Are you a vegan or lactose intolerant and wondering if you can make buttermilk from oat milk?
The answer is yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Buttermilk is a staple ingredient in many recipes, from pancakes to cakes, and it’s hard to find a suitable replacement. Luckily, making buttermilk from oat milk is easy and requires only two ingredients.
In this article, we’ll explore how to make vegan buttermilk from oat milk and answer some common questions about this dairy-free alternative.
So, let’s get started!
Can You Make Buttermilk From Oat Milk?
Oat milk is a popular dairy-free milk alternative that has gained popularity in recent years. It’s creamy, delicious, and perfect for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan. But can you make buttermilk from oat milk?
The answer is yes, but it’s important to note that oat milk doesn’t curdle as well as other non-dairy milk options like soy or almond milk. This is because oat milk has a lower fat content and lacks the acidity needed to achieve the leavening purpose in vegan baking.
However, you can still make a suitable buttermilk replacement with oat milk by adding an acid like lemon juice or vinegar. Simply measure out one cup of unsweetened, unflavored oat milk and add one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Stir to combine and let sit for 10 minutes. The mixture will thicken significantly and appear lumpy when ready to use.
It’s worth noting that the resulting buttermilk from oat milk may not be as tangy or thick as traditional buttermilk made from dairy milk or other non-dairy milk options. But it will still work well in most recipes that call for buttermilk.
What Is Buttermilk And Why Use Oat Milk Instead?
Buttermilk is a cultured dairy product that has a tangy, slightly sour taste and a creamy texture. It’s commonly used in baking because it helps to make cakes and bread light and fluffy. When used in baking recipes, the acidity in buttermilk reacts with baking soda to create a light and fluffy texture. Buttermilk is also used as a beverage in Latin America, where it’s often sweetened with sugar due to its sour taste.
Traditionally, buttermilk is made by adding bacteria to milk, which causes it to thicken and curdle. However, for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan, non-dairy milk options like oat milk can be used as a substitute for dairy milk. Oat milk has gained popularity as a dairy-free milk alternative due to its creamy texture and nutty flavor.
Oat milk can be used as a substitute for buttermilk in vegan baking recipes by adding an acid like lemon juice or vinegar. While oat milk doesn’t curdle as well as other non-dairy milk options like soy or almond milk due to its lower fat content, it can still be used to create a suitable buttermilk replacement. In fact, the added benefits of oat milk make it an excellent choice for those looking for a vegan alternative to buttermilk.
How To Make Buttermilk From Oat Milk
Making buttermilk from oat milk is a simple process that requires only two ingredients and takes less than 15 minutes. Here’s how to do it:
1. Start by squeezing half a fresh lemon into a measuring jug until you have approximately 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
2. Pour unsweetened, unflavored oat milk into the measuring jug up to the 1 cup line.
3. Stir the mixture gently to combine the lemon juice and oat milk.
4. Let the mixture sit for approximately 10 minutes. During this time, the acid in the lemon juice will react with the proteins in the oat milk, causing it to thicken and curdle.
5. After 10 minutes, your homemade buttermilk replacement is ready to use.
It’s important to note that oat milk doesn’t curdle as well as other non-dairy milk options like soy or almond milk, so the resulting buttermilk may not be as thick or tangy. However, it will still work well in most recipes that call for buttermilk.
To store your homemade oat milk buttermilk, simply transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Tips For Using Oat Milk Buttermilk In Recipes
If you’re using oat milk buttermilk in your recipes, there are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Use it in recipes that call for baking powder: Oat milk buttermilk lacks the acidity needed to activate baking soda, so it’s best to use it in recipes that call for baking powder instead.
2. Adjust the consistency: Oat milk buttermilk may be thinner than traditional buttermilk, so you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in your recipe accordingly.
3. Experiment with the amount of acid: Depending on the brand of oat milk you’re using, you may need to adjust the amount of acid you add to achieve the desired thickness and tanginess. Start with one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and adjust as needed.
4. Store it properly: Oat milk buttermilk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Be sure to give it a good stir before using it in your recipe as it may separate over time.
By following these tips, you can successfully use oat milk buttermilk as a dairy-free substitute in your favorite recipes.
Benefits Of Using Oat Milk Buttermilk
Using oat milk as a base for buttermilk has its own unique benefits. Oat milk is a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy alternative to dairy milk. It’s also low in fat, making it a great option for those who are watching their fat intake.
Oat milk buttermilk is also a great way to add flavor and texture to your vegan baking. It has a slightly sweet taste that complements baked goods like muffins, pancakes, and waffles. The texture is also thick and creamy, which adds moisture and richness to your recipes.
Additionally, using oat milk buttermilk in your recipes is an eco-friendly choice. Oat milk has a lower carbon footprint than dairy milk, as it requires less water and land to produce. By using oat milk buttermilk instead of traditional buttermilk made from dairy milk, you’re making a small but impactful choice to reduce your environmental impact.
FAQs About Making Buttermilk From Oat Milk
If you’re new to making buttermilk from oat milk, you might have some questions. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
1. Can I use any type of oat milk to make buttermilk?
It’s best to use unsweetened, unflavored oat milk for making buttermilk. However, keep in mind that oat milk doesn’t curdle as well as other non-dairy milk options, so the resulting buttermilk may not be as thick or tangy.
2. How much lemon juice or vinegar should I add to the oat milk?
Add one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to one cup of oat milk. This will create the acidic environment needed for the oat milk to curdle and thicken.
3. How long should I let the mixture sit?
Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes. During this time, the mixture will thicken significantly and appear lumpy when it’s ready to use.
4. Can I use the resulting oat milk buttermilk in any recipe that calls for buttermilk?
Yes, you can use the oat milk buttermilk in most recipes that call for buttermilk. However, keep in mind that it may not be as tangy or thick as traditional buttermilk made from dairy milk or other non-dairy milk options.
5. Can I use oat milk buttermilk in savory recipes?
Yes, you can use oat milk buttermilk in savory recipes like dressings or marinades. It will add a tangy flavor and help to tenderize meats.
