The secrets of great chefs: how to enhance your savory recipes with essential oils (without making mistakes)

An article by Chef Thibaud Santacroce (see biography at the end of this article)

I still remember my first encounter with essential oils in Paul Bocuse's kitchens. This experience marked a turning point in my approach to cooking. After 15 years behind the stoves, including 5 as Head Chef, I had the opportunity to discover different culinary traditions around the world, from the United States to New Zealand, through Australia and Switzerland.

This culinary journey taught me one essential thing: the power of natural aromas is universal. Today, in my fusion cuisine that blends American street food, Latin, Asian, and European influences, essential oils have become my most precious allies in creating simple but flavorful recipes.

As a passionate self-taught chef, I learned to master these aromatic concentrates with precision. While their use requires specific knowledge - some can be toxic or alter flavors if poorly dosed - they can transform ordinary dishes into memorable creations. In this article, I share with you my techniques and tips for using essential oils safely, the fruit of my years of experimentation around the world.

The use of essential oils in gastronomy is experiencing remarkable growth today. More and more starred chefs are incorporating these exceptional ingredients into their creations, seeking more intense and purer flavors. This trend also responds to growing consumer demand for natural ingredients and new taste experiences.

Let's take a tour of the realm of aromas and flavors.

Before going further...

Before proceeding further, this article is quite comprehensive and lengthy (it should take you a good ten minutes to read through). For those who won't have time to read the entire article, here are the 3 essential points to remember about using essential oils in cooking. Also, don't forget to check out my bonus section at the very end of this article, where you'll find a selection of my essential oils and signature recipes.

Safety and quality first

Safety and quality are paramount when working with essential oils in the kitchen:

• Only use certified food-grade and organic essential oils
• Strictly follow HACCP protocols
• Train staff in proper usage practices

Dosage is crucial

Proper dosing is essential for success:

• Never exceed 1-2 drops per 250ml of preparation
• Always dilute in a fatty base before incorporation
• Adjust dosages according to dish type (marinades, sauces, broths)

Profitability for professionals

Essential oils offer significant advantages for professional kitchens:

• Excellent cost-effectiveness (one drop equals several grams of fresh herbs)
• Better stock management due to long shelf life
• Opportunity to create unique culinary signatures

These three aspects represent the pillars of successful essential oil use in professional cooking.

 

Fundamentals of essential oils in cooking

A food-grade essential oil is an aromatic concentrate obtained through distillation or cold pressing of aromatic plants. Like essential oils intended for therapeutic uses, those destined for culinary applications must meet stringent quality and purity standards.

Essential certifications

I exclusively work with certified organic and food-grade essential oils. These certifications ensure optimal quality for culinary use.

Professional equipment

In my kitchen, I utilize graduated pipettes for precise dosing, amber glass containers for storage, and precision scales. A tracking journal is also indispensable for recording successful dosages and combinations.

Winning combinations for savory cooking

Mediterranean essential oils

The Mediterranean basin offers an exceptional array of aromas that I employ daily in my cuisine. Basil essential oil, for instance, imparts an unparalleled freshness to tomato sauces and marinades. A single drop suffices to elevate 250ml of sauce.

Thyme essential oil, my faithful companion for roasted meats, pairs exquisitely with olive oil. I still vividly recall the first time I served my thyme-marinated lamb - the guests were astounded by the intensity of the aromas.

Rosemary essential oil, meanwhile, utterly transforms roasted potatoes. Here's a cherished tip I share with my team: incorporate one drop of rosemary essential oil into 100ml of olive oil before coating your potatoes.

Exotic essential oils

Exotic essential oils bring a novel dimension to traditional cuisine. Ginger essential oil, for example, elevates poultry marinades to new heights. Citronella essential oil, meanwhile, imparts a unique freshness to Asian broths.

 

Stock management benefits

A major advantage for my kitchen brigade is simplified inventory management. Essential oils enable us to:

• Reduce fresh herb waste
• Get consistent year-round quality
• Optimize storage space

Practical applications: starting recipes

Discover these signature marinades and sauces that perfectly illustrate the use of essential oils in professional cooking. You will be able to find my signature recipes and essential oils selection at the end of this article, in the Bonus section.

Mediterranean Marinade

• 100ml olive oil
• 1 drop thyme essential oil
• 1 drop rosemary essential oil
• Fleur de sel

Citrus Signature Sauce

• 200ml fresh cream
• 1 drop lemon essential oil
• 1 drop basil essential oil
• Salt and freshly ground pepper

Meat Marinades

Signature Lamb Recipe

• 100ml olive oil
• 2 drops rosemary essential oil
• 1 drop thyme essential oil
• Fleur de sel

The secret lies in the marinating time: minimum 12 hours to allow the essential oils to penetrate the meat.

