The choice between using salted or unsalted butter when cooking depends on personal preference and the specific recipe you're preparing. Here are some factors to consider:
Control over salt content: When using unsalted butter, you have complete control over the amount of salt added to your dishes. This is particularly beneficial when you want precise control over the saltiness of the final outcome, as you can adjust the salt to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Consistency across recipes: Using unsalted butter allows for consistency in recipes. Different brands of salted butter can vary in the amount of added salt, which can impact the overall taste and saltiness of the dish. By using unsalted butter, you have a consistent starting point and can add salt as needed in each specific recipe.
Flexibility: Unsalted butter provides greater flexibility in its usage. It can be used in both sweet and savory recipes without introducing an unexpected salt flavor. Salted butter, on the other hand, may not be ideal for certain sweet recipes where the salt content could interfere with the desired taste.
That said, there are instances where salted butter can be used effectively, especially in recipes that call for a touch of added salt. Some people prefer the convenience of salted butter for everyday cooking and find it provides a satisfactory level of saltiness.
Ultimately, it's a matter of personal preference and the specific requirements of the recipe. If you prefer having control over the salt content and want consistent results across recipes, using unsalted butter and adding salt separately is a good choice.