goujon

Definition

Fancy French term for breaded and fried fish strips, because calling them "fish sticks" wouldn't justify the restaurant markup. Traditionally made from sole or other delicate white fish cut into elegant batons and deep-fried to golden perfection. It's essentially the grown-up, bistro version of what you ate from a box as a kid, but now it costs $18 and comes with aioli.

Example Usage

The menu listed 'goujons of sole with sauce tartare' but my inner child recognized them immediately as bougie fish sticks.

Source: French culinary terminology

Related Terms

Advanced

run the pass

To take charge of the expediting station, coordinating timing and quality control for all dishes leaving the kitchen. The conductor's podium of the culinary orchestra, where reputations are made or destroyed.

🍳 Food / Culinary

Beginner

86'd

Restaurant code meaning an item is no longer available, allegedly because you've run out or refuse to serve it. Also conveniently doubles as slang for ejecting troublesome customers.

🍳 Food / Culinary

Intermediate

rail

The narrow shelf where tickets accumulate in sequence, creating a visual representation of your doom. When the rail is full, so is your despair.

🍳 Food / Culinary

Advanced

sauerbraten

Traditional German pot roast that's been marinated in vinegar and spices for days until it achieves peak tanginess and cultural authenticity. Originally made with horse meat because apparently beef wasn't exciting enough for medieval Germans. The name literally means "sour roast," which is either honest marketing or a cry for better PR.

🍳 Food / Culinary

Beginner

baste

To periodically spoon, brush, or pour liquid over meat while it's cooking, theoretically keeping it moist and flavorful but mostly giving you something to do while pretending to monitor the oven. It's the culinary equivalent of watering a plant, except the plant is a turkey and the water is melted butter. The technique that makes Thanksgiving take 47% longer.

🍳 Food / Culinary

Beginner

dock

Piercing dough with a fork or specialized roller before baking to prevent air bubbles and ensure even rising. Because nobody wants their pie crust to look like it's having an allergic reaction.

🍳 Food / Culinary

Translate This Term

See “goujon” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.

Try the Translator

Share This Term

Post on X Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn

Discover a Term

Beginner

Shammgod Crossover

An experienced maneuver in Basketball when you dribble to one side of the court, but with one hand you quickly pull the ...