Why Do Some Recipes Call for Unsalted Butter? – Here's Why

The secret lies in control.

BY STAFF @the Brimly Test Kitchen

December 28, 2023

Image Source/Editors @ Brimly

4 minute Read

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Salt, as we know, is a flavor enhancer, but when it’s already included in the butter, it can be challenging to gauge just how much more to add.

Have you ever wondered why some of your favorite recipes specifically ask for unsalted butter? It seems a bit puzzling. After all, butter is butter! Well, let's unravel this culinary mystery with a story that's as rich and layered as your favorite cake.

Imagine you're an artist with paints and brushes at your disposal. In cooking, chefs are artists, too, and their colors are the ingredients they use. Unsalted butter is like a blank canvas – it gives chefs the complete freedom to paint their masterpieces with the exact flavors they envision.

The secret lies in control. You see, different brands of butter have varying amounts of salt. This inconsistency can turn a carefully planned dish into a guessing game. Unsalted butter removes this uncertainty, allowing chefs to add precisely the amount of salt needed for the dish. It's all about creating a perfect balance.

But it's not just about control. It's about flavor, too. Unsalted butter has a fresh, sweet cream taste, unmasked by salt. This pure flavor is crucial in recipes where butter is the star, like in buttery cookies or fluffy cakes. It's like listening to a beautiful, unaccompanied solo in a song – clear, distinct, and delightful.

Now, let's talk health. While salt is essential in our diet, too much of it is not a good thing. Unsalted butter enables people watching their salt intake to enjoy buttery treats without worry. It's a small change, but for some, it makes a big difference in how they enjoy their meals.

Interestingly, the choice of unsalted butter also speaks to tradition. In many European countries, where butter is often enjoyed on its own or with bread, the preference is for unsalted varieties. This tradition has influenced many classic European recipes that have been passed down through generations.

But wait, does this mean you should toss out your salted butter? Absolutely not! Salted butter has its own charms. It's great for everyday use, like spreading on toast or sautéing veggies. It's like having a trusty, all-purpose tool in your kitchen.

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In the end, whether you use unsalted or salted butter, it's about understanding the role it plays in your cooking. Like an artist choosing their paints, a cook decides their ingredients. Each has its purpose, its moment to shine. And that, dear reader, is the beautiful art of cooking.

So, the next time you see 'unsalted butter' in a recipe, you'll know it's not just a whimsical choice. It's a deliberate decision made for the sake of flavor, balance, and control. It's proof of the art and science that makes cooking so endlessly fascinating. Happy cooking!