How to make sour milk at home in just 5 minutes

Sour milk is a versatile ingredient used in many culinary recipes, from baked goods to marinades. It is a popular substitute for buttermilk or yogurt which offers the same tangy flavor and acidity. If you don’t have sour milk on hand, don’t worry - you can make it easily at home! In this guide, Zextrasure will explore how to make sour milk in various ways

1. What is sour milk?

Sour milk is regular milk that has been intentionally acidified or naturally soured due to fermentation. This process alters its flavor and texture, making it tangy and thicker. It is often used in baking recipes like cakes, muffins, and pancakes for its unique properties.

In most cases, sour milk is created by adding an acid like vinegar or lemon juice to fresh milk. The acidity curdles the milk proteins, mimicking the effects of buttermilk. Sour milk is valued for its ability to add moisture and tenderness to baked goods.

Sour milk is thick milk, having a sour taste, obtained from fermentation or by adding an acid like vinegar or lemon juice

2. Why use sour milk in recipes?

Before diving into the methods of how to make sour milk at home, let’s discuss why sour milk is such a prized ingredient:

• Adds acidity: Sour milk helps activate baking soda in recipes, creating a light and fluffy texture in cakes, muffins, and pancakes.
• Enhances flavor: Sour milk's tangy taste enriches the flavor profile of many dishes.
• Tenderizes meat: Its acidity is ideal for marinating meats, breaking down proteins for a tender result.
• A great substitute: Sour milk can replace buttermilk, yogurt, or other acidic liquids in recipes.

Understanding its benefits is key before we dive into how to make sour milk yourself.

3. How to make sour milk at home 

Instead of buying dairy products that may go to waste, why not make an amount of sour milk for a recipe when you need it? Here are 4 ways to make your sour milk in just 5 minutes.

Method 1: Using lemon juice

How to make sour milk by using lemon juice

One of the easiest methods to make sour milk is by using lemon juice.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of milk (whole or skim milk)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

• Pour the milk into a measuring cup.
• Add the lemon juice and stir gently.
• Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes.
• Once the milk has curdled slightly, it’s ready to use.

Method 2: Using vinegar

Another common way to learn “how to make sour milk from fresh milk” is by substituting vinegar for lemon juice. This method is excellent for recipes requiring precise acidity levels, such as pancakes or biscuits.

Making sour milk with apple cider vinegar

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of milk
• 1 tbsp of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

• Add vinegar to a cup of milk and stir gently.
• Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes.
• Use it in your recipe when it thickens slightly.

Method 3. Using fermentation (natural method)

You can make sour milk from the fermentation of milk

Another way to learn how to make sour milk is by allowing natural fermentation to occur. This method works well if you frequently use sour milk and want a consistent supply.

Ingredients:

• Fresh milk
• Starter culture or previously soured milk

Instructions:

• Add a few tablespoons of starter culture or sour milk to fresh milk.
• Cover and leave it at room temperature for 12-24 hours.
• Once it thickens and develops a tangy aroma, it’s ready to use.

See other recipe: How to make evaporated milk at home

4. How to make sour milk with plant-based milk

If you follow a vegan diet or prefer plant-based options, you can still learn “how to make 1 cup sour milk” with alternatives like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. This method is ideal for vegan baking or cooking.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of plant-based milk
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar

Instructions:

• Mix the acidic agent into the plant-based milk.
• Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until curdled. It should have thickened and soured. It’s ready to use!

5. Conclusion

Learning “how to make sour milk” is a simple skill for anyone. Just with simple ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar, you can make sour milk at home in minutes. Whether you’re baking fluffy pancakes, marinating meats, or crafting a tangy dressing, sour milk offers endless culinary possibilities.