Buzz
Some might argue that setting food on fire is just a flashy, unnecessary stunt. They’re wrong. Not only does showing off for your guests add a touch of fun, it can enhance the flavors and aromas of the dish. But before you start dousing everything in rum, remember this: create a safe setup for your pyrotechnic display.
Avoid pouring straight from the bottle
Certain dishes, like bananas foster, flambé while they’re still sizzling in the pan. The alcohol is added to the hot pan, warms up, and the ethanol starts to vaporize, making the dish ready to ignite. Rather than pouring from the bottle, measure out the liquor first into a cup. This way, you control the amount being added, minimize spills, and reduce the chances of a disaster, like an open flame from the stove catching stray alcohol droplets. I want you to enjoy that bananas foster without needing to call the fire department!
A measuring cup with a pour spout is my go-to for these moments:
Pyrex 2-cup Measuring Cup
Borosilicate Heat-resistant Beaker
You’re igniting the fumes, not the liquid
When it comes to setting food on fire, the distance from the fuel is crucial. Remember, the goal is to bring the flame close enough to ignite the fumes, not the liquid itself. Depending on the type of alcohol and its temperature, the distance you need may vary. Be ready to move the match away quickly once it catches. Don’t get too close—flames can leap further than you expect.
You may have seen chefs lighting the pan directly from the burner by tilting it. I recommend saving that trick for after you’re comfortable with flambéing—definitely not for your first attempt. Tilt the pan too much, and the alcohol might spill into the burner, turning your cooking session into a fire drill. Here comes that fire extinguisher again.
Use a long lighter or safety match
Similar to the old rule, “keep your hands away from fire,” opt for a long grill lighter or safety matches rather than a regular lighter or candle match to flambé your dishes. Not only does this protect your fingers from the flames, but the added length allows you to keep a safer distance between your body—and your clothes—and the fire.
Maintain a safe distance:
Zippo Flex Neck Utility Lighter
Long, Wooden Safety Matches
Turn off the burner first
This step isn’t absolutely necessary, but it adds an extra layer of safety. When flambéing in the pan, turn off the burner just before adding the liquor, then ignite it with a long match. This reduces the risk of the alcohol igniting from the burner as you pour it. It’s an extra precaution, but it’s still important to flambé quickly—the alcohol becomes harder to light as the pan cools down.
Clear the area
When flambéing on the stove, keep the area around it clear. But sometimes, lighting up at the dinner table is the better choice. Certain desserts, like Christmas pudding or Baked Alaska, are made for this dramatic treatment. Make sure the area is clear of any potential fire hazards, such as napkins or stray decorations, that could catch fire. Serve the flaming dish on a larger platter with a lip to catch any liquor that might spill, protecting your tablecloth. Once everything’s set, dazzle your guests with both the dessert and the (safe) spectacle.
