Cut or split so that the two halves remain connected, resembling butterfly wings spread open; a cooking technique.
From 'butterfly,' the noun-verb referring to the insect, used metaphorically in cooking to describe the cutting pattern. Became standard culinary term in the 20th century.
Butterflying a shrimp or chicken breast allows it to cook more evenly and quickly because the flatter shape means heat reaches the center faster—it's pure food physics!
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