At what temperature does one “simmer”? When I try to follow instructions and simmer something for the last 15 mins or so, I either have it too hot or not hot enough. I hate the word “simmer”… Velvet Rose Wile
Great question Velvet!
Here’s the technical answer:
Simmering is a food preparation technique in which foods are cooked in hot liquids kept at or just below 100°C or 212°F. To keep a pot simmering, one brings it to a boil and then reduces the heat to a point where the formation of steam bubbles has all but ceased, typically a water temperature of about 94°C or 200°F.
I can’t imagine people want to cook with thermometers hanging in their pots, worried about whether the temperature hovers at 98°C. I certainly don’t use a thermometer in that way, so instead, I will show you a little crappy video I did on my phone that will help explain how to know by sight when you are poaching, simmering, or boiling.
To sum it up:
Poaching:
Describes the “action” of the liquid when the item you are cooking is inside: small bubbles that may come to the surface that do not break, usually from around the edges of the vessel you are poaching in. The item inside should not move.
Simmering:
Describes the “action” of the liquid when the item you are cooking is inside: small bubbles that come to the surface that break. The bubbles can be in the edges, and the center, but do not disturb the surface of the water. The item you are cooking should only barely move, if at all.
Boiling:
Describes the “action” of the liquid when the item you are cooking is inside: bubbles break the surface and move the items inside around.
Rolling Boil:
Describes the “action” of the liquid when the item you are cooking is inside: large bubbles that break the surface and “roll” underneath. Whatever you are cooking will roll to the top os the water and fall underneath.
I hope that helps out Velvet!
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Of course simmer seems such an easy term, but there does seem to be more to it than I thought. Make sure you visit sippity sup tomorrow. I smell chicken. GREG
@GREG – Sweet! Thank you for the kind words! I can’t wait to see what’s cooking in your neck of the woods!