steak saignant
The English phrase 'rare steak' is steak saignant in French.
In French, steak saignant refers to a steak that is cooked for a short time so the center remains red and juicy.
What does it mean word for word?
The adjective saignant literally means 'bleeding'.
Which one should you use?
If you want your steak even rarer than saignant (where the center is cool and red), you should ask for it bleu. The term à point is used to describe a medium-cooked steak, whereas saignant is specifically for rare/bloody. To request a well-done steak, use the phrase bien cuit.
Did you know?
- In traditional French gastronomy, ordering a steak bien cuit is often seen as a mistake because it is believed to destroy the flavor and texture of the meat.
- The word steak is actually a loanword borrowed directly from English into French.
- The term saignant is used for steaks but not for other meats like chicken or pork, as those are never served 'bleeding' for safety reasons.
Examples in context
- Je préfère ma viande peu cuite. Pourrais-je avoir mon steak de cette façon, s'il vous plaît ?I prefer my meat lightly cooked. Could I have my steak this way, please?
- J'adore les steaks saignants avec une bonne sauce béarnaise !I love rare steaks with a good béarnaise sauce!
- Je voudrais un steak saignant, s'il vous plaît.I would like a rare steak, please.
- Est-ce que vous préparez le steak saignant ici ?Do you prepare rare steak here?
- Il a commandé un steak saignant et des frites.He ordered a rare steak and fries.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are ordering dinner at a restaurant.
- GabrielAlors, qu'est-ce que tu veux manger, Manon ?So, what do you want to eat, Manon?
- ManonJe vais prendre un steak saignant.I'll have a rare steak.
- GabrielMoi aussi, je commande un steak saignant.Me too, I'm ordering a rare steak.
- ManonC'est le meilleur choix !That's the best choice!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries steak, CC BY-SA 4.0.
