What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
parboil
Example
I like to parboil my potatoes before roasting them in the oven. [parboil: verb]
Example
The recipe calls for parboiling the carrots before adding them to the stir-fry. [parboiling: gerund or present participle]
precook
Example
I like to precook my chicken before adding it to the casserole. [precook: verb]
Example
The chef precooks the pasta before adding it to the sauce. [precooking: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Precook is more commonly used than parboil in everyday language. Precook is a versatile term that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while parboil is more specific to certain recipes and techniques.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between parboil and precook?
Both parboil and precook are relatively formal terms that are more likely to be used in written recipes or professional cooking contexts than in casual conversation.