View All Molecular Gastronomy Glossary
Xanathan Gum
What is Xanathan Gum?
![](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/item_field_values/images/000/001/402/skinny/strawberries-xanthum-balsamic-syrup.jpg?1337695575)
Xanathan gum is a food additive used as a thickening agent. It is produced through the fermentation of glucose with a bacteria found in cabbage, known as Xanthomonas campesteris. As a gluten free additive it can be used as a substitute in cooking and baking.
As a thickener, when used in low dosages, xanathan gum produces a weak gel with high viscosity that is shear reversible with a high pourability. It also displays excellent stabilizing abilities which allow for particle suspension.
Moreover, xanathan gum mixes well with other flavors without masking them, and provides an improved mouth feel to preparations. The presence of bubbles within the thickened liquids often makes way for light and creamy textures. It is used in the production of emulsions, suspensions, raviolis and foams.
Being a hydrocolloid, xanathan gum must be hydrated before use. High versatility allows it to be dissolved over a wide range of temperatures, acid and alcohol levels. A wide increase for viscosity allows this to be used with low concentrations ranging from 0.05% to 0.5% in most food preparations. In cases where too much xanathan gum is used, more liquid can be added to thin it out. Once set, xanathan gum may lose a certain amount of effectiveness when exposed to heat.
Related Xanathan Gum Articles
![Xanthan Thickened Roasted Tomato Salsa Recipe image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/001/499/full_smallc/sous-vide-lamb-roasted-tomato-salsa-22.jpg?1551975290)
Salsas are a great way to add flavor to dishes. Roasting the vegetables first adds even more flavor to the salsa. Though if you're in a time crunch you can just use canned tomatoes and it will still turn out well. I love to serve this with a rich, heavy meat like lamb chops, chicken thighs, or braised beef. It can even work as a dip for chips!
Read the whole article.
![Pressure Cooker Brisket Peppered Beef Recipe image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/001/315/full_smallc/Pressure-Cooked-Pepper-Steak-Close.jpg?1478351589)
The other day I was up for some Chinese food but I didn't feel like ordering the greasy, starchy takeout from around the corner so I decided to make some myself. I had some extra brisket in the freezer that I wanted to use up so I went for a pressure cooked version of Chinese Peppered Beef.
Read the whole article.
![Chilled Cantaloupe Soup with Pea Shoots image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/001/279/full_smallc/Chilled-Cantaloupe-Soup.jpg?1468864895)
At this time of cantaloupe is just starting to come into season. They are tender and sweet and barely resemble the bland and watery winter versions. The local farmers market recently had some "Sugar Kiss" melons that I couldn't resist.
Read the whole article.
![Sous Vide Brisket Recipe with Cranberry BBQ Sauce image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/001/243/full_smallc/Sous-Vide-Brisket-Cranberry-BBQ-Sauce.jpg?1452961095)
Even though cranberries are a staple for Thanksgiving sauces they are often overlooked for more traditional sauces. Their combination of tartness and mild fruitiness is a great complement to many BBQ sauces. I like to serve this BBQ on a smoked and sous vided brisket.
Read the whole article.
![How to Keep Sauces from Separating - Ask Jason image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/001/136/full_smallc/Watermelon-Soup-Pickled-Rind.jpg?1440337657)
A big issue with purees, sauces, and emulsions is that they separate over time. With the addition of some modernist ingredients, especially xanthan gum, you can delay this process.
Read the whole article.
![Spinach-Garlic Dip Recipe image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/001/129/full_smallc/Spinach-Garlic-Dip.jpg?1438182105)
This recipe turns a popular spinach-garlic dip into a foam for dipping. It can be served with roasted pita squares or even just vegetables and chips. This dip also works great as a sauce to perk up the flavors of steak or chicken.
Read the whole article.
![Flank Steak with Chimichurri Recipe image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/001/127/full_smallc/Flank-Steak-chimichurri-overhead.jpg?1438175484)
Flank steak is full of beefy flavor and has a great bite to it. Serving it with chimichurri, a spicy garlic and parsley based sauce, is very popular in Argentina and other South American countries. This recipe makes an excellent choice for a party!
Read the whole article.
![Sous Vide Turkey Breast with Cranberry Chutney image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/001/123/full_smallc/Turkey-Breast-Cranberry-Chutney.jpg?1438117985)
This is a great meal anytime and pairs the sous vided moist and tender turkey with a sweet and sour cranberry chutney. Always a family favorite!
Read the whole article.
