Beurre Monté: The 5-Minute French Butter Sauce

Beurre monté, French for 'mounted butter,' is a simple and versatile butter sauce that takes just a few minutes to make. It's essentially melted butter emulsified with simmering water, creating a silky smooth sauce that's perfect for enhancing the flavors of various dishes. This technique is a staple in French cuisine and is surprisingly easy to master.

What is Beurre Monté?

Beurre monté is a classic French sauce that involves whisking cold, cubed butter into a base of simmering water or stock. The heat from the water melts the butter, and the vigorous whisking creates an emulsion, resulting in a rich, glossy sauce. The secret to a successful beurre monté lies in the quality of the butter and the consistency of the whisking.

Why is Beurre Monté So Popular?

Beurre monté is popular for several reasons:

• Quick and easy to make: It takes only a few minutes to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Versatile: Beurre monté can be used with a wide variety of dishes, from vegetables and pasta to fish and meat.
• Rich and flavorful: The butter adds a luxurious richness and depth of flavor to any dish.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt beurre monté to your taste by adding different seasonings, herbs, or spices.

How to Make Beurre Monté

Here's a simple recipe for classic beurre monté:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/4 cup water or stock
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, bring the water or stock to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Reduce the heat to low and slowly whisk in one cube of butter at a time, making sure each cube is fully melted before adding the next.
3. Continue whisking until all the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth and glossy.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately over your favorite dish.

Variations of Beurre Monté

The beauty of beurre monté lies in its versatility. You can easily customize it by adding different flavorings. Here are a few variations:

Mustard Beurre Monté:

Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the simmering water before whisking in the butter.

Apricot Beurre Monté:

Stir in a tablespoon of apricot jam or preserves to the finished sauce.

Gochujang Beurre Monté:

For a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of gochujang paste to the simmering water.

Tips for Making Beurre Monté

• Use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
• Ensure the water or stock is simmering, not boiling, to prevent the butter from separating.
• Whisk continuously to create a smooth emulsion.
• Don't overcook the sauce, as it will become oily.

Conclusion

Beurre monté is a simple yet elegant sauce that can elevate any dish. With its versatility and ease of preparation, it's a must-try for home cooks of all skill levels. Experiment with different flavorings to discover your own favorite variations of this classic French sauce.