Cool leftovers faster by removing them from the hot pan or pot
Transfer leftovers out of the hot cooking vessel so they cool faster and spend less time in the danger zone.
The video recommends getting leftovers off the hot source (pan/pot) as soon as practical so cooling begins faster. It suggests moving food to another container (like a plate) rather than leaving it in the hot pan where it stays warm longer.
The short version
- Goal: cool food quickly to improve safety
- Hot cookware slows cooling
How to do it
- 1
As soon as you know food will be leftover, remove it from the hot burner/heat source.
Watch this step - 2
Transfer the leftovers out of the hot pan/pot into another vessel (e.g., a plate or storage container) so it cools faster.
Leaving food in hot cookware keeps it warm longer.
Watch this step - 3
Once cooled sufficiently, refrigerate promptly.
Watch this step
What goes wrong
Leaving leftovers sitting in the hot pan/pot for a long time
Transfer to another vessel to speed cooling
Why it works
Hot cookware retains heat and keeps food in the bacterial growth “danger zone” longer; faster cooling improves safety.
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