How to boil milk without it scorching at the bottom of the pan?

Question

Use gentle heat and stirring to boil milk without burning or sticking.

Answer 1

To prevent milk from scorching, rinse the pan with cold water before adding the milk and heat it gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently.

Detailed Explanation:

Scorching occurs when the milk solids at the bottom of the pan overheat and burn. Here's a step-by-step guide to prevent this:

1. Rinse the Pan: Before pouring in the milk, rinse the saucepan with cold water. This creates a thin layer of water between the milk and the pan's surface, acting as a buffer.
2. Use Medium-Low Heat: Avoid high heat. High heat causes the milk to heat unevenly and quickly scorch. Use medium-low heat for a gentle and even heating process.
3. Stir Frequently: Stir the milk constantly, especially as it begins to heat up. This prevents the milk solids from settling at the bottom and burning. Use a spatula to scrape the bottom of the pan while stirring.
4. Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pan: A heavy-bottomed pan distributes heat more evenly, reducing the risk of scorching.
5. Monitor Closely: Keep a close eye on the milk. As soon as it starts to simmer, remove it from the heat.

Pro Tip:

Consider using a double boiler if you frequently boil milk. The indirect heat from the boiling water in the bottom pot prevents the milk in the top pot from scorching.