Overcook: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when food is cooked longer than necessary, making it dry or less tasty, but not necessarily burnt or ruined.

• Don't overcook the pasta; it should be al dente.
• She always overcooks her vegetables, so they lose their texture.

Use when food is cooked until it turns black or becomes inedible, generally with a negative connotation.

• He accidentally burned the toast.
• Be careful not to burn the cookies.

Use when food is cooked until it has a blackened, often slightly crispy outer layer; can be negative or positive depending on context.

• The chef likes to char the edges of the steak for extra flavor.
• If you leave it on the grill too long, you'll char the meat.

Use when food is cooked at too high a temperature or for too long, causing the surface to become damaged or discolored.

• Watch the pot closely so you don't scorch the milk.
• I accidentally scorched the bottom of the pan.

Use when food preparation goes so wrong that the dish is no longer enjoyable or edible, with a strong negative connotation.

• Leaving the soup on the stove for too long will ruin it.
• She ruined the cake by adding too much salt.

Use when any part of the cooking process is done excessively, not limited to cooking time but including seasoning, mixing, etc.

• Don't overdo the spices; it should be balanced.
• I think you overdid it with the cheese.