Semi-cooked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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semi-cooked

[หˆsษ›mi-kสŠkt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

food preparation

Partially cooked; not fully cooked.

Synonyms

half-cooked, partly cooked, undercooked.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
semi-cooked

Used when describing food that has been cooked but not completely. It implies that the food is partially cooked and may need further cooking or preparation.

  • The vegetables are semi-cooked; we need to finish them in the stir-fry
  • The recipe calls for semi-cooked rice to be added to the soup
partly cooked

More formal and precise, typically used in recipes or cooking instructions to indicate that something is only partially cooked and will be cooked further later.

  • Add the partly cooked vegetables to the casserole
  • The pastry should be partly cooked before adding the filling
half-cooked

Often used in a casual or conversational setting to indicate that something is only partially cooked. Can sometimes imply that the food is not ready to eat.

  • The chicken is only half-cooked; it needs more time in the oven
  • The potatoes were half-cooked and still hard in the middle
undercooked

Used when food is not cooked enough and may be unsafe to eat. It has a negative connotation, indicating that the cooking process is incomplete or insufficient.

  • The steak was undercooked and still raw in the center
  • Eating undercooked eggs can lead to food poisoning

Examples of usage

  • The pasta was semi-cooked, so I had to put it back on the stove for a few more minutes.
  • The semi-cooked chicken needed to be finished in the oven.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Techniques

  • Cooking food partially allows ingredients to finish cooking later, promoting a better texture and flavor.
  • Semi-cooked dishes are often prepared ahead of time to be finished later, useful in meal prep.
  • Certain vegetables, like broccoli, can be semi-cooked to retain their bright color and crunch.

Nutrition

  • Some nutrients in vegetables are better preserved when food is not fully cooked, making semi-cooked options healthier.
  • Eating semi-cooked foods, like partially boiled eggs, can pose health risks if proper care isn't taken.

Cultural Practices

  • In sushi preparation, certain ingredients are purposely semi-cooked for enhanced flavor and safety.
  • Traditional French cuisine often uses semi-cooked techniques, like in 'pรขtรฉ' where the meat is not fully cooked to create a rich taste.

Food Safety

  • Food served semi-cooked should be handled carefully to avoid foodborne illnesses, especially in meats and eggs.
  • Regulations vary by country concerning the sale and consumption of semi-cooked dishes to ensure safety.

Gastronomy Trends

  • The rise of raw and semi-cooked food movements emphasizes preserving the freshness and nutrients in ingredients.
  • Cooking shows often feature semi-cooked methods to showcase innovative culinary techniques that enhance flavor.

Origin of 'semi-cooked'

The term 'semi-cooked' originated from the culinary world to describe food that is partially cooked and requires further preparation. It is commonly used in recipes and food descriptions to indicate the stage of cooking before completion.