Step 1

Set an 8" skillet or small saucepan over medium heat. Also set a small bowl next to the stove.

Step 2

Add the butter and let it melt, stirring with a spatula or whisk.

Step 3

Continue cooking the butter, never leaving its side (or you may risk burning it). Watch as it goes through the following stages within a 3-5 minute time span: the butter melts, then it foams up with a white frothy quality, then that starts to subside, and brown bits begin to form in the bottom of the pan (those are the milk solids).

Step 4

Once the milk solids have turned brown and the butter is very fragrant, immediately pull the pan off the heat. If for whatever reason it smells like it's starting to burn, immediately pour the brown butter into the bowl that's set next to the stove, so the residual heat of the skillet does not continue cooking the brown butter.

Step 5

Let the brown butter cool slightly if necessary, then use as desired. Enjoy!