Tarragon

Artemisia dracunculus Herb

Tarragon Herb

At a Glance

  • Category Herb

The Forktionary Angle

"The French Paradox: Mastering the subtle art of tarragon."

Definition

A strongly aromatic herb with a distinctive licorice-like or anise-like flavor, a staple in French cuisine, particularly for sauces and poultry.

Active Compound: Estragole is the primary compound responsible for its unique aroma.
Flavor Loss: Its delicate flavor diminishes quickly with prolonged cooking.
Traditional Usage: One of the four "fines herbes" of French cuisine.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Tarragon are:

Anise licorice sweet peppery slightly bitter

Chef’s Secret

To extract maximum flavor from fresh tarragon without overpowering the dish, gently bruise the leaves (e.g., by finely chopping or lightly muddling) just before adding them at the very end of cooking. This releases its volatile oils.

Best Substitutes

Fennel fronds

for similar anise notes) or Chervil (, for similar delicate herbaceousness
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Choose fresh tarragon with vibrant green leaves and a strong, fresh aroma. Avoid wilting or discoloration. Store like parsley, stems in water.

Recipes Using Tarragon

3 Steps Or Less 3 Steps Or Less Meat Time To Make

Almond Tarragon Chicken Salad

Recreate the delicious Publix deli favorite – Almond Tarragon Chicken Salad! This copycat recipe tastes just like the $6/lb version, but for a fraction of the cost. Easy to make at home, this creamy and flavorful salad is perfect served on toasted crescent rolls, crusty bread, or crackers. Get ready for a taste of gourmet comfort food!

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15 Minutes Or Less Dietary Low Carb Low Sodium

Almost Magic Pan Orange Almond Salad

A vibrant and surprisingly easy salad recipe, inspired by a Magic Pan employee! This zesty salad combines crunchy toasted almonds, crisp lettuce, sweet mandarin oranges, and a creamy, homemade dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a delightful potluck contribution. Get ready to be amazed!

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60 Minutes Or Less Easy Main Ingredient Stuffings Dressings

Apricot Almond Stuffing

Tired of the same old bread and sage stuffing? This Apricot Almond Stuffing is a game-changer! Bursting with unique flavor, it's the perfect side dish any day of the week, complementing beef, pasta, poultry, or even your Thanksgiving turkey (don't worry, Grandma's recipe is safe!). Sweet apricots and crunchy almonds create a delightful texture and taste sensation that elevates any meal. This recipe is so good, it might just become your new Thanksgiving tradition! Easy to make and incredibly versatile, it's perfect for stuffing chicken, turkey, or game hens.

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Poultry Poultry Main Ingredient Preparation

Apricot Chicken Salad

This Apricot Chicken Salad recipe delivers a delightful sweet and spicy flavor explosion! The unexpected combination of sweet apricot preserves and a hint of cayenne pepper creates a sophisticated twist on a classic. Perfect for a light lunch, elegant appetizer, or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make. Impress your friends and family with this restaurant-quality chicken salad that's ready in under 20 minutes!

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Preparation Asparagus Dietary Low In Something

Asparagus In Tarragon Hollandaise Sauce Good And Fancy

Elevate simple asparagus into a restaurant-worthy dish with this quick and easy tarragon hollandaise sauce. Perfect for using seasonal asparagus, this recipe is both elegant and surprisingly simple to make. Looking for a twist? Substitute the tarragon with 2 tablespoons of fresh dill, 1/4 cup of chervil, or 1 tablespoon of lemon thyme!

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Holiday Event Bisques Cream Soups Course Vegetables

Autumn Carrot Soup

Warm up your autumn evenings with this creamy and comforting carrot soup! Bursting with the flavors of fall – carrots, apples, and warming spices – this recipe is perfect for a cozy night in. Easy to make and utterly delicious, it's the ultimate fall comfort food.

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60 Minutes Or Less Preparation Course Occasion

Baked Fish With Tarragon

Experience the exquisite flavors of this baked fish recipe! Tender, flaky fish is perfectly complemented by fresh tarragon, lemon, and buttery crackers. This recipe is easy to follow and delivers a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Low Carb Low Calorie 60 Minutes Or Less Dietary

Baked Haddock

Flaky, juicy baked haddock with a burst of lemon-garlic flavor! This simple recipe is ready in under an hour and perfect for a weeknight meal. Impress your family with this elegant yet easy dish.

