Simmer: meaning, definitions and examples

When cooking a liquid just below boiling point to allow flavors to develop slowly without evaporating much of the liquid.

• Simmer the soup for 20 minutes for a deeper flavor
• The sauce should be gently simmered until it thickens

When cooking food slowly in liquid over a long period of time, often with meat and vegetables, to create a thick, flavorful dish.

• The beef needs to stew for several hours until tender
• We had a rich lamb stew for dinner

Similar to simmering, but slightly more active. Used when you need to cook something at a low, controlled boil.

• Boil gently for 10 minutes to soften the vegetables
• The recipe requires you to boil the broth gently until it reduces

When cooking food by simmering it in a flavorful liquid, usually at a low temperature. Typically used for delicate foods like eggs, fish, or fruits.

• Poach the eggs in simmering water with a splash of vinegar
• Gently poach the pears in syrup until tender

When there is a slow and steady build-up of emotion, often anger, or when discussing food cooking just below boiling.

• She was simmering with frustration after being ignored in the meeting
• The soup needs to simmer for an hour before it's ready

When there is visible anger or irritation, often implying a strong and immediate response. This word can carry a negative connotation.

• After the argument, he was left fuming and couldn't concentrate on his work
• The boss fumed at the employees for missing the deadline

When there is intense and often suppressed anger or agitation, suggesting an emotional depth that is hard to contain.

• She was seething with rage after hearing the unfair comments
• He could feel himself seethe as the conversation took a turn for the worse

When feelings are intense but kept under control, often indicating a quiet, lingering anger or passion. Also used to describe slow, burning fire without flames.

• His resentment continued to smolder long after the argument ended
• The campfire smoldered, leaving a trail of smoke in the air

Used when you want to cook food slowly and gently on low heat. This method is often used for sauces, stews, and soups to allow flavors to develop without burning or boiling over.

• Let the soup simmer for 45 minutes to bring out all the flavors
• | Simmer the sauce until it thickens

Used when you need a consistent but not vigorous bubbling action, hotter than a gentle boil but not as intense as a full rolling boil. Suitable for cooking pasta, grains, and some vegetables.

• Maintain a low boil to cook the pasta evenly
• | The chili should be kept at a low boil to avoid burning

Used when you need a slight bubbling action that is stronger than a simmer but gentler than a full boil. Often used for delicate foods like fish or eggs to cook them without breaking apart.

• Bring the water to a gentle boil before adding the eggs
• | Keep the stock at a gentle boil to avoid cloudiness

Similar to a low boil, it indicates a slower bubbling on low heat. Often used for prolonged cooking to tenderize tough cuts of meat or fully cook legumes.

• The beans should be at a slow boil for about two hours
• | Slow boil the meat until it is fork-tender