Visualizing 20g of Butter
When following a keto diet or counting macros, you may wonder what 20g of butter actually looks like. Since butter is solid at room temperature, envisioning the right portion can be tricky.
How Much is 20g of Butter?
20g of butter equals:
- About 1.5 tablespoons
- Roughly 4 teaspoons
- Approximately 0.7 fluid ounces
To put it into perspective, 20g is roughly the size of a ping pong ball or large egg. Use these visual comparisons to better gauge butter amounts.
Appearance of 20g Butter Portions
Here’s what different 20g butter portions look like:
1.5 Tablespoons of Butter
Scooped onto a dish, 1.5 tablespoons of butter is a small rounded mound about 1 inch tall and 1.5 inches wide.
0.7oz of Melted Butter
After melting, 20g or 0.7oz of butter half fills a standard 1oz condiment dipping cup.
Butterstick Section
Cut from a typical 8-tablespoon (4 ounce) stick of butter, a 20g section measures roughly 1.25 inches long (or about 1/6th of the total stick).
Does Butter Look Different When Melted?
Yes, butter takes up more volume in its solid form than when melted into liquid oil. This means 20g occupies a larger physical space as a solid pat versus melted.
Why Butter Changes Size When Melted
Here’s why there’s a size difference between solid and melted butter:
- Tighter fat molecule packing in solids
- More space between molecules when liquid
- Water evaporates after melting
So while the weight stays 20g after melting, the liquid occupies less physical area in your measuring cup.
Accounting for Butter Volume Changes in Recipes
When substituting melted butter for solid butter (or vice versa) in baking recipes, expect a size discrepancy. Adjust any volume measures accordingly to keep the weight consistent.
For example, a recipe calling for 2 tablespoons (28g) of solid butter would need about 1.8 tablespoons melted. Visually, the melted amount will be less.
Does Brown Butter Look Different Than Regular Butter?
Brown butter, also called beurre noisette, refers to butter cooked until the milk solids brown. This gives it a fragrant, nutty flavor.
Appearance of Brown vs. Regular Butter
Unlike regular golden yellow butter, brown butter is a darker tan color with brown flecks from browned milk solids. It may also smell sweet and nutty when hot.
Measuring Brown Butter
Despite color and flavor differences, 20g of brown butter looks the same weight-wise as regular butter. Use the 1.5 tablespoon visual for a 20g portion when solid or 0.7oz guide when melted.
Accounting for Brown Butter Volume Changes
Like regular butter, brown butter also occupies more volume before melting. Adjust volume measures in recipes as needed when substituting between solid and melted forms.
Tips for Accurately Measuring Butter
Getting precise 20g butter portions takes a little technique. Keep these tips in mind:
Use a Food Scale
A digital kitchen scale gives the most accurate butter measurements down to the gram. Zero out the display before weighing.
Level Off Butter
When scooping solid butter with spoons, level off the top using the back of a knife for precise portions.
Measure Melted Butter Carefully
Melted butter is slippery, so pour slowly and watch markings to avoid overflow when using liquid measuring cups or spoons.
Work Quickly
To prevent resolidifying when portioning warm, melted butter, work speedily. Remelt and remeasure if butter firms up.
With practice visualizing amounts, estimating 20g butter becomes much simpler whether melted or solid!
FAQs
How can I easily estimate 20g of butter without scales?
20g solid butter equals about 1.5 tablespoons or 4 teaspoons. For melted butter, it's roughly 0.7 fluid ounces. Use these quick visual comparisons to gauge 20g portions when cooking or baking.
Why does 20g melted butter appear smaller than 20g solid butter?
Butter's fat molecules pack more tightly together in solid form, taking up more volume. When melted into oil, molecules spread apart, decreasing the liquid's visual size despite weighing the same.
Does brown butter look any different from normal butter in 20g portions?
No, despite its darker tan color and nutty flecks, 20g of brown butter is the same size visually as 20g regular butter. Use the same tablespoon or fluid ounce guide to compare portions.
What's the best way to precisely measure 20g solid or melted butter?
A digital kitchen scale provides the most accurate 20g measures. For scooping solid butter, level off the top using the back of a knife before weighing or portioning. For liquids, carefully pour melted butter up to the measure markings.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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