Meaning and Usage
The verb 煮る (にる) primarily means "to boil" or "to cook by simmering." It refers to cooking food in liquid, usually water or broth, over heat until it is done. This is a common cooking method in Japanese cuisine for vegetables, fish, and meat.
Common Collocations
- 煮る + 食材 (e.g., 野菜を煮る): to boil or simmer specific ingredients.
- 弱火で煮る: to simmer over low heat, emphasizing gentle cooking.
- 時間をかけて煮る: to take time simmering, often to enhance flavor absorption.
Usage Notes
When using 煮る, the focus is on cooking food in liquid until it is tender or flavored. It differs from 茹でる (ゆでる), which means "to boil" but usually refers to boiling food like noodles or eggs in water without seasoning. 煮る often implies cooking with seasoning or broth.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 煮る with 煮える (にえる), which is the intransitive form meaning "to be boiled" or "to be cooked." Remember 煮る is transitive (you cook something), while 煮える is intransitive (something cooks by itself).