Mediterranean Signature Sauce

• 200ml fresh cream
• 1 drop basil essential oil
• 1 drop thyme essential oil
• Salt and freshly ground pepper

Professional tip: incorporate essential oils at room temperature to preserve their aromas.

Signature Three-Oil Broth

• 1L vegetable broth
• 1 drop thyme essential oil
• 1 drop basil essential oil
• 1 drop rosemary essential oil

 

Expert dosage guide

Practical equivalences

• 1 drop basil essential oil = 10g fresh basil
• 1 drop thyme essential oil = 5g dried thyme
• 1 drop rosemary essential oil = 8g fresh rosemary

Professional cost-effectiveness 

A 5ml bottle of thyme essential oil replaces approximately 750g of fresh herbs, with superior preservation.

Golden rules of dosage 

For savory preparations, never exceed 1-2 drops of essential oil per 250ml. Always dilute essential oils in a fatty base before incorporation.

Recommended dilutions

Preparation Type	Recommended Dosage
Marinade	1-2 drops/100ml oil
Cold sauce	1 drop/250ml
Broth	1-2 drops/500ml
Vinaigrette	1 drop/100ml

Common mistakes to avoid

I still vividly recall my first disastrous experience with thyme essential oil: I used too much, and the dish was completely inedible! The most frequent mistakes are:

• Overdosing
• Direct incorporation without dilution
• Using in preparations that are too hot

Winning combinations for savory cooking

Mediterranean essential oils

As you've gathered, basil, thyme, and rosemary form the "holy trinity" of Mediterranean essential oils. Here's a tip I love sharing with my team: basil essential oil particularly elevates tomato sauces, while rosemary literally transforms grilled meat.

Exotic essential oils

Citronella and ginger essential oils are invaluable allies in Asian cuisine. Let me share a technique that creates quite a sensation in my restaurant: a Thai broth delicately perfumed with one drop of citronella and half a drop of ginger.

The layering technique

I've developed an aromatic layering technique I call "layering."

For a Mediterranean dish, here's how it works:

• Layer 1: thyme essential oil in the marinade
• Layer 2: rosemary essential oil during cooking
• Layer 3: basil essential oil as a finishing touch

This progressive layering of flavors creates depth and complexity in the dish, allowing each aromatic note to shine at different moments of the tasting experience.

 

Safety and HACCP protocols

As a professional chef, food safety is my absolute priority. The use of essential oils in cooking requires particular rigor in respecting HACCP standards.

Storage protocols

In my kitchen, we follow strict storage protocols:

• Storage in airtight amber glass containers
• Constant temperature between 15 and 20°C
• Protected from direct light and humidity
• Precise labeling with opening date

Usage tracking 

Every essential oil use is documented in a specific register that includes:

• Date of use
• Essential oil name
• Batch number
• Quantity used
• Dish concerned

This traceability is essential for ensuring food safety and maintaining our quality standards.

Staff training

I personally oversee my teams' training:

• Theoretical sessions on essential oil properties
• Practical dosage workshops
• Regular knowledge updates
• Periodic competency tests

 

Essential oils in cooking: an art to master

Essential oils in savory cooking open up a world of new and refined flavors, but their use requires great caution. By respecting the principles of dosage, incorporation, and storage, you can elevate your dishes without making mistakes.

After traveling the world, from Paul Bocuse's kitchens to New York food trucks, I've learned that cooking is an ever-evolving art. Essential oils represent for me the perfect fusion between tradition and innovation, between French precision and international boldness.

Key points to remember

• Always choose food-grade certified essential oils
• Start with minimal dosages (1-2 drops)
• Document your experiments
• Train your team in best practices

Getting started

For beginners, I recommend starting with Mediterranean essential oils such as basil or thyme, which are easier to master, before venturing into more exotic flavors like citronella or ginger.

 

Why I choose Landema.com for essential oils

As a professional chef, selecting suppliers is crucial. Landema.com has earned my trust for several compelling reasons:

Professional quality assurance

• Certified organic and food-grade products
• Complete production-to-delivery traceability
• Systematic quality testing for each batch

Culinary expertise

• Specially curated range for professional kitchen use
• Accessible customer support via phone or email

Optimal cost-effectiveness

• Superior value for money
• Professional packaging options in various sizes
• Maximum shelf life through high-protection bottles

To elevate your culinary creations safely, join the community of chefs who trust Landema.com. Discover their range of certified essential oils for professional cooking by using the "Professional uses / Aroma - Food filter" on their online store.

 

Bonus: Chef Thibaud's signature recipes

Here are a few recipes to start smoothly...

