boeuf bourguignon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowformal to semi-formal
Quick answer
What does “boeuf bourguignon” mean?
A classic French stew of beef braised in red wine, typically Burgundy wine, with small onions, mushrooms, and bacon lardons.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A classic French stew of beef braised in red wine, typically Burgundy wine, with small onions, mushrooms, and bacon lardons.
A rich, slow-cooked beef dish representing traditional French home and bistro cooking, often served with potatoes, noodles, or crusty bread. It epitomises rustic, hearty, and flavourful cuisine.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the US, it's often anglicised as 'beef Burgundy'. In the UK, the French name is more commonly retained in recipes and on menus.
Connotations
Both carry connotations of sophisticated, classic cooking. The French term may sound more authentically gourmet.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK culinary contexts; 'beef Burgundy' is the more common search term in the US.
Grammar
How to Use “boeuf bourguignon” in a Sentence
cook/prepare/serve [boeuf bourguignon]a [boeuf bourguignon] made with...enjoy/have [boeuf bourguignon] for dinnerVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “boeuf bourguignon” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The boeuf bourguignon recipe was superb.
- They served a boeuf-bourguignon-style casserole.
American English
- The beef Burgundy recipe was fantastic.
- It was a Burgundy-style beef stew.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in the restaurant, hospitality, or food publishing industries.
Academic
Used in culinary history, gastronomy, or cultural studies contexts discussing French cuisine.
Everyday
Used when discussing cooking, recipes, or restaurant menus.
Technical
Specific term in professional cookery and recipe writing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “boeuf bourguignon”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “boeuf bourguignon”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “boeuf bourguignon”
- Misspelling: 'beuf', 'burginon', 'bourguignion'.
- Mispronunciation: Not attempting the nasal vowel in 'bourguignon'.
- Confusing it with other stews like 'beef stroganoff'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a specific type of beef stew from the Burgundy region of France, distinguished by its use of red wine, pearl onions, mushrooms, and bacon.
While non-alcoholic substitutes like grape juice and broth exist, the red wine is fundamental to the dish's authentic flavour and name. The alcohol cooks off during the long braising process.
Tough, marbled cuts that benefit from long, slow cooking are ideal. Chuck steak, braising steak, or stewing beef are commonly used.
Traditionally served with boiled potatoes, mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce.
A classic French stew of beef braised in red wine, typically Burgundy wine, with small onions, mushrooms, and bacon lardons.
Boeuf bourguignon is usually formal to semi-formal in register.
Boeuf bourguignon: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbɜːf ˈbɔːɡɪn.jɒ̃/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌboʊf ˌbʊrɡɪnˈjoʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[none directly; the dish name is itself a fixed phrase]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
BOEUF sounds like 'beef', and BOURGUIGNON contains 'Burgundy' – think 'Burgundy beef stew'.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOOD AS CULTURAL HERITAGE / COMFORT AS WARMTH AND RICHNESS
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic liquid used in boeuf bourguignon?