Precooking: meaning, definitions and examples
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precooking
[ ˈpriːˌkuːkɪŋ ]
food preparation
Precooking refers to the process of partially cooking food before the final cooking stage. This technique is often used to save time during meal preparation, allowing dishes to be completed quickly when needed. It is commonly applied to meats, vegetables, and certain starches. Precooking can help improve the overall texture and flavor of a meal by allowing the ingredients to absorb seasonings early in the cooking process.
Synonyms
parboiling, partial cooking, preparation.
Examples of usage
- Precooking the chicken will make it more tender.
- I like precooking rice before adding it to stir-fry.
- Precooking allows for a quicker dinner on busy nights.
Etymology
The term 'precooking' is a compound word formed from the prefix 'pre-', meaning 'before', and the verb 'cook', which comes from the Latin 'coquere', meaning 'to prepare food'. The adoption of this concept into culinary practices can be traced back to the increasing pace of modern life, where time efficiency in cooking has become paramount. With the advent of busy lifestyles and the growth of the food industry, the method of precooking has gained popularity, especially in commercial kitchens and meal prep scenarios. The concept emphasizes both convenience and the enhancement of flavors, making it a favored technique among chefs and home cooks alike. As cooking technologies evolved, including the use of microwaves and multi-cookers, precooking has adapted to incorporate these methods, further streamlining the process of preparing meals. Overall, the practice of precooking has become an essential part of efficient cooking strategies in contemporary kitchens.