What does "sauté" mean in cooking terms?

In cooking terms, "sauté" refers to the technique of cooking food quickly in a small amount of fat over relatively high heat. This method allows for the browning of food, enhances flavors, and helps maintain texture while ensuring that the food cooks through efficiently. When sautéing, the food is typically cut into smaller pieces to promote even cooking and speed, and the process often involves stirring or tossing to ensure that it cooks evenly on all sides.

The use of a small amount of fat, such as oil or butter, is key to the sautéing process, as it helps to transfer heat and prevents food from sticking to the cooking surface. The high heat is crucial for achieving a desirable sear, which creates complex flavors through the Maillard reaction. This technique is commonly used for vegetables, meats, and other ingredients that benefit from quick cooking.

Understanding this method is essential for aspiring chefs, as sautéing is a foundational cooking technique that can be applied in various recipes and cuisines.