How to Cook Fennel

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Fennel is a vegetable predominantly known for its seeds, but other parts of fennel can be used to create very flavorful and aromatic dishes. After washing and cutting fennel, you can roast or saute it for a dish. You can use it as a side dish for meals or eat it on its own as a snack. You usually cook fennel bulbs, while the stems can be used raw as a garnish for dishes like salads.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Preparing Fennel to Cook

PDF download Download Article
  1. Wash your fennel under running tap water prior to cooking it. Move the fennel as necessary to rinse all parts of it. You should not use soap or detergent, as such products can cause indigestion if not completely washed off.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Fennel
    After washing your fennel, use a sharp knife and cutting board to slice the fennel. To start, trim off the stems. You will not be using them for the cooking process, but you can set them aside to eat raw later. Cut the bulb in half. Then, cut the halves into quarters. Peel off any outer layers of the bulb that have wilted. Peel off any outer layers of the bulb that have wilted. [1]
    Advertisement
  3. If you're not going to use the fennel right away, loosely wrap it in plastic. Then, store the fennel in the crisper drawer in your refrigerator. You should use the fennel within a week. [2]
    • You can apply lemon juice to the cut fennel to prevent it from oxidizing and turning brown.
    4. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Sauteing Fennel

PDF download Download Article
  1. Before sautéing your fennel, add about an eighth or a quarter cup of olive oil to a skillet. For one bulb use an eighth of a cup. For two bulbs, use a quarter cup. Place your skillet over medium heat. [3]
    • Oil is ready to use when it looks smooth and flows easily like water. The surface should also glisten slightly. [4]
    • If you're still not sure, you can add a small piece of fennel to the oil. If it sizzles right away, the oil is already heated and you can add the remaining fennel.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Fennel
    Add the fennel to the oil once it's heated. Spread the fennel out so none of the pieces are touching or overlapping. [5]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Fennel
    Stir the fennel on occasion and flip the pieces. You should cook the fennel until it is golden brown. This should take about 10 to 12 minutes. [6]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Fennel
    Turn off the heat once the fennel is cooked. Remove the fennel from the heat and drain any excess oil. Salt the fennel to taste. You can also add a splash of lemon juice to add extra flavor. [7]
    5. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Roasting Fennel

PDF download Download Article
  1. Before cooking your fennel, preheat your oven. Make sure you know how to tell when your oven is completely preheated. Some ovens have a thermometer inside while others may make a noise. [8]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Fennel
    Make sure to spread the fennel out evenly. You do not want any of the pieces of fennel touching or overlapping. [9]
  3. Drizzle about an eighth to a quarter cup of olive oil to the fennel. You should also add salt and pepper to taste. Toss the fennel pieces with your hands. [10]
    • Use a quarter cup olive oil if you're cooking more than one bulb. For a single bulb, an eighth cup of olive oil should be sufficient.
  4. Cook the fennel for 30 minutes. Then, flip over the pieces of fennel. Cook them for an additional 30 minutes. When the olive oil is completely cooked, the edges should be crisp and brown. [11]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Fennel
    You can sprinkle some parmesan over the fennel for seasoning. Use parmesan flakes, adding as much as you desire. [12]
    • Serve the fennel immediately after cooking it. You can keep leftovers in a covered container in the fridge.
    6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How can I avoid fennel from sticking on the baking sheet?
    Markeicha Dulaney
    Personal Chef
    Chef Markeicha Dulaney is a Personal Chef and Founder of Sweet Monáe Personal Chef Services in 2015 in South Florida. She has over 22 years of experience in the kitchen and provides customizable menus to meet the dietary needs, taste preferences, style, and budget of each client. She also specializes in weekly in-home chef services, all-inclusive pro-chef services, boutique catering, and pantry organizing services. She was featured in The Knot's "Table for Two" YouTube episodes and has also been featured in Real Simple Magazine article on "What routines save you the most time.” Chef Markeicha Dulaney graduated with an Associate's Degree from the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute of Culinary Arts and is a longtime member of the USPCA (United States Personal Chef Association).
    Markeicha Dulaney
    Personal Chef
    Expert Answer
    You can use a piece of parchment paper so that it doesn't stick. Drizzle it with some olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
  • Question
    What does fennel taste like?
    Community Answer
    It tastes like black licorice, but without the bite. If you know what anise smells like, it is like that. It is very aromatic.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 11
  • Question
    Can I steam fennel?
    Community Answer
    Yes, steam the fennel for 8 to 10 minutes and season to taste.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 16
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Read Video Transcript

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Cook Beetroot
      The Best Ways to Cook Chard (Plus How to Pick and Prep Them)
      Signs That a Potato Is Bad: Raw & Cooked
      How to
      Tell if Your Carrots Are Bad
      Easy Ways to Tell if Your Brussel Sprouts Have Gone Bad
      How to
      Tell if a Kiwi Has Gone Bad
      How to
      Eat a Star Fruit
      How to
      Store Collard Greens
      How to
      Ripen Mangoes Fast (& Tell When They’re Ripe)
      How to
      Eat Kiwi Fruit
      How to
      Eat Guava
      How to
      Cook Baby Corn
      How to
      Roast Parsnips
      How to
      Buy a Good Avocado
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about cooking, check out our in-depth interview with Markeicha Dulaney .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-cut-fennel-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-202598#_
      2. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-cut-fennel-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-202598#_
      3. ↑ https://putneyfarm.com/2012/04/05/caramelized-fennel-the-best-fennel-youll-ever-eat/
      4. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/quick-tip-how-to-tell-when-oil-53815
      5. ↑ https://putneyfarm.com/2012/04/05/caramelized-fennel-the-best-fennel-youll-ever-eat/
      6. ↑ https://putneyfarm.com/2012/04/05/caramelized-fennel-the-best-fennel-youll-ever-eat/
      7. ↑ https://putneyfarm.com/2012/04/05/caramelized-fennel-the-best-fennel-youll-ever-eat/
      8. ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/roasted-fennel-with-parmesan-recipe-1915679
      9. ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/roasted-fennel-with-parmesan-recipe-1915679
      1. ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/roasted-fennel-with-parmesan-recipe-1915679
      2. ↑ http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/roasted-fennel-with-parmesan-recipe
      3. ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/roasted-fennel-with-parmesan-recipe-1915679

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To cook fennel, start by cutting off the stems and discarding them or saving them to eat raw later. Then, cut the remaining bulb into quarters, and peel off any outer layers that have wilted. Next, heat olive oil over medium-high heat, and add the fennel to the oil once it's glistening. Finally, saute the fennel for 10-12 minutes or until it's golden brown, flipping it over occasionally. To learn how to roast fennel, scroll down!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 120,104 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        Jun 16, 2016

        "I'm 79 years old. I've never cooked it before in my life. It was on sale in the grocery store. It's ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement