on low fire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on low fire" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in cooking contexts to indicate that food should be cooked at a low heat setting. Example: "To make the sauce, simmer the ingredients on low fire for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld."

✓ Grammatically correct

Cooking

Food preparation

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cook five minutes more, then flip them over and place on low-fire side of grill for 10 minutes, or until cooked through.

The New York Times - Food

Place a lid on the skillet and let it simmer on a low fire for about an hour.

WikiHow

Place the top on the skillet, let the chicken simmer on a low fire for about 15 to 25 min stirring occasionally.

WikiHow

"My mother sits on a taboret," a little stool, he said, "and uses a pot set on a low fire".

The New York Times - Food

Roast the coriander and cumin seeds on a low fire.

WikiHow

After that, heat the juice on a low fire until it starts boiling.

WikiHow

Add the brown sugar and let it simmer on a low fire for about an hour.

WikiHow

Stir well and let it cook covered on a low fire for 10 minutes, when the tomatoes would have cooked and the gravy would have thickened.

WikiHow

Cook on low flame.

WikiHow

The results showed that compared with low fire suppression scenario, high fire suppression would create a landscape with lower-frequency and higher-intensity fire, whereas reforestation had no significant influence on cumulative area damaged by fire in the study landscape.

Landscape and Urban Planning

Cook covered on a very low fire.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing cooking instructions, be specific about what constitutes a "low fire". For example, specify a temperature range or a visual indicator (e.g., a gentle simmer).

Common error

Ensure clarity by specifying the unit of measurement when discussing the "low fire". For example, is it a low setting on a stovetop dial, or a specific BTU output?

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on low fire" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed, specifically relating to cooking or heating processes. It indicates the intensity of the heat used.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Wiki

34%

News & Media

29%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on low fire" is a standard instruction, primarily used in cooking. Ludwig confirms its usability in writing. While grammatically correct, precision in its application is key. Best practice involves providing additional details such as specific temperatures or visual cues. Ludwig's analysis shows its frequency spans across WikiHow, news media and scientific literature, showing a relatively common expression overall.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a low heat

Replaces "fire" with "heat", a more general term for thermal energy. The semantic change is minimal.

at a low flame

Substitutes "fire" with "flame", referring specifically to the visible part of a fire. Essentially synonymous in cooking contexts.

on a simmer

Specifies a cooking process involving gentle, consistent heat, implying a "low fire".

on a low setting

Replaces the reference to fire with a more general term referring to any heat source, broadening the application.

on the lowest setting

Explicitly states the lowest possible heat level, indicating a "low fire" condition.

with gentle heat

Emphasizes the mildness of the heat, conveying a similar meaning to "on low fire".

with minimal heat

Highlights the small amount of heat used, similar to using a "low fire".

at reduced intensity

Broadens the scope beyond literal fire, applying to any process where intensity is lessened.

under low power

Shifts the context to power usage, implying reduced energy output, similar to a "low fire".

at a slow burn

Figuratively describes a gradual process, drawing a parallel to a "low fire" that burns slowly.

FAQs

What does cooking "on low fire" mean?

Cooking "on low fire" typically means using a low heat setting on a stove or grill to gently cook food. This is often used for simmering sauces or slow-cooking tougher cuts of meat.

What's the difference between cooking "on low fire" and cooking "on low heat"?

The phrases "on low fire" and "on low heat" are generally interchangeable and mean the same thing. "Low fire" may specifically refer to cooking over an open flame, while "low heat" is more general.

When should I cook something "on low fire"?

You should cook "on low fire" when you want to gently simmer or slowly cook something without burning it. This is ideal for delicate sauces, stews, and braised dishes.

Are there any alternatives to saying "on low fire" in cooking instructions?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "simmer", "cook gently", or "slow cook" depending on the context and the specific desired outcome.