Professional Chef: Roux


pages 246-247

  • Roux is the opposite of a slurry, but both achieve the same outcome. Slurry is made with a pure starch like cornstarch and mixed into cold water. Roux is the idea of combining fat (clarified butter, butter, oil) and flour over heat.
  • Roux is french for “browned butter”
  • Cool liquids are mixed into a hot roux, while cool slurry is mixed into a hot liquid.
  • Roux gives flavor while slurry doesn’t. The darker the roux, the nuttier the flavor.
  • All-purpose flour is best because of its starch content.
  • 60 percent flour to 50 percent fat (by weight).
  • Full thickening action becomes evident at 200ºF
  • Roux creates a more stable sauce (compared to slurry) because starches don’t break down as easily.