![Easy Aioli Dip Recipe image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/001/120/full_smallc/Aioli.jpg?1438110157)
Aioli is simply a mayonnaise made with garlic and olive oil. This recipe uses an immersion blender to make the process super-easy and results in a light dip for vegetables or a spread on breads and toast. It's a popular addition to any party fare!
Read the whole article.
![Cranberry Chutney Crostini Recipe image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/001/119/full_smallc/Cranberry-Crustini.jpg?1438108904)
Cranberries are a great treat any time of the year. This recipe combines the tang from the cranberries with the smokiness from the ancho pepper. For a burst of flavor place on a crispy crostini and topped with with spices and mint. A great party treat!
Read the whole article.
![Pork and Roasted Strawberry Salad Recipe image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/001/118/full_smallc/Roasted-Strawberry-Salad.jpg?1438106408)
For this recipe I roast the strawberries then puree them to form a sweet and tangy salad dressing. For a different flavor combination I serve it over a savory pulled pork and arugula salad.
Read the whole article.
![Shredded Beef with Spicy Tangerine Froth Recipe image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/001/116/full_smallc/Shredded-Beef.jpg?1438098823)
This recipe uses the pressure cooker to turn an inexpensive chuck roast into a moist,flavor-packed beef entree and the whipping siphon to prepare a spicy tangerine froth topping. It's a fun and simple meal that will impress your family and dinner guests alike.
Read the whole article.
![Sous Vide Honey-Chipotle Glazed Country Style Ribs image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/001/108/full_smallc/Honey-Chipotle-Spare-Ribs-Corn.jpg?1437677657)
This sous vide country style ribs recipe uses a honey-chipotle glazed to perk up the flavor of the dish. For a thicker, clingier sauce on your ribs, adding a tad of xanthan gum will make that happen!
Read the whole article.
![Mango Foam image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/001/101/full_smallc/mango-agar-fluid-gel-foam-2.jpg?1435934237)
Versawhip and xanthan gum combine to make light
foams that are a great way to add texture to dishes.
It's a great topping for desserts and ice creams or can
even be eaten as an amuse bouche between dishes.
Read the whole article.
![Sous Vide Bourbon-Maple Chutney image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/001/100/full_smallc/Apple-Bourbon-Chutney.jpg?1435870938)
This apple chutney is a very flavorful topping that provides a savory punch to pork, fish or even on a dessert! This recipe sous vides the apples in a bourbon, maple syrup, chipotle and thyme mixture.
Read the whole article.
![Roasted Parsnips with Carrot Froth Recipe image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/001/099/full_smallc/Roasted-Parsnips-with-chipotle-froth.jpg?1435869227)
Roasting parsnips gives it an almost nutty taste, which holds up well to a topping of chipotle-carrot froth. The modernist ingredient of xanthan gum is used in the froth to help it retain the bubbles generated in the whipping siphon. This is a fun dish to serve as an appetizer or starter plate.
Read the whole article.
![Chocolate Covered Mint Marshmallows image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/001/042/full_smallc/Marshmallows---Chocolate-Covered-Mint-Syrup.jpg?1432147407)
This recipe takes classic homemade marshmallows and covers them in yummy chocolate. Mint and chocolate is a classic pairing and the soft marshmallows are a great way to hold them all together! A definite party favorite!
Read the whole article.
![Honey-Chipotle BBQ Sauce Recipe image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/000/992/full_smallc/Chicken-Tenders.jpg?1429545702)
When I'm having wings I almost always reach for the honey-chipotle BBQ sauce. It's a delicate balance between the heat from the chipotles and the sweetness from the honey. Just be sure to make plenty, your guests will love it!
Read the whole article.
![Sous Vide Beer Brat Grinders with Guinness Mustard image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/000/988/full_smallc/Brats-Guiness-Mustard.jpg?1429302481)
Beer braised brats are a great summertime BBQ dish. I really like it served with a strongly flavored Guinness mustard on a toasted bun with grilled peppers and onions. Since the grill is already hot from the veggies, finish the brats with a quick sear to caramelize the outside and enjoy!
Read the whole article.
![Pea Pesto Recipe image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/000/987/full_smallc/Pea-Pesto-Dip.jpg?1429284451)
This recipe makes a clean and fresh tasting pea pesto dip that works great with just about everything, especially grilled sourdough bread, carrot and celery sticks, as well as roasted vegetable chips. This party favorite is quick and easy to put together and can be made with defrosted frozen peas - however, if you have access to fresh spring peas it'll be even better!
Read the whole article.