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Cuisine Equipment Cuisine Salmon

Baked Salmon Delight

Experience culinary bliss with our Baked Salmon Delight! This quick, easy, and elegant recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Flaky salmon fillets are baked to perfection on a bed of greens, creating a stunning presentation. Infused with aromatic tarragon (or classic dill for the less adventurous), this recipe is surprisingly versatile. We've used tilapia, whiting, and even catfish with fantastic results! The key is elevating the fish on a rack for perfectly crispy skin – no more soggy fish! Panko breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work just as well. Pair this delightful dish with garlic mashed potatoes and a fresh green salad for a complete and unforgettable meal. Prepare to be amazed by how simple gourmet can be!

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60 Minutes Or Less Salmon Course Bacon

Baked Salmon With Tarragon And Bacon

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this elegant and flavorful baked salmon recipe! Perfectly flaky salmon fillets are enhanced by crispy bacon, fragrant tarragon, and a bright lemon finish. This simple yet impressive dish is ready in under 40 minutes and requires minimal cleanup – perfect for busy weeknights or a special occasion.

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Equipment Holiday Event Preparation For 1 Or 2

Baked Stuffed Lobster New England Style

Indulge in a taste of New England with this decadent Baked Stuffed Lobster recipe, courtesy of Jasper White! Succulent lobster meat is generously stuffed with a savory seafood and cracker mixture, then baked to golden perfection. This classic recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Get ready for a truly unforgettable seafood experience!

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Fish Freshwater Fish Tilapia Fish

Baked Tilapia

Flaky, delicious baked tilapia fillets smothered in a creamy herb sauce. This easy recipe from the American Tilapia Association is ready in under an hour and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Impress your family with this restaurant-quality dish!

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Oven Dietary Time To Make Cuisine

Baked Zucchini Carrot Fritters

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside – these baked zucchini and carrot fritters are a delicious and healthy alternative to deep-fried versions. Packed with veggies and bursting with flavor, they're perfect as a side dish or a light meal. This recipe skips the deep fryer for a healthier bake, making them guilt-free goodness!

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Carrots Course Low Calorie Low Sodium

Balsamic Butter Glazed Baby Carrots

Experience the irresistible sweetness of fall with these Balsamic Butter Glazed Baby Carrots! This Southern Living-inspired recipe (November 2006) elevates simple baby carrots into a sophisticated side dish, perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday gatherings, or a cozy weeknight meal. Sweet balsamic glaze complements the tender carrots beautifully, creating a flavor explosion in your mouth.

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Poultry Grains Time To Make Main Dish

Barley Chicken Casserole

This hearty Barley Chicken Casserole is a cozy and flavorful twist on a classic hot barley recipe. Featuring tender chicken, chewy barley, and aromatic herbs, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal. Easy to make with simple ingredients, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite! Get ready for a delicious and satisfying culinary experience.

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Course Scallops Technique Preparation

Bay Scallops In Wine

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this incredibly easy and elegant Bay Scallops in Wine Sauce recipe! This recipe takes just 20 minutes to create a restaurant-quality dish using simple ingredients. Whether you use a wok or a large skillet, the tender scallops are perfectly seared and bathed in a rich, flavorful wine sauce with fresh herbs. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Vegetables Time To Make Main Ingredient Mushrooms

Beef Fillets With Stilton Portabella Sauce

Indulge in a luxurious Beef Fillets with Creamy Stilton & Portabella Mushroom Sauce! This elegant recipe is perfect for a romantic dinner or special celebration. The rich Stilton sauce complements the tender beef fillets beautifully. Serve with roasted potatoes and steamed haricots verts for a complete and unforgettable meal.

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Side Dishes Presentation Occasion Vegan

Beets With Mustard And Tarragon

Earthy beets meet a zesty mustard-tarragon dressing in this vibrant and healthy salad! Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, this recipe is perfect as a side dish or light meal. Beautiful color, incredible taste, and packed with nutrients – what's not to love?

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