Foie gras? What in the world is that? Foie gras is French for “fat liver”. Don’t let those words turn you off. Foie gras is actually a popular delicacy in French cuisine that’s also made its way onto American menus.
If you’ve heard of it, you may be wondering what does foie gras taste like that makes it so renowned. While some people may feel squeamish about tasting liver-based foods, foie gras is actually very refined and delicate.
In my opinion, trying new food is a great way to celebrate the diversity of different cultures and experience interesting cuisines!
What Exactly is Foie Gras?
In order to get an idea of what foie gras tastes like, you should know what it is and how it’s made. In essence, foie gras is fattened duck or goose liver. It looks similar to a block of butter and has a very high fat content.
There are different cuts or “grades” of foie gras, and the way they are selected and prepared will also be different depending on if it’s sourced from a duck or a goose. Grade “A” is considered to be the finest cut of foie gras with the most flavor.
Due to its history of controversy and level of rarity, it can be quite expensive. However, it’s well worth it if you’re looking for something luxurious and iconic to gourmet cooking.
Where Can You Get Foie Gras?
- Farms. There are very few foie gras producers in the United States, so you can order directly from their farms. Ensure that you’re choosing a producer that practices high quality and humane husbandry with free-range animals.
- Gourmet and French restaurants. Research the web to see if there are any restaurants that serve foie gras near you. You may have to call and ask directly if they serve it. Be mindful of the updated laws on foie gras in your area.
- Specialty online stores and Amazon. You read that right! Foie gras can actually be efficiently preserved without sacrificing quality and richness. It can also be purchased fresh and packaged if you’re willing to pay a bit more.
- Amazon is a convenient, easy way to get foie gras shipped directly to your home rather than paying an arm and a leg at an expensive restaurant. Get creative with your foie gras and check out delicious recipes such as these unique Hudson Valley recipes.
- If you’re really gunning to try foie gras but aren’t feeling quite confident enough to cook it, I recommend trying out a mousse version.
How is Foie Gras Cooked?
Foie gras is an incredibly diverse food item that can be used in both savory and sweet dishes. The exact taste of foie gras can vary depending on the way it’s prepared and what it’s pared with.
Sautéed, seared and pan-fried. This is a favorite for many people hoping to enjoy foie gras for the first time. This is inspired by the beautiful union of a crusty browned outer layer and a soft inner layer. Check out this sautéed foie gras recipe with apples.
Pates and mousses. By blending foie gras into a pate, you get a rich and flavorful spread that you can put on breads and pair with wine for extra fanciness. Because foie gras is so smooth, it can be turned into a luscious mousse treat. For an example.
With truffles. Truffles are rare and fragrant mushrooms used in many gourmet dishes to balance flavor and add earthiness. The thought of “truffles and foie gras” may sound fancy – that’s because it is! For more information about truffles with foie gras.
For some useful tips about buying and preparing foie gras, read J. Kenji López-Alt’s take on the dish. He mentions that one of the best ways to properly enjoy foie gras is to fast-cook it on a hot skillet. He also suggests serving foie gras with jams and other fruity flavors to even out its rich, “funky” sweetness.
What does Foie Gras Taste Like?
Now for the big answer! What does this unique French dish actually taste like? It’s most often described as “buttery”, “rich”, and “decadent”. It’s not just the taste that really entrances people – it’s also the smooth, “melt-in-your-mouth” texture.
If you read through a few comments about what people are saying foie gras tastes like on cooking forums, you’ll find quite a lot of discussion. Most people describe it as a “creamy beefy buttery” flavor. According to from Fruitful Kitchen, foie gras is a soft and flavorful food that you just might fall in love with.
If you’d like to hear more about foie gras straight from professional chefs and see the process of cleaning, deveining, preserving, seasoning and cooking foie gras.
To see some reactions of people trying foie gras for the first time. You’ll also get a better idea of how diverse foie gras really is. The chef uses a huge range of flavors, from maple syrup to rhubarb jam and even puffed rice. Hungry yet?
If the idea of eating liver doesn’t appeal to you, bear in mind that foie gras generally does NOT taste very similar to traditional liver. Your individual tastes and preferences may vary, so don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone if it’s something that interests you!
Tasting Foie Gras For Yourself
If you’d love to take a unique, indulgent bite out of French culture, I recommend trying foie gras for yourself! Here are some last-minute tips if you’re still wondering what does foie gras taste like:
- Order directly from high quality and humane producers.
- Ask a gourmet restaurant if they serve foie gras.
- Consider ordering foie gras products from Amazon.
- Take a trip to France! Don’t pass up authenticity!
- Be open-minded to tasting different foie gras recipes.
- If foie gras tickles your fancy, give it a try!
If you have any questions about foie gras, feel free to comment below.