How to Make Buttermilk

Recently, some fans reached out asking for a tutorial on how to make buttermilk. So today, we’ve put together a detailed guide. Once you’ve mastered it, you won’t need to buy buttermilk from the store anymore!

Buttermilk is an essential ingredient in many desserts, such as waffles, pancakes, and cookies. This recipe is very simple—just follow our steps, and you'll be able to make delicious buttermilk with ease.

1.About Buttermilk

Buttermilk is a dairy product made by fermenting the lactose in milk. During fermentation, lactose is converted into lactic acid, giving buttermilk its unique taste and texture.

Buttermilk typically has a thick consistency and a tangy-sweet flavor. It can be consumed on its own or used in making other dairy products like yogurt and smoothies. Rich in protein, calcium, and vitamins, buttermilk is a nutritious and healthy food choice.

2.Ingredients and Substitutions

The basic ratio for this recipe is: 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice + 300 ml of milk = 1 cup of buttermilk.

Making buttermilk is quite simple: just add lemon juice to a measuring cup, fill it with milk, stir well, and let it sit for at least 20 to 30 minutes before using.

Here are some common substitution ratios for different amounts of buttermilk:

1/4 cup buttermilk: 3/4 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice + 1/4 cup of milk

1/3 cup buttermilk: 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice + 1/3 cup of milk

1/2 cup buttermilk: 1 1/2 teaspoons of vinegar or lemon juice + 1/2 cup of milk

2/3 cup buttermilk: 2 teaspoons of vinegar or lemon juice + 2/3 cup of milk

3/4 cup buttermilk: Less than 2 1/2 teaspoons of vinegar or lemon juice + 3/4 cup of milk

3.Non-Dairy and Vegan Substitutes:

To make buttermilk using coconut milk or soy milk, simply add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then fill the cup with coconut milk or soy milk. Stir well and let it sit for 20-30 minutes before using. This non-dairy "buttermilk" can be used as a substitute for traditional buttermilk in your recipes.

4.How to Store Buttermilk

To keep buttermilk fresh and in good condition, follow these storage tips:

Refrigerate: Store buttermilk in the refrigerator at a temperature range of 35-40°F (2-4°C). This helps extend its shelf life and maintain its quality.

Seal: Ensure that the container is tightly sealed. You can use the original packaging or transfer the buttermilk to a sealed container to prevent odor absorption and bacterial contamination.

Keep in the Dark: Store buttermilk in a dark place to prevent light from degrading its nutrients and affecting its taste and quality.

Avoid Contamination: Use a clean spoon to scoop out buttermilk, and avoid letting saliva or other food residues come into contact with it to prevent bacterial contamination. Close the container tightly after use.

Check Expiry Date: Be mindful of the expiration date and consume buttermilk within that timeframe. Homemade buttermilk typically lasts 3-7 days. Expired buttermilk can lead to food poisoning or deteriorate in taste.

By following these storage guidelines, you can effectively maintain the freshness and quality of your buttermilk.

5. Uses for Buttermilk

Buttermilk is a nutritious dairy product with a variety of applications beyond just drinking it. Here are some common uses for buttermilk:

Drinking: One of the most common uses for buttermilk is as a beverage. It makes a healthy choice for breakfast or a snack, providing protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Making Smoothies: Buttermilk is an excellent base for smoothies. Combining it with fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients creates a rich and balanced drink.

Cooking: In cooking, buttermilk is quite versatile. It can be used to make yogurt-based salad dressings, yogurt scones, buttermilk pancakes, and other delicious dishes.

Marinades: Buttermilk is great for marinating meats and vegetables, adding a tender texture and rich flavor.

Salad Dressings: Mixing buttermilk with herbs, garlic, and lemon juice can create a tasty salad dressing that complements a variety of dishes.

Ice Cream: Buttermilk can also be used as a base for ice cream. Pair it with fruit preserves, nuts, or chocolate chips for a creamy, delightful treat.

These uses highlight the versatility and nutritional value of buttermilk, making it a valuable ingredient in your kitchen. Feel free to explore different ways to incorporate it into your recipes based on your personal taste and needs.

6.Recipes Using Buttermilk

In a previous recipe, we shared an Easy Waffle House-Style Waffles Recipe that uses buttermilk. If you're interested, be sure to check it out and give it a try. This recipe will help you create crispy and delicious waffles, with the addition of buttermilk making them even tastier.