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Homemade Ghee - Instant Pot or Stovetop
4.9 from 78 votes

Homemade Ghee - Instant Pot or Stovetop

Homemade Ghee can be prepared using unsalted butter in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop by melting and simmering the butter to separate and caramelize milk solids. The clarified butter that remains is strained and cooled into ghee with a rich, nutty flavor and golden color. Visual cues such as bubbling, separation, and browning of solids guide doneness. This ghee is suitable for cooking or as an ingredient in recipes requiring clarified butter.

Prep Time
3 mins
Cook Time
17 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Calories: 3476 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces butter perferably unsalted, grass-fed, unsalted

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Add the butter to the instant pot steel insert. Set an external timer for 10 minutes. Start the instant pot in Saute Mode (Normal).  Butter will start melting. 
  2. At about 7-9 minutes, the melted butter should be bubbling vigorously and milk solids will start to separate. (see photos for visual cues). 
  3. Initially the milk solids (white foam) will float on the top, but they will settle down to the bottom of the insert and caramelize. 
  4. Turn off instant pot at about 10 mins. The ghee will continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes. The milk solids should be brown and settle down. 
  5. We want the milk solids on the bottom to turn golden brown, but not blacken. Keep a close eye so it does not burn.  
  6. Remove the steel insert from the pot when the milk solids are golden brown in color. (see the pictures for guidance)
  7. Strain the ghee using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a dry glass or steel jar.  Let the ghee cool completely before closing the lid. It will solidify depending on the room temperature. 
  8. Store ghee at room temperature, away from sunlight.  It will stay fresh. You can also store in a refrigerator, but it is not required.

Notes

  • Use visual cues such as bubbling and milk solids color to judge when ghee is done to avoid burning.
  • Avoid stirring during cooking to prevent hot ghee splatters and ensure safety.
  • Doubling the butter amount requires longer cooking time, around 15 minutes for 32 ounces.
  • For stovetop, start melting butter on high heat then reduce to medium-low until milk solids caramelize.
  • Allow ghee to cool completely before sealing jars to maintain quality and shelf stability.

Nutrition Information

Calories 3476kcal (174%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 394g (606%) Saturated Fat 245g (1225%) Cholesterol 1016mg (339%) Sodium 7mg (0%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 3476

% Daily Value*

Calories 3476kcal 174%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 394g 606%
Saturated Fat 245g 1225%
Cholesterol 1016mg 339%
Sodium 7mg 0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.