How Much Buttermilk to Substitute for Greek Yogurt
Works for baking, sauteing, and frying. Buttermilk keeps a similar flavor profile to Greek Yogurt.
How much buttermilk equals one Greek Yogurt?
Use 1 cup Buttermilk per cup of Greek Yogurt
Health notes
Compared with Greek Yogurt, Buttermilk has: less calories (62 vs 97 per 100g in Greek Yogurt), less fat (3.3g vs 5g per 100g in Greek Yogurt), less protein (3.2g vs 9g per 100g in Greek Yogurt), and more carbs (4.9g vs 4g per 100g in Greek Yogurt).
Using buttermilk as a greek yogurt substitute in baking
1:1 swap works well. Buttermilk adds tang and tenderizes crumb. Reduce baking soda slightly if recipe has none.
Other cooking methods
- Sauteing
1:1; add at the end to prevent curdling. Thins sauces more than yogurt would.
- Frying
1:1 in marinades and batters. Buttermilk tenderizes meat and adds tang.
- Slow Cook
1:1; stir in near the end. Buttermilk won't break down like yogurt over hours.
- Steaming
1:1 in steamed puddings and custards. Adds moisture and tang.
- Raw Cold
1:1 in dressings and drinks. Thinner than yogurt; whisk well.
- Drinks
1:1 in smoothies and lassis. Thinner consistency; adjust other liquids.
Methods to avoid (1)
- Grilling
Not recommended: buttermilk will evaporate too quickly on direct heat.
FAQ
- Can I substitute buttermilk for Greek Yogurt in baking?
Yes. 1:1 swap works well. Buttermilk adds tang and tenderizes crumb. Reduce baking soda slightly if recipe has none. Not recommended: buttermilk will evaporate too quickly on direct heat.
- How much buttermilk to use as a greek yogurt substitute?
More tangy; add a pinch of salt or honey to balance acidity if needed.
- How does the flavor change when substituting Buttermilk for Greek Yogurt?
Buttermilk keeps a similar flavor profile to greek yogurt.
- How does texture change when substituting Buttermilk for Greek Yogurt?
Buttermilk thinner, more tender crumb in baked goods. Less moist overall. Thinner sauces and dressings.
- What else should I know about substituting Buttermilk for Greek Yogurt?
For baking, frying, slow-cooking, and cold applications, use buttermilk 1:1 for yogurt. Expect thinner consistency, more tang, and better tenderizing in baked goods. Skip grilling. Buttermilk lacks the fat and protein of yogurt, so baked goods won't be as rich. Add a touch of oil or butter to baked goods if you miss richness.
- What still works when substituting Buttermilk for Greek Yogurt?
Buttermilk still works as a acid, moisture, tenderizer, leavener, and flavor carrier.
- What won't work when substituting Buttermilk for Greek Yogurt?
Buttermilk won't work as a fat, binder, and emulsifier.
- How well does Buttermilk match Greek Yogurt?
Buttermilk is okay on structure, good on heat, and okay on flavor.
- How does nutrition compare per 100g when substituting Buttermilk for Greek Yogurt?
Buttermilk is slightly lower in sat. fat, and has about x2 fewer calories and fat and x3 fewer protein.
- How do the flavor notes shift when substituting Buttermilk for Greek Yogurt?
The flavor shifts toward more acidic notes.