Exposing Common Mistakes- Boil Vs. Simmer
Left Side = Simmering – Right Side = Boiling
Boiling Vs. Simmering
One of the most common cooking mistakes is the misconception of what it means to simmer a dish in a recipe. Most are really boiling. What happens when people make this common mistake is the final result will end up being dry, overcooked, tough or cloudy.
Simmering is sometimes just perceived incorrectly. Let me explain. Simmering is when a bubble breaks the surface every second or so. Boiling is more vigorous and can cook your dishes too fast. Meat will toughen and become dry. Soup will become cloudy or greasy because the clarification process is disrupted by the extreme agitation of bubbles.
The boiling point is of water is 212 degrees F. In order to be simmering, your liquid must be below this boiling point. Preferable at, or a little above, 180 degrees F. Just know that the difference between these two can destroy a recipe. So, Turn down your burners and slow your bubble roll! Boiling instead of simmering to cook something faster can yield in some nasty results. Only boil when it’s called for.
One of the most common cooking mistakes is the misconception of what it means to simmer a dish in a recipe. Most are really boiling. What happens when people make this common mistake is the final result will end up being dry, overcooked, tough or cloudy.
Simmering is sometimes just perceived incorrectly. Let me explain. Simmering is when a bubble breaks the surface every second or so. Boiling is more vigorous and can cook your dishes too fast. Meat will toughen and become dry. Soup will become cloudy or greasy because the clarification process is disrupted by the extreme agitation of bubbles.
The boiling point is of water is 212 degrees F. In order to be simmering, your liquid must be below this boiling point. Preferable at, or a little above, 180 degrees F. Just know that the difference between these two can destroy a recipe. So, Turn down your burners and slow your bubble roll! Boiling instead of simmering to cook something faster can yield in some nasty results. Only boil when it’s called for.
