How to make Buttermilk at Home | USA

Buttermilk is a versatile ingredient that adds tanginess and moisture to baked goods. Whether you’re out of store-bought buttermilk or following a dairy-free diet, making your own is easy. Here are a few methods:

Vinegar or Lemon Juice Method:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar or freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 cup milk (scant cup)
• Instructions:
  1. Pour the tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice into a 1-cup measuring cup.
  2. Fill the rest of the measuring cup with milk.
  3. Gently stir and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes. This allows the milk to slightly curdle, giving it a buttermilk-like texture and taste.

Basic Acidified Buttermilk:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 cup milk of your choice
• Instructions:
  1. Measure the vinegar or lemon juice into a liquid measuring cup.
  2. Fill the cup with milk up to the 1-cup line (using slightly less than 1 full cup of milk).
  3. Stir to combine and let the mixture rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes. The final texture should appear somewhat separated at the top, with some light curdling.
  4. Even if you don’t see a significant change in appearance, the acidity is present, and your homemade buttermilk should work well in recipes.

Quick Tip:

• Adjust the yield by following these alternate ratios:
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk: 3/4 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice + 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/3 cup buttermilk: 1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice + 1/3 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk: 1 1/2 teaspoons vinegar or lemon juice + 1/2 cup milk
  • 2/3 cup buttermilk: 2 teaspoons vinegar or lemon juice + 2/3 cup milk

Buttermilk is not only great for baking but also for marinating meats, making salad dressings, and adding a tangy kick to smoothies. Enjoy your homemade buttermilk.