10 Ways To Use Tarragon In The Kitchen

Tarragon, with its unique bittersweet flavor and a hint of licorice, is a versatile herb that can add a touch of elegance to a variety of dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, incorporating tarragon into your cooking can elevate your dishes to a new level.

Here are ten creative ways to use tarragon in the kitchen.

1. Classic Béarnaise Sauce

A quintessential element in French cooking, Béarnaise sauce, a creamy and rich sister to Hollandaise, is elevated with the infusion of tarragon. This herb adds a sophisticated depth to the sauce, making it an exquisite accompaniment to grilled steaks, poached eggs, and even roasted vegetables.

2. Tarragon Chicken

Create a mouthwatering tarragon chicken by marinating chicken breasts in a blend of fresh tarragon leaves, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil. This marinade imparts a fragrant and tantalizing flavor to the chicken, perfect for grilling or oven roasting.

3. Flavor-Infused Vinegars

Craft your own tarragon-infused vinegar by steeping fresh tarragon in white or apple cider vinegar for a few weeks. This infused vinegar becomes a versatile ingredient, ideal for brightening up salad dressings, marinades, or even as a delightful addition to pickling brines.

4. Tarragon Butter

Combine finely chopped fresh tarragon with softened butter to create a flavorful tarragon butter. This compound butter can be used to elegantly finish grilled meats, vegetables, or simply spread on freshly baked bread for an aromatic and tasty treat.

5. Herb Salads

Fresh tarragon leaves can be a zesty addition to green salads. Their unique flavor pairs exceptionally well with fresh citrus fruits, assorted nuts, and a light vinaigrette, creating a refreshing and sophisticated salad that can stand alone or complement a main dish.

6. Seafood Enhancer

Enhance the natural flavors of seafood like salmon, scallops, or shrimp by sprinkling them with fresh or dried tarragon before cooking. Tarragon's slightly sweet taste and aroma complement the delicate flavors of various seafood, adding a gourmet touch to a simple meal.

7. Tarragon in Soups and Stews

Incorporate a hint of tarragon into your soups and stews. Whether it's a hearty chicken stew or a vegetable-based soup, tarragon adds a subtle, slightly sweet undertone that enriches the overall flavor profile of these comforting dishes.

8. Tarragon Mustard

Revitalize your mustard by blending in some dried tarragon. This tarragon-infused mustard becomes a unique spread for sandwiches, a flavorful twist in salad dressings, or even as a zesty condiment for grilled sausages and meats.

9. Egg Dishes

Tarragon and eggs are a match made in culinary heaven. Add chopped tarragon to scrambled eggs, omelets, or quiches to elevate these simple dishes with an herbaceous and elegant flavor.

The herb pairs exceptionally well with various cheeses, making your egg dishes more flavorful and exciting.

10. Tarragon in Desserts

Don't hesitate to experiment with tarragon in desserts. Its unique flavor can infuse creams and custards, adding an unexpected twist. Tarragon also pairs wonderfully with fruits, enhancing fruit salads or sorbets with its distinctive flavor profile.

Wrapping-up

Tarragon's versatility and unique flavor profile make it an invaluable herb in the culinary world. From enhancing the simplest of dishes to contributing to complex sauces and desserts, tarragon has the remarkable ability to transform ordinary recipes into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Its presence in the kitchen encourages creativity and exploration, making every dish a delightful adventure in taste.