Steak frites and coq au vin and éclairs, oh my. French cuisine has long been lauded as one of the most precise in its cooking techniques. The best French recipes use top-quality produce and intricate techniques to make simple ingredients and flavours shine.
Classic French techniques are often simple, but when done right they are the cornerstone to creating enormously flavourful dishes — you likely employ French techniques in your cooking without even realising it. Braising meats low and slow in whatever wine is available is the key to creating a rich, comforting French favourite, boeuf Bourguignon. And a well-balanced, meticulously flavoured Bouillabaisse, originally considered a poor man’s soup, was first created to elevate the catch of the day, but is now a mainstay on Michelin-star menus around the world. Even sautéing, a technique so simple that most take for granted, is the essential first step in classic dishes like a buttery chasseur.
From fragrant French stews to buttery pastry, soufflés and ratatouille, and not to mention spectacular French desserts, French cuisine has contributed culinary delights across the globe. In short, French recipes are well worth mastering.
So, you already have the skills — it’s time to test them. This is our collection of the best French recipes to master.