roasted chicken with olive oil is a mouth-watering dish that is perfect for any occasion. This savory and succulent chicken is coated in a blend of fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and fragrant olive oil, resulting in a dish that is bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
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1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs), giblets removed
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1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (clarified butter substitute)
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2 lemons, zested and juiced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
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1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1 large onion, cut into wedges
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1 lemon, cut into wedges
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season the cavity with salt and black pepper. Stuff the cavity with onion and lemon wedges.
- Place the chicken on a roasting rack set inside a roasting pan, breast side up. Carefully loosen the skin from the breast and thighs, being careful not to tear it.
- Spoon some of the olive oil and herb mixture under the skin, rubbing it gently to distribute the marinade evenly over the breast and thighs. Then, brush the remaining olive oil and herb mixture all over the outside of the chicken, ensuring that it is well-coated.
- Tie the chicken legs together with kitchen twine, and tuck the wingtips under the body to prevent them from burning.
- Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone.
- If the chicken starts to brown too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more tender roast.
- Carve the chicken and serve with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. Enjoy your delicious lemon-herb roasted chicken made with a clarified butter substitute!
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many substitutes for clarified butter that you can use in your cooking and baking endeavors. From coconut oil to vegan margarine, each alternative offers its unique taste and nutritional benefits.
Consider the criteria mentioned above and experiment with different options to find the one that best suits your needs.
Remember to always follow the recipe instructions and adjust cooking times and temperatures accordingly. Happy cooking!
