How to Steam Milk
Whether it’s a cappuccino or latte you’re making, you’ll definitely need a batch of freshly steamed milk. Compared to other heating methods, steaming makes coffee taste sweeter and better. If you want frothy and foamy milk to add to your gourmet coffee for breakfast, here’s what you should do.
What You’ll Need:
Milk (skim or whole milk)
Stainless steel pitcher
Steam wand
Frothing thermometer
Procedure:
Chill your steel pitcher by putting it in the refrigerator. If it’s cold to the touch, then you’re ready to use it.
Make sure the milk you use is cold too, but not frozen or iced. The colder the milk, the better the results will be from steaming. Another tip: if it’s your first time to steam milk, use skim instead of whole milk. Because it has less fat, it will froth better. If you get used to the technique, you can move on to 1/2 skim and 1/2 whole, then to whole milk. Whole milk results in a creamier froth because of its fat content.
Fill 1/2 or 1/3 of the steel pitcher with milk. Don’t fill it to the brim, as you’ll need plenty of room for foam later.
You need to keep track of the milk’s temperature as you steam it. Attach the frothing thermometer to the steel pitcher.
Holding the pitcher, put it under the steam wand, in an angle that allows its tip to touch the pitcher’s bottom. When you’re set, turn on the steam.
Pull the pitcher down quickly, so your steam wand is positioned 1/4 to 1/2 inch beneath the surface of the milk. You’ll hear a slight hissing sound coming from it. Be careful not to pull the wand completely out of the milk, or the milk will explode and spill from the pitcher.
The milk will start expanding and filling the pitcher. Keep bringing the pitcher down so the wand is below the milk’s surface.
Check the frothing thermometer. If the milk has already reached 100 degrees, lower the wand again to the pitcher’s bottom and hold it again at angle.
Tilt the pitcher, so a whirlpool will form. This gives you a shiny and smooth foam. When the temperature reaches past 140 degrees, turn the steam wand off, while it’s still submerged in the milk. Don’t let the temperature reach to 160 degrees, or the milk will scald.
Remove the pitcher from under the steam wand. If you see large bubbles rising, tap it against a hard surface a few times.
Wipe the wand properly, so it won’t calcify.
Enjoy the frothy steamed milk!
Enjoying a cup of coffee for breakfast is better if you add steamed milk. Just follow these tips and your mornings will definitely brighten up.