How to Use overcook in a Sentence

overcook

verb
  • Take care not to overcook them.
    — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 June 2026
  • The key is to not overcook them, as this can make the meat tough.
    — Amber Love Bond, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2024
  • In that amount of time, the yolks will cook firm but not overcook and turn green.
    — Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 12 June 2023
  • In that amount of time, the yolks will cook firm but not overcook and turn green.
    — Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 12 June 2023
  • Just make sure not to overcook them for best results.
    — Brennan Long, Southern Living, 10 Dec. 2025
  • How to make the best lemon bars Don’t overcook your lemon bars.
    — Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 13 July 2023
  • Do not overcook or scramble the eggs.
    — Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
  • Keep turning them to brown the edges some more, but try not to overcook.
    — Washington Post, 5 Aug. 2020
  • They should be cooked just right—hard-boiled but not overcooked, which keeps the yolk soft and creamy.
    — Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 26 May 2025
  • Small cuts on a cool grill can easily turn gray and overcooked.
    — Chris Morris, BostonGlobe.com, 30 June 2023
  • Stir them in near the end of cooking to avoid overcooking.
    — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2026
  • Bone-in pork chops are harder to overcook than boneless cuts.
    — Trish Clasen Marsanico, Good Housekeeping, 3 Nov. 2022
  • Do not overcook the pasta, or your finished mac and cheese will be mushy.
    — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Nov. 2024
  • But Kendrick doesn’t want to overcook and make things too tough for himself.
    — Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 22 Apr. 2024
  • This isn't caused by spoilage, but by overcooking or slow cooling.
    — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 14 Nov. 2025
  • Don't cook for longer than 10 minutes, or your crab could overcook.
    — Coastal Living, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2024
  • Yes—if the beans begin to become mushy and fall apart, the soup may be overcooked.
    — Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 1 Dec. 2023
  • The eggs set in large, but still spoonable, clusters that won’t overcook.
    — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Char well, turning as needed, but do not overcook.
    — ABC News, 27 May 2026
  • This cooking method ensures the corn doesn't get overcooked, and each bite stays sweet and juicy.
    — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 July 2024
  • The farro is hard to overcook, so it can be made quickly or slowly.
    — Leah Donnella, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Jan. 2026
  • The breast is typically overcooked by the time the dark meat is ready.
    — Ian Knauer, WSJ, 4 Jan. 2024
  • The potatoes are added last to keep them on top and prevent them from overcooking.
    — Ann Maloney, Washington Post, 26 Sep. 2023
  • Do not overcook; the asparagus should be cooked yet remain crisp.
    — Tribune News Service, cleveland, 6 June 2022
  • The rice was perfectly cooked by the Staub, just shy of al dente and not overcooked.
    — Tanya Edwards, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 June 2023
  • Baking soda works best for thin, tough, or lean cuts that can become chewy if overcooked.
    — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Other cuts may overcook too quickly.
    — Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Don't overcook it, which will cause the casserole to be mushy – remember the squash still has to be baked.
    — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 22 Sep. 2023
  • Once or twice go around the outer border of the eggs to prevent overcooking at the edges.
    — Jeffrey Steingarten, Vogue, 5 Apr. 2026
  • The number one rule—which is also the easiest to break—is to not overcook wild duck.
    — Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 17 Aug. 2023

Some of these examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overcook.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Last Updated: