overcook
verb (used with object)
to cook (food) longer than necessary or recommended, especially to the point of adversely affecting quality or edibility.
overcooking
-
present participleof overcook.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Knowing when the salmon is done is the only tricky part of en papillote preparations, but don’t stress: The fish’s fat helps guard against overcooking.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 22, 2026
Cooking shrimp until well-browned without overcooking can be a difficult needle to thread.
From Washington Times ● Jul. 10, 2023
Roasting shrimp for shrimp cocktail intensifies their sweet saline flavor and makes them exceptionally plump and tender, with less chance of overcooking than the traditional poaching.
From Seattle Times ● May 29, 2023
Ideally, you’ll get a nice char on the top without overcooking them.
From Washington Post ● Apr. 9, 2023
Abuela told us about the time Abuelo had made her grilled steak with black beans, and he’d kept overcooking the steak and undercooking the beans.
From "The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora" by Pablo Cartaya