![Chicken with Teriyaki Froth Recipe image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/000/976/full_smallc/Teriyaki-Froth2.jpg?1428681382)
This recipe tops sous vided chicken with a modernist froth to make a favorite dish that even pickier eaters tend to gobble up! By using xanthan gum in the teriyaki sauce you can turn it into a flavorful froth in a whipping siphon. Even a "basic" food can be the talk of the party!
Read the whole article.
![Sous Vide Shredded Duck Legs with Sesame Noodles image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/000/974/full_smallc/Shredded-Duck-Legs-Sesame-Noodles.jpg?1428434537)
What to serve your guests something a little different but exceptional for dinner? In this dish I topped sesame noodles with shredded duck legs because they can hold up to the strong flavors of the pasta. You can serve this entree either hot or cold. It's sure to be a hit!
Read the whole article.
![Sous Vide Tarragon, Lemon, and Shallot Vinaigrette image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/000/968/full_smallc/Tarragon-Lemon-Infused-Vinaigrette.jpg?1428343509)
This recipe infuses the flavors of shallot, lemon, and tarragon into a vinegar and then makes it into a light, bright vinaigrette. This pairing adds several base layers of flavor to the fish. For a modernist twist, thicken it into a sauce with xanthan gum!
Read the whole article.
![Blackberry-Peach Wrapped Pork Recipe image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/000/964/full_smallc/blackberry-wrapped-pork.jpg?1428077134)
The star of most of my parties is meat and this blackberry-peach wrapped sous vided pork offering is no exception! It makes a fun presentation besides the additional sweetness and flavor from roasting the fruit complements the pork perfectly.
Read the whole article.
![White Bean Puree with Rosemary Oil Recipe image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/000/928/full_smallc/rosemary-oil2.jpg?1422392163)
This recipe is a great crostini topping for any party, especially if some attendees might be less adventurous eaters! It resembles a more traditional dish but it have a subtle modernist touch. Garnishing the white bean puree with lemon zest pulls in even more highlights to the food.
Read the whole article.
![Sous Vide Salmon Recipe with Apple and Jalapenos image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/000/913/full_smallc/Sous-Vide-Salmon-122-Apple-Jalapeno-Vinaigrette.jpg?1418906734)
Sous vide salmon is a tender, soft meat that can be unlike anything cooked in a traditional manner. I pair it with spicy jalapenos and sous apples for a tart, rich dish.
Read the whole article.
![Sous Vide Asparagus Recipe with Dijon Mustard Vinaigrette image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/000/908/full_smallc/Sous-Vide-Asparagus-with-Turkey.jpg?1418902982)
Sous vide asparagus is similar to blanched asparagus but ends up with a stronger flavor and slightly firmer texture. It only needs a short cooking time unless the asparagus is really thick.
Read the whole article.
![Sous Vide Tri-Tip Recipe with Roasted Fennel and Orange Salad image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/000/905/full_smallc/Sous-Vide-Tri-Tip-Roasted-Fennel-Olive-Salad.jpg?1418899834)
This sous vide tri-tip steak recipe takes full advantage of the rich, meaty cut and is tenderized through the sous vide process and pared with an exotic fennel, orange, and olive salad.
Read the whole article.
![Seared Tuna Squares Recipe image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/000/900/full_smallc/Seared-Tuna-with-Pickled-Pear-Relish-and-Asian-Accent-Sauce-side.jpg?1417100167)
By using the basic modernist ingredient of xanthan gum this recipe turns tuna into an upscale party favorite for any gathering. I serve the tuna squares with a pickled pear relish and an Asian accent sauce for a pop of flavor.
Read the whole article.
![Pulled Pork with Spicy Pineapple Chutney Recipe image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/000/889/full_smallc/Pulled-Pork-Pineapple-Salsa.jpg?1415151033)
This pulled pork recipe takes a tropical turn with pineapples, chiles, cilantro, and lime juice. This versatile dish can be served as an appetizer or main dish and either hot or cold.
Read the whole article.
![Watermelon Soup Recipe With Pickled Rind image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/000/861/full_smallc/Watermelon-Soup-Pickled-Rind-Overhead.jpg?1402571170)
When watermelon is in season it's hard to resist. For some parties you need nothing more than to slice it and hand it out with paper towels for people to scarf down. However, sometimes you want something a little more refined and that's where this recipe comes in.
Read the whole article.
![Sparkling Grape Gazpacho Recipe image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/000/849/full_smallc/Sparkling-Grape-Gazpacho-front.jpg?1395754889)
Sweet green grapes are another favorite snack of mine and they're a great party food because most people really like them. For this more upscale dish I turn them into a sweet, fizzy soup. The xanthan gum helps hold the particles in suspension and the carbonation effect adds a pleasant tingle and tang to it.
