Butter
Bos taurusClinical Encyclopedia
Butter is a dairy product made from the fat and protein components of milk or cream. It is rich in saturated fats and provides a concentrated source of energy.
Macronutrient Ratio
Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g
Micronutrient DV% Score
Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value
Complete Micronutrient Breakdown
Detailed concentration of essential micronutrients per 100g serving.
Vitamins
Minerals
Health Benefits
Possible Risks & Side Effects
How to Prepare & Consume
Butter can be used in cooking, baking, or as a spread. It is best used in moderation due to its high saturated fat content.
Smart Selection & Storage
Choose butter that is pale yellow in color and has a fresh, creamy smell. Look for brands that use high-quality cream.
Store butter in the refrigerator in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing odors. It can also be frozen for up to six months.
Myths vs Realities
Healthy Recipes
Herb-Infused Butter Spread
A delightful and aromatic spread made with fresh herbs, perfect for enhancing the flavor of whole-grain bread or vegetables.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with chopped herbs and garlic powder.
- 2. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- 3. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then transfer to a container and refrigerate until firm.
Avocado Butter Toast
A nutritious twist on classic toast, featuring creamy avocado and a hint of butter for added richness.
- 2 slices whole-grain bread
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1. Toast the whole-grain bread until golden brown.
- 2. In a bowl, mash the avocado and mix in the softened butter, salt, and pepper.
- 3. Spread the avocado butter mixture on the toasted bread and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired.
Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp
Succulent shrimp sautéed in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce, served over a bed of quinoa for a healthy meal.
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- 2. Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque.
- 3. Stir in lemon juice, then serve the shrimp over cooked quinoa.
Butter-Braised Brussels Sprouts
Tender Brussels sprouts braised in a rich butter sauce, making a perfect side dish that’s both healthy and flavorful.
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add the halved Brussels sprouts.
- 2. Pour in the vegetable broth, cover, and simmer until the sprouts are tender.
- 3. Season with salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar before serving.
Spicy Butter Cauliflower
Roasted cauliflower florets tossed in a spicy butter sauce, offering a healthy and flavorful side dish or snack.
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- 1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. Melt the butter and mix with cayenne pepper and salt, then toss the cauliflower florets in the mixture.
- 3. Spread the cauliflower on the baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until golden, garnishing with cilantro before serving.
Cinnamon Butter Sweet Potato Mash
A creamy and naturally sweet side dish made with mashed sweet potatoes and a hint of cinnamon butter for a comforting flavor.
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
- 1. Boil the sweet potatoes in salted water until tender, then drain and return to the pot.
- 2. Add the butter, cinnamon, and maple syrup, then mash until smooth.
- 3. Season with salt to taste and serve warm.
Butter-Basil Pesto Pasta
A light and vibrant pasta dish featuring homemade basil pesto enriched with a touch of butter for creaminess.
- 8 ounces whole wheat pasta
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt to taste
- 1. Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
- 2. In a food processor, blend basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, and butter until smooth, adding salt to taste.
- 3. Toss the cooked pasta with the basil pesto and serve immediately.
Butter-Infused Vegetable Stir-Fry
A colorful medley of vegetables stir-fried in a light butter sauce, making for a quick and healthy meal option.
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat and add the mixed vegetables.
- 2. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- 3. Add soy sauce, ginger, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine before serving.
Maple Butter Oatmeal
A warm and comforting bowl of oatmeal enriched with creamy butter and a touch of maple syrup for a nutritious breakfast.
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups water or milk
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Fresh fruits for topping
- 1. In a saucepan, bring water or milk to a boil, then add rolled oats and reduce heat to simmer.
- 2. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the oats are creamy, then stir in butter and maple syrup.
- 3. Serve topped with fresh fruits of your choice.
Butter-Basted Grilled Chicken
Juicy grilled chicken breasts baste in a flavorful butter mixture, creating a delicious and healthy main dish.
- 4 chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- 2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter and mix in garlic and thyme.
- 3. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, basting with the garlic butter mixture until cooked through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is butter healthy?
In moderation, butter can be part of a healthy diet, providing essential nutrients and fats.
Can I use butter for cooking?
Yes, butter is versatile and can be used for sautéing, baking, and as a flavor enhancer.
What is the difference between salted and unsalted butter?
Salted butter contains added salt for flavor, while unsalted butter allows for better control of salt in recipes.
How should I store butter?
Butter should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain freshness, and can be frozen for longer storage.
Can I substitute margarine for butter?
Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute, but it may alter the flavor and texture of dishes.
Does butter contain lactose?
Butter contains very low levels of lactose, making it tolerable for some individuals with lactose intolerance.
Is clarified butter healthier than regular butter?
Clarified butter has a higher smoke point and is free of milk solids, making it suitable for high-heat cooking.
Can butter go bad?
Yes, butter can spoil if not stored properly; look for off smells or discoloration as signs of spoilage.