Cooking times can make or break a dish, and overcooking can ruin even the simplest meals. Cooking these foods too long can drain flavor and texture. With these simple tips, you'll get better results by knowing when to stop the heat.
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Vegetables
Overcooked vegetables turn mushy and lose their vibrant colors and nutrients. Most veggies only need a quick sauté or roast, so aim for tender-crisp instead of soft. Related recipe: Garlic Butter Green Beans
Chicken Breast
Chicken breast dries out quickly when overcooked. It should be juicy and tender, so check it with a thermometer and stop cooking at 165°F. Rest it before slicing. Related recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken
Shrimp
Shrimp cooks in just a few minutes, turning pink when done. Overcooking makes them rubbery and tough. As soon as they turn pink in color, they’re ready to go! Related recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp
Eggs
Overcooking eggs, whether scrambled or hard-boiled, can make them rubbery and chalky. Scrambled eggs should be soft and creamy, and hard-boiled eggs should be cooked no longer than 10 minutes.
Fish
Fish is delicate and easy to overcook. Most fillets only need 3 to 4 minutes per side. When it flakes easily with a fork, it's done. Overcooked fish turns dry and loses its flavor. Related recipe: Lemon Butter Fish
Steak
If you prefer a tender, juicy steak, avoid overcooking it. Cooking beyond medium-rare or medium results in a tougher texture. Use a meat thermometer to hit your perfect doneness. Related recipe: Carne Asada in Oven
Pasta
Overcooked pasta becomes limp and gummy. Aim for “al dente” (firm to the bite) and drain it right away. Remember that it will continue cooking a little after you drain it. Related recipe: Crab Pasta
Bacon
Crispy bacon is excellent, but too long in the pan or oven can leave it dry and brittle. Keep an eye on it and pull it out when it’s golden brown but still has some chew. Related recipe: Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Cookies
Cookies continue to bake on the sheet after you take them out of the oven. For soft, chewy cookies, take them out just before they look fully done, and let them finish setting as they cool. Related recipe: Brown Sugar Cookies
Rice
Rice can turn mushy if overcooked. Use the right water-to-rice ratio, and once it’s done, remove it from the heat and let it sit with the lid on to steam for perfect fluffiness. Related recipe: Slow Cooker Rice
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