Translation guide
To cook gently in liquid just below boiling. In Japanese, the core verb is 煮る (niru), but many compound verbs and expressions exist depending on what is being simmered and how.
To cook food gently in liquid at a temperature just below boiling.
The most common and general verb for simmering or boiling food in liquid. Used for a wide range of dishes.
simmer vegetables
肉を柔らかくなるまで煮る
simmer the meat until tender
To simmer for a long time, often to blend flavors or tenderize. Common in stews and curries.
カレーをじっくり煮込む
simmer the curry slowly
Onomatopoeic phrase for simmering gently with a light bubbling sound. Evokes a cozy, slow-cooked feeling.
おでんをことこと煮る
simmer oden gently
To simmer down or reduce a liquid by boiling. Often used for sauces or syrups.
ソースを煮詰める
simmer the sauce down
To prepare a dish by simmering, where the dish name itself implies the cooking method.
A general term for simmered dishes, often vegetables, meat, or fish cooked in seasoned broth.
今日の煮物は大根と鶏肉です。
Today's simmered dish is daikon and chicken.
Simmered fish, a classic Japanese home-cooked dish.
A specific simmered dish from Kyushu with chicken and root vegetables.
To describe food that is simmering or being simmered.
To describe emotions that are barely contained, like anger or excitement.
Idiom meaning 'to be boiling with rage'. Literally 'anger simmers and churns'.
彼の無礼な態度に怒りが煮えくり返った。
I was seething with anger at his rude attitude.
Colloquial expression meaning 'to be furious'. Literally 'one's stomach simmers'.
あいつの顔を見ると腹が煮える。
Just seeing his face makes my blood boil.
煮る (niru) is simmering in seasoned liquid. 茹でる (yuderu) is boiling in plain water (e.g., pasta). 炊く (taku) is cooking rice or grains. Do not use 煮る for boiling water or cooking rice.
煮る (niru) is transitive (you simmer something). 煮える (nieru) is intransitive (something simmers). Using the wrong one changes the meaning.
Simmered fish goes well with rice.
筑前煮はおせち料理にも入ります。
Chikuzen-ni is also included in osechi cuisine.