# Leeks cooking times

How long to cook leeks: **8–10 min pan-fried, 5–7 min boiled, 5–7 min steamed and 25–30 min in the oven at 200°C (180°C fan)**. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.

Source: https://feastflow.co.uk/leeks-cooking-times (FeastFlow free cooking-time guides). Last checked 11 November 2026.

## How long to cook leeks

Times are for 3 medium leeks (about 500 g), for 4.

Leeks: cooking times by method:

| Method | Time | Heat | How |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Pan-fry](https://feastflow.co.uk/pan-frying-times) (Sliced) | 8–10 min | over a low heat | Sweat sliced leeks in butter with a lid on, stirring now and then. |
| [Boil](https://feastflow.co.uk/boiling-times) (Sliced) | 5–7 min | simmering in salted water | Drain very well. |
| [Steam](https://feastflow.co.uk/steaming-times) (Sliced) | 5–7 min | over simmering water | – |
| [Oven](https://feastflow.co.uk/oven-cooking-times) (Halved) | 25–30 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Halve lengthways, brush with oil and roast cut side up. |
| [Microwave](https://feastflow.co.uk/microwave-cooking-times) (Sliced) | 4–5 min | on full power, covered | With a knob of butter and a splash of water. |
| Braise (Halved) | 20–25 min | covered, simmering in a little stock | Halved or in thick lengths. |

## Before you start

Trim the root and the dark green tops, slice, then wash well in a bowl of water: grit hides between the layers.

## How to tell it’s done

Soft and silky; sliced leeks should collapse without browning much.

## Questions

### How long to pan-fry leeks?

Sliced: 8–10 min over a low heat. Sweat sliced leeks in butter with a lid on, stirring now and then.

### How long to boil leeks?

Sliced: 5–7 min simmering in salted water. Drain very well.

### How long to steam leeks?

Sliced: 5–7 min over simmering water.

### How long to cook leeks in the oven?

Halved: 25–30 min at 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6. Halve lengthways, brush with oil and roast cut side up.

### How long to microwave leeks?

Sliced: 4–5 min on full power, covered. With a knob of butter and a splash of water.

### How long to braise leeks?

Halved: 20–25 min covered, simmering in a little stock. Halved or in thick lengths.

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Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and sizes vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance.

FeastFlow also plans a whole meal backwards from serving time, with every dish timed and oven temperatures that don’t clash: https://feastflow.co.uk/