Buttermilk is a baker’s best friend. It adds a special touch to pancakes, cakes, biscuits, and fried chicken. But what do you do when a recipe calls for buttermilk, and you don’t have any? Don’t worry! You can easily make your own buttermilk using lemon juice. This simple trick requires only two ingredients and takes just a few minutes.
Why Buttermilk?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore why buttermilk is so magical. Buttermilk adds moisture and a slight tang to baked goods, which enhances the flavor and creates a tender crumb. In savory dishes, buttermilk tenderizes meat, making it perfect for fried chicken marinades.
The Dynamic Duo: Lemon Juice and Milk
The secret to homemade buttermilk lies in the combination of lemon juice and milk. The acid in lemon juice sours the milk, mimicking the properties of traditional buttermilk. This creates a tangy liquid that works wonders in your favorite recipes.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed or bottled)
- 1 cup milk (any kind, including dairy-free options)
Equipment
- Liquid measuring cup
- Small bowl or glass
- Spoon or whisk
Instructions
- Measure the lemon juice: Pour 1 tablespoon of lemon juice into a liquid measuring cup.
- Add the milk: Fill the rest of the measuring cup with milk until it reaches the 1-cup line. A scant cup of milk will ensure the correct ratio.
- Stir: Gently stir the lemon juice and milk together.
- Let it sit: Allow the mixture to sit for 5-10 minutes. You’ll notice the milk starts to curdle slightly, which is exactly what you want.
- Stir again: Give the buttermilk a final stir before using it in your recipe.
Tips and Tricks for Perfecting Your Homemade Buttermilk
- Fresh or bottled lemon juice? Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled lemon juice works just fine.
- What kind of milk should I use? Any kind of milk will work, including whole milk, 2%, 1%, skim milk, or even non-dairy milk like almond milk or coconut milk.
- Dairy-free option: For a dairy-free buttermilk, use full-fat coconut milk.
- Room temperature milk: Using room temperature milk can help the curdling process.
- Don’t worry if it doesn’t curdle much: Even if you don’t see a significant change in appearance, the acidity is still present and will work as designed.
- Adjust the amount: You can easily adjust the recipe to make more or less buttermilk as needed. Use 3/4 teaspoon lemon juice + 1/4 cup milk for 1/4 cup buttermilk, or 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice + 1/2 cup milk for 1/2 cup buttermilk.
Lemon Juice vs. Vinegar: Which is Better?
Lemon juice isn’t the only option for making buttermilk. You can also use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Both work well, but there are some subtle differences. Lemon juice adds a very slight lemon flavor, which can be desirable in some recipes like pancakes or coffee cake. If you want to avoid any hint of lemon, use vinegar instead, especially in recipes like biscuits.
Beyond the Basics: Other Buttermilk Substitutes
While lemon juice and milk is a simple and effective substitute, there are other options to consider:
- Yogurt or Sour Cream: Mix plain Greek yogurt or sour cream with a bit of water to mimic the consistency of buttermilk.
- Buttermilk Powder: If you bake often, consider keeping buttermilk powder on hand. Simply add water to reconstitute it.
- Real Buttermilk: If you can find real buttermilk, you can keep it going by mixing 3/4 cup of cultured buttermilk with 3 cups of whole milk. Shake well and leave it on the counter in a sealed container overnight to create 3 3/4 cups of “new” buttermilk.
Recipes That Shine with Buttermilk
Now that you know how to make buttermilk with lemon juice, here are some recipes to try:
- Pancakes: Buttermilk pancakes are light, fluffy, and have a delicious tang.
- Cakes: Buttermilk adds moisture and tenderness to cakes, like this Best Ever Buttermilk Banana Bread.
- Biscuits: Buttermilk biscuits are flaky and flavorful.
- Fried Chicken: Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and helps the breading adhere.
- Salad Dressings: Buttermilk adds a creamy tang to homemade salad dressings.
Say Goodbye to Buttermilk Emergencies
With this simple trick, you’ll never have to run to the store for buttermilk again. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, knowing how to make buttermilk with lemon juice is a valuable skill. So go ahead, whip up a batch and enjoy the deliciousness that buttermilk brings to your favorite recipes.