Roux: meaning, definitions and examples

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roux

[ruː ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

cooking

A mixture of fat (usually butter) and flour cooked together and used to thicken sauces.

Synonyms

binder, thickening agent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
roux	Used in cooking as a base to thicken sauces, soups, and stews. It is made by cooking equal parts of flour and fat (such as butter) together. She started the sauce with a classic roux of butter and flour. The chef made a roux to thicken the chicken stew.
thickening agent	Used in cooking to refer to various substances that help to make liquids thicker, such as flour, cornstarch, or gelatin. It is a broader term than 'roux' and can apply to any material performing this function. Cornstarch is a common thickening agent used in Chinese cuisine. The soup was too thin, so she added a thickening agent to achieve the desired consistency.
binder	Used in cooking or food preparation to describe something that holds ingredients together, like eggs in meatballs or bread crumbs in veggie patties. Also used in other contexts, like bookbinding or construction. Adding an egg to the mixture will act as a binder and keep the meatballs from falling apart. She used a binder to compile all the important documents.

Word

Description / Examples

roux

Used in cooking as a base to thicken sauces, soups, and stews. It is made by cooking equal parts of flour and fat (such as butter) together.

She started the sauce with a classic roux of butter and flour.
The chef made a roux to thicken the chicken stew.

thickening agent

Used in cooking to refer to various substances that help to make liquids thicker, such as flour, cornstarch, or gelatin. It is a broader term than 'roux' and can apply to any material performing this function.

Cornstarch is a common thickening agent used in Chinese cuisine.
The soup was too thin, so she added a thickening agent to achieve the desired consistency.

binder

Used in cooking or food preparation to describe something that holds ingredients together, like eggs in meatballs or bread crumbs in veggie patties. Also used in other contexts, like bookbinding or construction.

Adding an egg to the mixture will act as a binder and keep the meatballs from falling apart.
She used a binder to compile all the important documents.

Examples of usage

Add the roux to the sauce to thicken it.
The chef prepared a roux for the gumbo.
She stirred the roux until it reached a golden brown color.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Techniques

Roux is often used in classic French recipes, especially for sauces like béchamel and gumbo.
There are different types of roux - white, blonde, and brown, depending on how long it's cooked, changing its flavor and color.

Historical Origins

The technique of making roux dates back to the creation of sauces in medieval French cuisine.
The word 'roux' comes from the French word for 'red,' referring to its color when cooked longer.

Cultural Significance

Roux is a key element in Cajun and Creole cooking, reflecting the rich culinary traditions of Louisiana.
In many cultures, the process of making a roux can be seen as a rite of passage for cooks learning the art of making sauces.

Science of Cooking

The combination of fat and flour in roux serves as an emulsifying agent, helping to evenly distribute fat in a sauce.
Cooking roux helps remove the raw taste of flour and adds a nutty flavor due to the Maillard reaction.

Literature and Media

In culinary literature, roux often symbolizes the foundation of many classic sauces, emphasizing its importance in cooking.
Various cooking shows and competitions highlight the skill of making roux, showcasing its necessity in professional kitchens.

Translations

Translations of the word "roux" in other languages:

🇵🇹 roux

🇮🇳 रूक्स (ruuks)

🇩🇪 Roux

🇮🇩 roux

🇺🇦 ру (піджарене борошно для соусу)

🇵🇱 zasmażka

🇯🇵 ルー (rū)

🇫🇷 roux

🇪🇸 roux

🇹🇷 roux

🇰🇷 루 (ru)

🇸🇦 رو (ru)

🇨🇿 jíška

🇸🇰 zápražka

🇨🇳 鲁 (lǔ)

🇸🇮 prežganje

🇮🇸 smjörbollur

🇰🇿 ру (ұн мен май қоспасы)

🇬🇪 რუ (ru)

🇦🇿 ru

🇲🇽 roux