Read the whole article.
![Lemonade Recipe with Blueberry Froth image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/000/822/full_smallc/blueberry-foam-lemonade-wide.jpg?1383947556)
This modernist recipe is a refreshing take on blueberry lemonade that changes the ubiquitous summer drink into a modernist creation your friends will love. It is a light blueberry froth dispensed on top of a glass of lemonade. The blueberry foam slowly filters into the drink, changing the flavor of the lemonade the longer you drink it. It is a quick recipe to make and is a great way to elevate a common drink.
Read the whole article.
![Aquarium Pump Grape Bubbles Recipe image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/000/793/full_smallc/DSC_0090.JPG?1362425017)
There are many different types of foams you can make using different modernist ingredients and foaming methods. This foam resembles bubbles and is made with xanthan gum and Versawhip that has been aerated with an aquarium pump. It's a pretty unique way to make bubbles and they are very interesting.
Read the whole article.
![Salmon Bites with Tomatillo Agar Fluid Gel Sauce Recipe image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/000/783/full_smallc/agar-fluid-gel-wide.jpg?1361539975)
These Mexican inspired salmon bites pack a lot of flavor in a little package. The acidity from the tomatillos compliments the salmon perfectly and the crunch from the fried tortillas adds great texture.
Read the whole article.
![Roasted Red Pepper Pesto Recipe image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/000/780/full_smallc/xanthan-pesto-wide.jpg?1358806236)
Not all dishes that use modernist ingredients have to be super fancy in-your-face dishes that look like they came from Alinea. This red pepper pesto crustini is a great example. It is a simple, hearty snack that is great when served as an appetizer or set out as hors d'oeuvres.
Read the whole article.
![Xanthan Strengthened Maple Vinaigrette Recipe image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/000/777/full_smallc/maple-vinaigrette.jpg?1356727986)
This is a simple modernist vinaigrette to make and utilizes both xanthan gum and lecithin to strengthen and thicken it. I really like the sweet maple syrup with the tangy balsamic vinegar. This goes well on salads, especially ones with berries. You can also add a little more xanthan gum and use the vinaigrette as a sauce on fish or chicken.
Read the whole article.
![Cherry Whipped Methocel Foam Recipe image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/000/746/full_smallc/whipped-methocel-foams-2.jpg?1354031351)
Modernist foams come in many varieties. They can be made by blending, in a whipping siphon, or even using an aquarium bubbler. This recipe focuses on a different type: whipped foams, specifically whipped Methocel foams.
Read the whole article.
![Xanthan Gum image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/000/745/full_smallc/strawberries-xanthum-balsamic-syrup.jpg?1354030925)
Xanthan gum, or just xanthan, is one of the easiest ingredients to work with. It is used extensively to thicken liquids; a great ingredient used to turn thin liquids into savory sauces. It quickly hydrates or disperses at any temperature, making it one of the few ingredients you can add slowly and instantly see the result. Also, xanthan gum does not lose its properties when microwaved.
Read the whole article.
![Xanthan Gum Banana Milkshake Recipe image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/000/572/full_smallc/xanthan-milkshake-wide.jpg?1338826933)
Xanthan gum is a great thickener and can be used with a variety of foods. Making low fat milk shakes is a great way to use it. Here we make a low fat banana milk shake.
Read the whole article.
![Xanthan Gum Balsamic Vinegar Syrup Recipe image](//s3.amazonaws.com/com.niches.production/niche_pages/wide_images/000/000/570/full_smallc/balsamic-vinegar-syrup-ribs.jpg?1337626692)
One of the nice things about modernist cuisine is being able to thicken liquids without significantly diluting the flavor of them. There are several ingredients that can do this and here I use xanthan gum to make a balsamic vinegar syrup.
Read the whole article.
If so, please join the more than 19,000 people who receive my exclusive newsletter and get a FREE COPY of my printable modernist ingredient cheatsheet.
Just click on the green button below!
Get Started!
Thanks for signing up! I look forward to sending you recipes, links, and exclusive content and offers that you can't find anywhere else on the site, and I'll send you a free copy of my modernist ingredient cheatsheet too!
Enter your first name and email below, and I'll see you on the inside!
Thanks for signing up! I look forward to guiding you through the process of discovering sous vide with amazing articles, recipes, and tips and tricks you can use to impress your friends and family by turning out amazing food time and time again!
Enter your first name and email below, and I'll see you on the inside!