Flambé

Flambé is a cooking procedure in which alcohol is added to a hot pan to create a burst of flames. The word means 'flamed' in French ('flambé' is the past participle of the French verb 'flamber', meaning 'to flame').

History

The practice of flambéing food has a long history in both French and American cuisine. The exact origins of the technique are unclear, but it is often associated with tableside presentation in fine dining establishments during the mid-20th century.

Technique

The flambé technique involves the use of alcohol, such as brandy, rum, or liqueur, which is added to a hot pan to create a burst of flames. The flames are caused by the heat of the pan igniting the alcohol's vapors. The flames subside when the alcohol has burned off, leaving behind the flavor of the alcohol but none of the alcohol content.

Uses

Flambé is used in both savory and sweet dishes. Some of the most famous flambé dishes include Bananas Foster, Steak Diane, and Crêpe Suzette. In these dishes, the flambé process adds a complex flavor and a dramatic presentation.

Safety

Flambéing is a potentially dangerous cooking technique and should be done with caution. It should only be done in a controlled environment, away from flammable materials, and never under a low or flammable overhead surface.

See also

• List of cooking techniques
• Caramelization
• Maillard reaction