What is clarified butter? What does it mean?

Clarified butter is a product that has held a special place in the kitchens of many cultures for centuries – especially in Indian cuisine, where it is known as ghee. Valued for its pure flavor, long shelf life, and high heat resistance, it has become a versatile fat for both everyday cooking and gourmet dishes. Its uses go far beyond frying – encompassing baking, finishing dishes, and even body care in Ayurvedic tradition. Read on to discover, what is clarified butter.

What is clarified butter and how is it made?

Clarified butter – often in its aromatic version known as ghee – is made by slowly melting butter over low heat. The water evaporates, while the milk proteins either foam on top or settle at the bottom. By skimming off the foam and carefully pouring off the pure fat, you are left with clarified butter. In India, the process is extended until it develops a slightly nutty aroma – this is ghee. This method makes the product highly resistant to high temperatures and extends its shelf life.

What does clarified butter mean?

Clarified butter is butter from which the water, milk proteins, and most of the lactose have been removed, leaving only pure milk fat. As a result, it has a higher smoke point (around 250°C / 482°F), making it excellent for frying, baking, and sautéing without the risk of burning. In the kitchen, it’s appreciated for its stability, neutral cooking profile, and ability to be stored without refrigeration for a longer period.

How to make clarified butter?

Clarified butter is a fat with a pure, buttery aroma and high heat resistance. Thanks to the removal of proteins and water, it’s perfect for frying, baking, and slow cooking, retaining its flavor and stability even during long cooking times. Here’s how to make clarified butter:

1. Take butter (preferably unsalted) and melt it slowly.
2. Skim off the foam that appears on the surface.
3. Once the solids have settled, carefully strain the clear fat through cheesecloth or a fine sieve.
4. Your clarified butter is ready – transfer it to a jar and store it in the fridge for several weeks.

Is clarified butter healthy?

Clarified butter is purified milk fat, free from milk solids and lactose. This makes it more tolerable for people with lactose intolerance and less likely to trigger allergic reactions. It also has a higher smoke point – over 250°C (482°F) compared to regular butter’s ~160–190°C (320–374°F) – making it an excellent choice for frying and sautéing without burning. Beyond its cooking stability, it provides fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and beneficial fatty acids like omega-3 and CLA, which support immunity, digestion, and heart health. However, due to its high calorie content, it should be consumed in moderation.

What is clarified butter used for?

Clarified butter has much broader uses than just cooking. Thanks to its high thermal stability, it’s perfect for frying and sautéing, helping avoid burning while preserving a clean taste. It adds a silky texture and subtle nutty note to dishes such as biryani rice, curries, or roasted vegetables. It can successfully replace butter in baking, giving bread a soft crust and a delicate aroma. In some culinary and medicinal traditions, it is also used outside the kitchen – as a natural massage oil or skin moisturizer, where warm clarified butter acts as a nourishing and relaxing treatment.

How to introduce clarified butter into your diet?

Start with a small jar – e.g., Ghee Pięć Przemian – to get familiar with its flavor and versatility. Once you appreciate how much it adds to dishes, you can explore more refined varieties that offer extra aroma and character. Versions with additions like rock salt, wild garlic, or basil – such as Palce Lizać Basil Ghee – are perfect for both everyday and festive cooking.

They can transform simple dishes and bring a touch of culinary finesse. Use them for frying, finishing dishes, or enhancing everything from crispy vegetables and creamy sauces to aromatic bread.

What is clarified butter? What does clarified butter mean? Summary

Clarified butter is pure butter fat, free from water and milk solids. By removing these components, its smoke point and shelf life are significantly improved, making it more stable for cooking. The process of preparation is simple: butter is melted, the foam is skimmed off, and the fat is carefully separated and strained. The result is a golden, aromatic fat that is lactose-free, rich in vitamins, and contains beneficial fats, though it should be consumed in moderation. In the kitchen, clarified butter is prized for frying, sautéing, baking, and enriching dishes with both flavor and a silky texture.