How to Cook With a Butane Torch

A butane torch is used to brown creme brulee.

Most home cooks stick with a handful of basic cooking tools and techniques. There are, however, plenty of tools that are easy to use and will punch up your presentation when serving a special dish. The butane torch is mainly used to cook surfaces and to brown and caramelize. The butane torch is used to make creme brulee, baked Alaska and meringue topping. The tool can also brown sugar coatings, melt cheese and create various surface finishes that need direct heat.

Things You'll Need

• Butane torch and fuel cartridge
• Unfinished dish, prepared according to recipe
• Sugar or egg whites

Instructions

1. Push the butane cartridge upward into the bottom chamber of the butane torch. Models vary slightly, but most butane torches will generate an audible click when the butane cartridge is locked in place.

2. Remove the butane torch from its stand and release the child lock mechanism, if applicable. Twist or press the child lock mechanism according to the instructions included with your butane torch model.

3. Prepare the food according to your recipe. Sprinkle sugar on surfaces for caramel and whipped egg whites on recipes that call for meringue.

4. Press down the ignition switch to light the butane torch. Hold the flame lever in place or push in the flame lock button to generate a consistent flame. Turn the flame adjustment lever to make the flame longer or shorter.

5. Grasp the body or handle of the butane torch, keeping your hands away from the flame. Wave the flame evenly over the food, holding the flame just above the surface until it is browned or caramelized according to the directions in your recipe.

Tips & Warnings

• Use glass or ceramic bowls or dishes, not plastic, when using a butane torch to avoid melting the container.

• Butane torches are available in several sizes, beginning with "mini" and going all the way to a "professional" designation.

• Keep butane torches out of reach of children and store them properly when not in use.

• Watch the food carefully to avoid burning the surface.

References

• Recipe Tips: Cooking Torch

Resources

• Cooking For Engineers: Creme Brulee