kill the fire

Definition

To turn off or reduce heat under a dish, either to halt cooking or prevent burning. Not as dramatic as it sounds, but crucial timing nonetheless.

Example Usage

Kill the fire on those scallops—they're perfect right now.

Origin

Kitchen instruction terminology, literal reference to extinguishing or reducing flame

Fun Fact

In open-kitchen restaurants, dramatic flame manipulation while 'killing the fire' is often performed with extra flair for dining room entertainment.

Source: Professional kitchen commands

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