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

Dietary Served Cold Served Hot Inexpensive

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?

See Complete Recipe
Low Protein Time To Make Number Of Servings Occasion

Andalusian Condiment Soup

Impress your guests with this vibrant Andalusian Condiment Soup! A hearty and flavorful recipe perfect for parties or using up leftover vegetables. This generous batch is inspired by a Sunset Magazine recipe (1976) and cleverly uses concentrated chicken stock for convenience and rich taste. Get ready for a taste of sunshine!

See Complete Recipe
High Protein Low Carb Very Low Carbs Preparation

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.

See Complete Recipe
Main Dish Main Dish Low Sodium 60 Minutes Or Less

Asparagus Mushroom Pasta Sauce Moosewood

Indulge in this creamy, dreamy Asparagus Mushroom Pasta Sauce, inspired by the beloved Moosewood Cookbook! This vibrant sauce, perfect for pasta, crepes, rice, or baked fish, boasts tender asparagus, earthy mushrooms, and a hint of aromatic tarragon. The simple yet elegant recipe is easily adaptable to your taste. Top with parmesan cheese or fresh dill for an extra burst of flavor. Get ready for a culinary adventure in just 60 minutes!

See Complete Recipe
Beginner Cook Asparagus Preparation Easy

Aspargus With Tarragon Sherry Vinagarette

Elevate your asparagus game with this vibrant and flavorful Tarragon Sherry Vinaigrette! Tender-crisp asparagus spears are tossed in a bright, tangy dressing, finished with a delicate soft-boiled egg. This easy 20-minute recipe is perfect for a spring dinner party or a light weeknight meal. Get ready to experience asparagus like never before!

See Complete Recipe
Dietary Main Ingredient Time To Make Poultry

Baked Chicken With Herbs

This incredibly easy recipe delivers juicy, flavorful baked chicken in under 2 hours! Fresh herbs create the most vibrant taste, but dried herbs work perfectly if fresh ones are unavailable. Inspired by a classic kosher palette recipe, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready for a burst of deliciousness!

See Complete Recipe
Course 30 Minutes Or Less Course Vegetables

Avocado Cucumber Soup

This refreshing and vibrant avocado cucumber soup is the perfect light meal or appetizer. Made with simple, fresh ingredients, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers a cool, creamy texture that's sure to impress. Perfect for a hot summer day or any time you crave a healthy and flavorful soup!

See Complete Recipe
30 Minutes Or Less Meat Course Main Ingredient

Beef Tenderloin With Mustard Tarragon Cream Sauce

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this succulent Beef Tenderloin, expertly pan-seared to perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy mustard tarragon sauce. Served alongside perfectly tender microwave red potatoes, this recipe is quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress! The delightful combination of savory beef, tangy mustard, and aromatic tarragon creates a symphony of flavors in your mouth.

See Complete Recipe
Easy Heirloom Historical Seasonal Equipment

15 Minute Marinated Chicken

Fire up the grill for this juicy, flavorful chicken recipe! Ready in just 40 minutes, this low-fat marinade infuses tender chicken breasts with delicious summery taste. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, BBQs, and picnics. Adapted from Taste of Home.

See Complete Recipe
North American One Dish Meal Time To Make Easy

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!

See Complete Recipe
For 1 Or 2 Seafood Dietary Course

Avocado Shrimp And Endive Salad

This vibrant spring/summer salad combines three incredible ingredients: succulent shrimp, creamy avocado, and crisp endive. Inspired by Belgian cuisine, this easy recipe is ready in under 20 minutes and looks stunning on any table. The bright, tangy dressing perfectly complements the fresh flavors. Make it today and impress your guests!

See Complete Recipe
Chicken Breasts 3 Steps Or Less Sandwiches Chicken Breasts

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!

See Complete Recipe
Cuisine Dietary Presentation Dinner Party

15 Minute Baked Halibut With Herbs

Ready in just 15 minutes! This incredibly easy baked halibut recipe bursts with fresh herb flavor. Flaky, delicious halibut is perfectly complemented by a light, bright sauce, all achieved with minimal effort. Fresh herbs are key – unlock the secret to unbelievably delicious, healthy eating. This recipe is your shortcut to a restaurant-quality meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner. From the world's healthiest foods.

See Complete Recipe
Preparation Course 15 Minutes Or Less Occasion

Aphrodite Salad

A light and refreshing summer salad bursting with fresh flavors! This vibrant Aphrodite Salad is surprisingly delicious and easy to make. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a delightful side dish for your next barbecue.

See Complete Recipe
Appetizers Italian Low Sodium Main Ingredient

Bell Pepper And Mushroom Saute

This easy 20-minute saute is bursting with flavor! Sweet bell peppers and earthy mushrooms create a delicious sauce perfect as a side for roasts and steaks, or elevate your toast into gourmet bruschetta with a simple puree. A versatile recipe for weeknight dinners and special occasions!

See Complete Recipe
Low Calorie North American Low Calorie Low Carb

Baked Cod Supreme

Indulge in this irresistible Baked Cod Supreme! Flaky cod fillets are baked to perfection under a bubbly, crunchy topping, then topped with succulent shrimp. A delightful combination of textures and flavors that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready for a culinary adventure!

See Complete Recipe
Easy Main Ingredient Brunch Preparation

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.

See Complete Recipe
Main Ingredient 60 Minutes Or Less Occasion High Protein

Beef Tenderloin Roast With Mushroom Sauce

Elevate your dinner party with this elegant Beef Tenderloin Roast, boasting a decadent mushroom sauce. This recipe from the acclaimed Dining with Distinction in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, is surprisingly easy to execute, resulting in a restaurant-quality meal at home. Impress your guests with tender, flavorful beef and a creamy, earthy mushroom sauce – perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in!

See Complete Recipe