overcook

verb

over·​cook ˌō-vər-ˈku̇k 

overcooked; overcooking

transitive + intransitive

: to cook (food) too much or for too long

… Americans have finally learned not to overcook their fish.

—Craig Claiborne

… relatively small pieces of meat or fish that are easily overcooked and, as a result, become dry …

—Jerry Anne Di Vecchio

… has come up with a slightly fussy method … that keeps the breast meat from overcooking.

—Jeremy Sauer

Keep testing for doneness, because it can overcook in an instant and almost disintegrate.

—Eric Hastie

Whisk together over low heat until the mixture thickens … being careful not to overcook or it will curdle.

—Larry Forgione

overcooked adjective

… serving rubbery, overcooked meals …

—James Suckling

… the vegetables … were crisp, not overcooked.

—The Springfield (Massachusetts) Union-News

… as floppy as a strand of overcooked spaghetti.

—Science

Examples of overcook in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Thicker cuts like ribeye, filet mignon, and porterhouse can develop a nice crust without overcooking, while thinner cuts like flank or skirt steaks should be cooked quickly over high heat to keep them from drying out. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 15 May 2025

Additionally, the best way to determine doneness — and prevent overcooking — is to use an instant-read thermometer. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2025

Tasters were excited about the tangy tomato flavor, but the beans were overcooked. —Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 May 2025

There are some highlights here, but overall, this tepid, overlong episode is overcooked, a bit dated, and by far one of the weaker entries of the fresh season. —Jeff Spry, Space.com, 16 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overcook

• kinderhook
• meadowbrook
• overlook
• overtook
• pocketbook
• storybook
• tillamook
• undertook
• betook
• casebook
• chapbook
• checkbook