What Is Ghee—and How Do You Cook With It?

We like to call ghee “liquid gold,” and it deserves the title. But what is ghee, exactly? A type of clarified butter that originated in India, ghee has been a staple in South Asia for thousands of years, and is steadily gaining recognition worldwide. It has a golden color and a nutty, almost caramelized flavor that enhances everything from sautéed vegetables to fried rice, and even fruit buckles. Want to know more? Keep reading to learn about what ghee really is, and how to incorporate it into your cooking and baking.

What Is Ghee?

Ghee is a type of clarified butter from India that’s commonly used across South Asia. It’s produced by slowly melting and simmering butter until the water content evaporates, leaving behind pure butterfat. Unlike regular clarified butter, ghee is cooked slightly longer so that it browns and develops a distinctly nutty, rich flavor. If you’re a fan of brown butter, you’re sure to like ghee. The ghee-making process also removes the milk solids, which results in a clear, golden liquid with a silky texture. Ghee can be quite expensive at the grocery store, but is easy and affordable to prepare at home, as explained in this ghee-making guide. 

Ghee vs. Butter

Although ghee and butter both originate from milk fat, they have some distinct differences. For example, because the milk solids have been removed, ghee has a considerably higher smoke point: 485 degrees Fahrenheit to butter’s 350 degrees. For the same reason, ghee is lactose-free, containing very low levels of casein (a milk protein), and has a longer shelf life than butter does. In terms of similarities, ghee and butter are both solid at room temperature, with almost identical nutritional profiles and fat contents. 

Ghee Benefits

As mentioned above, ghee is lactose-free, which means that it’s well-tolerated by people with a lactose intolerance. The lore around ghee’s health benefits dates back to ancient Ayurvedic medicine, but today, registered dieticians state that these benefits might be overstated. However, ghee is a source of antioxidants and vitamins, such as vitamins A, E, and K, so it does have some health benefits.

How to Cook With Ghee

Ghee is a versatile ingredient that can be used across different cuisines. Its high smoke point lends it well to frying and sautéing without the risk of burning. Give ghee a try when you’re making a stir fry, searing sole, frying eggs, or cooking shrimp. Pretty much whenever you’d add oil to a skillet, ghee is a happy substitute. It can also be used in sweet recipes like pancakes and muffins, or drizzled over oatmeal, rice pudding, or anything else that could use a rich, buttery finishing touch.