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Carryover cooking is a phenomenon that occurs when heat continues to transfer through the food after it has been removed from the heat source. This additional cooking can cause the food’s internal temperature to continue to rise, even after it has been taken off the heat. This effect can have a significant impact on the final texture and doneness of the food.
and should be taken into account when cooking. By allowing food to rest for a few minutes after cooking and removing it from the heat source a few degrees below the desired final temperature, you can achieve better results and avoid overcooking.
How it Works
Carryover cooking occurs because heat takes time to move through food. When food is cooked, the heat from the source penetrates the food and heats it from the outside in. Once the food is removed from the heat source, the heat continues to transfer through the food, causing the internal temperature to rise.
The extent of carryover cooking depends on the type and thickness of the food, the cooking method used, and the temperature at which it was cooked.
Carryover cooking can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on the food and the desired outcome. For example, a steak that is cooked to medium-rare on the grill may continue to cook and reach medium doneness while resting for a few minutes before serving. This can be desirable if you prefer your steak to be cooked medium, but it can also result in overcooked and dry meat if you prefer it to be cooked rare.
To account for carryover cooking, it’s important to remove the food from the heat source a few degrees below the desired final temperature. The amount of temperature drop during resting time depends on the food and cooking method used. Generally, thicker cuts of meat or foods that are cooked at higher temperatures require a longer resting time to account for carryover cooking. Having a kitchen thermometer will make a big difference in your cooking and the safety of your food. We like this one because it is magnetic, extremely fast and accurate.
Save Your Snacks!
Carryover cooking occurs when heat continues to transfer through food after it has been removed from the heat source. By allowing food to rest for a few minutes after cooking and removing it from the heat source a few degrees below the desired final temperature, you can achieve better results and avoid overcooking.
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