Ycaroh's Kitchen blog

Perfect Beurre Manié for Thickening Sauces

beurre manie

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

0 minutes (added directly to simmering sauces)

Total Time

5 minutes

Servings

Varies depending on the volume of sauce

Yield

1 batch

Calories

Negligible in small quantities but dependent on the amount used in the sauce.
Unlock the secret to perfectly thickened sauces with the classic French culinary tool, Beurre Manié. This simple yet transformative mixture, consisting of equal parts flour and softened butter, is your golden ticket to achieving velvety, rich sauces without the lumps. Beurre Manié, directly translating to “kneaded butter,” acts as a quick thickener that can be introduced into simmering liquids, instantly enhancing the texture and body of your sauces. Unlike roux, which is cooked before use, Beurre Manié is blended cold and whisked into sauces towards the end of cooking, allowing for last-minute adjustments to consistency. Ideal for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs, this technique ensures your gravies, stews, and soups reach a luxurious thickness with a smooth, glossy finish. Embrace the elegance and efficiency of Beurre Manié and elevate your culinary creations to new heights of deliciousness. The Perfect Beurre Manié is a testament to the elegance of French cuisine, offering a straightforward solution to achieving impeccably thickened sauces. By incorporating this technique into your culinary repertoire, you’ll not only enhance the texture and flavor of your dishes but also bring a touch of finesse to your cooking.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (the softness is crucial for easy blending)
  • 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour (sifted for lump-free consistency)

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, combine the softened butter and sifted flour. Using a fork or your fingers, blend the ingredients together until they form a smooth, homogenous paste.
  • Once your sauce, stew, or soup is simmering and nearly finished cooking, assess the desired thickness.
  • Gradually whisk small amounts of the Beurre Manié into the simmering liquid. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional minute or so after each addition to fully thicken and to cook out the raw flour taste.
  • Continue adding Beurre Manié until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency. Remember, a little goes a long way!

Tips & Tricks

  • Always add Beurre Manié to simmering, not boiling, liquids to prevent the sauce from breaking.
  • If your sauce becomes too thick, simply thin it with a bit of stock or water until you achieve the desired consistency.
  • Beurre Manié can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it a convenient tool for quick sauce adjustments.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with an equal amount of your preferred gluten-free flour blend.

Mise en Place

Ingredients

Utensils

  • Unsalted butter
  • All-purpose flour
  • Small bowl
  • Fork or fingers for mixing
  • Whisk

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