How to handle fix a watery slow-cooker dish

These steps assume

• The slow cooker is stable and used according to its manual.
• The lid stays closed for most of the cooking time.
• Times are guides; texture and a safe core temperature determine doneness.

This is what it should look like

What you need

• Watery dish
• Ladle
• Saucepan or cornstarch
• Bowl
• Whisk

Step by step

1. 1

   Remove cooked solid ingredients so they do not overcook.

   • Equipment: Slow cooker, measuring cup and spoon.
   • Heat: No heat.
   • Time: 2–5 minutes.
   • Looks like: Excess liquid is separated from cooked ingredients.
   • If it goes wrong: Leaving the lid off when the model forbids it.
   • Done when: Excess liquid is separated from cooked ingredients.

2. 2

   Choose stovetop reduction or a smooth starch slurry.

   • Equipment: Slow cooker with lid and timer.
   • Heat: LOW or HIGH as directed.
   • Time: Follow the dish's cooking time.
   • Looks like: Liquid becomes more concentrated or thicker.
   • If it goes wrong: More salt does not remove wateriness.
   • Done when: Liquid becomes more concentrated or thicker.

3. 3

   Recombine, heat through and adjust seasoning.

   • Equipment: Spoon, tongs or thermometer as needed.
   • Heat: Off.
   • Time: 5–15 minutes.
   • Looks like: Sauce binds the dish without turning to gel.
   • If it goes wrong: Finished meat keeps cooking and dries out.
   • Done when: Sauce binds the dish without turning to gel.

If it doesn't turn out as expected

• Leaving the lid off when the model forbids it.
• More salt does not remove wateriness.
• Finished meat keeps cooking and dries out.

Food safety

Transfer hot liquid carefully and follow the appliance manual about lid-off use.