Undercooked

Undercooked describes food that has not been cooked long enough, resulting in a state where it is not fully heated, softened, or safely prepared for consumption. This often leaves the food with a raw or partially raw texture and can present health risks, especially with meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs. The term implies an insufficient application of heat, either through inadequate cooking time or low temperatures, ultimately affecting palatability and potentially posing dangers to the consumer. The critical consideration is whether the cooking process has reached the stage necessary to render the food safe and enjoyable to eat.

Undercooked meaning with examples

• The chicken in my Caesar salad was visibly pink; I realized the chef had tragically undercooked the poultry, which was a huge health concern. The texture was unpleasant, and I was worried about possible food poisoning. I immediately sent it back to the kitchen and ordered a vegetarian option instead. Safety is always my priority.
• During the dinner party, the medium-rare steak I had requested was unfortunately undercooked. It was too red and chewy, and the lack of proper searing made it undesirable. I tried to eat it but realized it was not quite cooked enough and, more importantly, not seasoned enough, making the experience quite disappointing.
• After receiving my takeout order, I discovered the center of the fish was undercooked. It still had a translucent appearance, and was not flaky as it should have been. I could not risk consuming it due to the health risks involved, so I regrettably had to discard the entire meal. I called to inform the restaurant and demand a refund.
• The birthday cake's center was sadly undercooked despite following the recipe. The cake was doughy and not the desired light and fluffy consistency. It needed more time in the oven. We ended up using it as a trifle, which was able to use the sponge. I felt bad for the birthday girl because it was supposed to be her favorite dessert.