Is braise the same as stew?

They are similar, but braising usually begins with browning the food first.

Is braise formal or everyday English?

It is common in cooking writing and menus, but less common in daily speech.

Can I use braise for vegetables?

Yes. People braise vegetables like cabbage, leeks, or carrots.

← Dictionary

braise

/breɪz/

IELTSAcademic

verb

To cook food slowly in a small amount of liquid, usually after first browning it. The food stays partly covered and becomes very tender.

Braise the beef for two hours.
She braised the cabbage with garlic.
They braised the chicken in wine.

Adinary Nuance

Braise is closer to stew than to fry or boil. But braising usually starts with browning the food first, then cooking it slowly with little liquid. Writers choose braise when they want to sound more precise, especially in cooking.

In other languages

Vietnamese: hầm
Spanish: estofar
Chinese: 炖
Japanese: 蒸し煮する
Korean: 브레이즈하다

Etymology

Braise came into English from French in the 18th century. French braiser is linked to braise, meaning hot coals, because the food was once cooked in heat and steam.

Common phrases

braise the meatbraise in stockbraised vegetablesbraised beef

Synonyms

stew slow-cook

Related words

simmer roast sear saute

Frequently asked questions

Is braise the same as stew?: They are similar, but braising usually begins with browning the food first.
Is braise formal or everyday English?: It is common in cooking writing and menus, but less common in daily speech.
Can I use braise for vegetables?: Yes. People braise vegetables like cabbage, leeks, or carrots.