Alcohol in cooking does not always evaporate completely

Contrary to the common belief that alcohol evaporates completely during cooking, studies show that residual alcohol can remain in food. While pure ethanol evaporates easily, alcohol in beverages like wine or beer can be ‘held back’ by other ingredients such as fats and vegetables, slowing its evaporation.

According to nutrition expert Anja Schwengel-Exner from the Verbraucherzentrale Bayern, the amount of remaining alcohol depends on the type and quantity of the beverage, the cooking method, and the other ingredients present. Research has indicated residual alcohol levels ranging between 4 and 85 percent in cooked dishes.