What can I substitute for buttermilk?
Part of our Frequently Asked Culinary Questions. Click to see more answers to your questions.
If you find yourself in need of buttermilk for a recipe but don’t have any on hand, there’s an easy and effective way to make a substitute using just two common kitchen ingredients: milk and an acid, typically white vinegar or lemon juice. While regular milk alone cannot directly replace buttermilk due to its lack of acidity and thicker consistency, it can be modified or substituted with other ingredients.
- Start by measuring one cup of milk – any kind you have available, whether it’s whole, skim, or even a non-dairy alternative. Then, add one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to the milk. If you’re making a smaller quantity, remember the ratio is about one tablespoon of acid per cup of milk.
- Stir the mixture gently and let it sit for about five to ten minutes at room temperature. During this time, the acid will begin to react with the milk, slightly curdling it and mimicking the tangy flavor and thicker consistency of buttermilk.
After the waiting period, your buttermilk substitute is ready to use. It can be incorporated into recipes just like regular buttermilk, making it a handy solution for baking recipes like pancakes, biscuits, or cakes that require the unique properties of buttermilk for texture and flavor.
This method is a straightforward and practical solution that saves a trip to the store and ensures your recipe turns out as planned. It also works with these ingredients:
- Yogurt or Sour Cream: Mix equal parts of water with plain yogurt or sour cream to thin it out. These dairy products have the acidity and tang similar to buttermilk. Non-dairy yogurts made from soy, almond, or coconut can also be used as a vegan option.
- Cream of Tartar: Mix about 1 3/4 teaspoons of cream of tartar with one cup of milk. Cream of tartar adds the needed acidity to the milk.
- Kefir: Kefir is a fermented milk drink with a tangy flavor similar to buttermilk. It can be used in a 1:1 ratio as a substitute.
There are several non-dairy options as substitutes for buttermilk depending on your needs and what you have on hand.
- Non-Dairy Milk and Acid: For a vegan substitute, combine a cup of soy or almond milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.
- Lemon Juice and Soy Milk: Specifically, soy milk tends to curdle well when mixed with lemon juice, making it a good vegan substitute for buttermilk.
Each of these substitutes can work well in various recipes, though they may slightly alter the flavor or texture of the final product.
NOTE: Dried buttermilk powder is a pantry staple that can be a lifesaver.