1. Citrus-Basil Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

• 5 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1-2 drops lemon essential oil
• 1 drop basil essential oil
• Salt and pepper

Method:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl
2. Use to dress salads

 

2. Mint-Lemonade Infusion

Ingredients:

• 1 liter water
• 2 drops peppermint essential oil
• 1-2 tablespoons honey (optional)
• Lemon slices

Method:

1. Heat water and add remaining ingredients
2. Let infuse for a few minutes before serving chilled

 

3. Orange-Lavender Cake

Ingredients:

• 250g flour
• 150g sugar
• 100g melted butter
• 3 eggs
• 2 drops sweet orange essential oil
• 1 drop true lavender essential oil
• 1 packet baking powder
• Pinch of salt

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C
2. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt
3. Beat eggs with sugar, add melted butter and essential oils
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes

 

4. Roasted Vegetables with Rosemary

Ingredients:

• 500g mixed vegetables (carrots, zucchini, potatoes)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 drops rosemary essential oil
• Salt and pepper

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 200°C
2. Cut vegetables into pieces
3. Toss with olive oil, rosemary essential oil, salt, and pepper
4. Mix and roast for 25-30 minutes

 

My signature recipes

1. Basil Tomato Soup 

Ingredients:

• 800g peeled tomatoes
• 1 onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1-2 drops Landema basil essential oil
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh basil for garnish

Method:

1. Sauté minced onion and garlic until golden
2. Add tomatoes and simmer for 15 minutes
3. Blend until smooth
4. Add basil essential oil, season to taste
5. Serve hot with fresh basil

 

2. Lavender Panna Cotta

Ingredients:

• 400ml heavy cream
• 100ml milk
• 70g sugar
• 2 gelatin sheets
• 1 drop Landema true lavender essential oil
• Fresh berries for topping

Method:

1. Soften gelatin in cold water
2. Heat cream, milk, and sugar until dissolved
3. Remove from heat, add drained gelatin
4. Stir in true lavender essential oil
5. Pour into ramekins and refrigerate for 4 hours
6. Serve with fresh fruit

 

3. Orange-Ginger Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 2 peeled oranges
• 1 banana
• 200ml milk or almond milk
• 1 drop Landema sweet orange essential oil
• Fresh ginger or 1 drop ginger essential oil

Method:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth
2. Adjust sweetness if needed
3. Serve chilled with orange slice garnish

 

4. Thyme-Infused Chicken Sauté

Ingredients:

• 500g diced chicken
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 diced onion
• 1 diced red pepper
• 2 drops Landema thyme essential oil
• Salt and pepper

Method:

1. Heat olive oil in pan
2. Sauté onion and pepper until tender
3. Add chicken and cook until golden
4. Season with thyme essential oil, salt, and pepper
5. Serve with rice or pasta

 

5. Orange-Scented Crêpes

Ingredients:

• 250g flour
• 3 eggs
• 500ml milk
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 drops Landema sweet orange essential oil
• Butter for cooking

Method:

1. Mix flour, eggs, and milk until smooth
2. Add sugar and sweet orange essential oil
3. Rest batter for 30 minutes
4. Cook in buttered pan until golden
5. Serve with sugar, honey, or fresh fruit

 

My essential oil selection guide

Remember, it is crucial to choose quality essential oils, 100% pure and organic.

Culinary essential oils that I frequently use:

• Lemon: Perfect for marinades and desserts; it stimulates digestion
• Peppermint: Ideal for desserts and beverages; it provides a fresh sensation
• Basil: Enhances salads and pasta dishes; it facilitates digestion
• Rosemary: Elevates meats and vegetables; it has antioxidant properties
• Sweet Orange: Adds sweetness to desserts and sweet and savory dishes
• True Lavender: Perfect for sweet dishes; it has relaxing properties

 

Chef Thibaud Santacroce's professional journey

A seasoned culinary professional with over 15 years of experience, including five years as Head Chef, Thibaud Santacroce has carved a unique path in the culinary world. After completing his Advanced Technical Diploma in Hotel and Restaurant Management, he had the privilege of working abroad under the mentorship of the legendary Paul Bocuse.

His culinary odyssey has taken him across the globe, from the United States to New Zealand, with significant stops in Australia and Switzerland. These diverse experiences have profoundly shaped his culinary perspective and expertise.

Today, Santacroce's culinary style represents a vibrant fusion of street food influences, masterfully blending American, Latin, Asian, and European cuisines. Since returning to France, he has been pursuing his dream of launching his own food truck, aspiring to introduce global flavors to discerning palates through his signature recipes that are simple, natural, and boldly flavored.

His passion for culinary innovation and dedication to natural ingredients has led him to become an expert in the use of essential oils in professional cooking, transforming ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences.