中火(ちゅうび)

中火(ちゅうび) is the standard medium heat setting used in Japanese cooking. It is the most commonly called-for heat level in recipes.

Compound: 中(ちゅう) (middle) + 火(び) (fire/heat)

Heat levels in cooking

• 弱火(よわび): low heat (simmering, delicate dishes)
• 中火(ちゅうび): medium heat (general cooking)
• 強火(つよび): high heat (searing, stir-fry)
• とろ火(び): very low heat (slow cooking)

Common patterns

• 中火(ちゅうび)にする: to set to medium heat
• 中火(ちゅうび)で焼(や)く: to grill on medium heat
• 中火(ちゅうび)で煮(に)る: to simmer on medium heat
• 中火(ちゅうび)に落(お)とす: to reduce to medium heat