Maillard Reaction

Advanced 🍳 Food / Culinary

Definition

The chemical reaction between amino acids and sugars that creates browning and incredible flavor on cooked food. It's the scientific reason your steak tastes amazing, and knowing its name is the fastest way to sound smart at a barbecue you contributed nothing to.

Example Usage

"Actually, that's not caramelization, it's the Maillard reaction," I said at the cookout, and just like that, I was no longer invited to cookouts.

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