flambéed
Set alight tableside
Flambéed describes food that has been doused in alcohol and set alight, allowing the flames to burn off while caramelizing sugars and adding a subtle flavor: flambéed bananas, flambéed cherries jubilee.
The technique is theatrical—often performed tableside—but also functional.
Also spelled flambeed without the accent.
Starting combustion process
- burnDamage by heat
- caramelizeCook until golden-brown
- searBurn the outside
- torchHandheld burning light source
heat · alcohol · brandy · cognac · rum · tableside · sauté · deglaze
Spirit from fermented fruit
- cognacGrape-based distilled spirit
- rumMolasses-based liquor
- Grand MarnierOrange-infused French liqueur
- bourbonCorn-based American spirit
liqueur · kirsch · whiskey · amaretto · sambuca · grappa · pisco · chartreuse
Next to seated diners
- spectacleVisually striking event
- theatricalExaggeratedly emotional for effect
- showmanshipSkill at impressive presentation
- dramaticStrikingly expressive or sudden
performance · candlelight · plating · garnish · elegance · ambiance · service · maître d'
Flambéed fruit over ice cream
- crêpes SuzetteFlambéed French pancake dish
- baked AlaskaTorched meringue over ice cream
- souffléBaked puffed egg dish
- profiterolesFilled choux pastry bites
savarin · clafoutis · galette · crêpes · peaches · pears · oranges · strawberries
ignition
Starting combustion process
- burnDamage by heat
- caramelizeCook until golden-brown
- searBurn the outside
torch · heat · alcohol · brandy · cognac · rum · tableside · sauté · deglaze · reduction
brandy
Spirit from fermented fruit
- cognacGrape-based distilled spirit
- rumMolasses-based liquor
- Grand MarnierOrange-infused French liqueur
bourbon · liqueur · kirsch · whiskey · amaretto · sambuca · grappa · pisco · chartreuse · spirits
tableside
Next to seated diners
- spectacleVisually striking event
- theatricalExaggeratedly emotional for effect
- showmanshipSkill at impressive presentation
dramatic · performance · candlelight · plating · garnish · elegance · ambiance · service · maître d' · dining room
cherries jubilee
Flambéed fruit over ice cream
- crêpes SuzetteFlambéed French pancake dish
- baked AlaskaTorched meringue over ice cream
- souffléBaked puffed egg dish
profiteroles · savarin · clafoutis · galette · crêpes · peaches · pears · oranges · strawberries · ice cream
steak Diane
Flambéed beef with brandy sauce
chicken · veal · pork · mushrooms · peppercorn sauce · pan sauce · medallions · filet · duck · beef