cook on low

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cook on low" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when giving cooking instructions, particularly when referring to the heat setting on a stove or slow cooker. Example: "For the best flavor, cook on low for several hours until the meat is tender."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Recommended to cook on low heat, but if you are using a higher temperature, adjust cooking times accordingly.

WikiHow

Cover and cook on low 30 minutes.

The New York Times - Food

Stir in the tomato sauce and cook on low heat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Add apricots and reserved cherries, and cook on low heat for another 20 minutes.

The New York Times - Food

Pour them into the skillet and cook on low heat, stirring, for a minute.

The New York Times

6. Cook on low heat, covered, about 2 1/2 hours.

The New York Times

Bring to a simmer, cover and cook on low heat for 8 minutes.

The New York Times - Food

Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 10 hours, until the pork is fork-tender.

The Washington Post

Add onion and garlic and cook on low about 10 minutes, until soft.

The New York Times - Food

In general, she said, cook on low to medium temperatures rather than high settings.

The New York Times

2. Pour the passion-fruit purée into a medium saucepan and cook on low for 2 minutes, or until hot.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "cook on low", specify the duration for best results. For example, "cook on low for 6 hours" is more informative than just "cook on low".

Common error

Avoid assuming that "cook on low" means you can neglect the dish entirely. Regularly check for doneness, as prolonged low heat can still lead to dryness or textural issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cook on low" primarily functions as an instruction or directive in cooking recipes and guides. As confirmed by Ludwig, it provides specific information on how to apply heat during the cooking process. The examples show it used in various culinary contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

32%

News & Media

67%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cook on low" is a straightforward and widely used instruction in the culinary world, directing the user to apply a low heat setting while cooking. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and effectively communicates a specific cooking method. It's most commonly found in News & Media, as well as Wiki sources. For enhanced clarity, specify the duration alongside "cook on low". While cooking, be sure to check for doneness frequently and don't assume low heat means neglect! You may use alternatives, such as "simmer gently", "cook at a low setting", or "slow cook" depending on the dish.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cook at a low setting

Specifies the heat level using appliance terminology.

cook on a gentle heat

Emphasizes the mildness of the heat used for cooking.

cook under low heat

More specific on the source of the heat being low, focusing on the heat source.

simmer gently

Replaces "cook" with "simmer" to emphasize a gentle cooking process.

maintain a low simmer

Focuses on maintaining a consistent low temperature with simmering.

slow cook

Focuses on the extended cooking time at a low temperature.

braise slowly

Highlights a specific cooking technique involving slow cooking in liquid.

heat gently

Emphasizes the careful and gradual application of heat.

warm slowly

Suggests a very gradual increase in temperature, suitable for delicate items.

low-temperature cooking

More formal and technical way to refer to cooking at a low temperature.

FAQs

What does it mean to "cook on low"?

To "cook on low" means to use a low heat setting on a stove, slow cooker, or other cooking appliance, typically to gently simmer or slowly cook food over an extended period.

What are some benefits of cooking on low heat?

Cooking on low heat can help to tenderize meats, meld flavors together, and prevent scorching. It's ideal for dishes that benefit from long, slow cooking, such as stews or braises.

Can I say "simmer on low" instead of "cook on low"?

Yes, you can use "simmer gently" as an alternative to "cook on low," especially when referring to liquids. Simmering implies a gentle, bubbling action at a low temperature.

How long should I "cook on low" in a slow cooker?

Cooking times in a slow cooker vary, but typically range from 4-8 hours on low for most recipes. Always refer to the specific recipe for recommended times.