What are the typical signs of cooking food with too high a heat?

Cooking food at too high a heat generally results in a range of undesirable effects, prominently including a burnt exterior, uneven cooking, and a loss of moisture. When the temperature is excessive, the outer layers of food can char or develop a burnt texture, while the inside may remain undercooked. This lack of even cooking occurs because the high heat causes the exterior to cook much faster than the interior can, leading to a stark contrast in doneness.

Moreover, high heat can also contribute to the evaporation of moisture within the food, which is critical to maintaining tenderness and juiciness. The combination of a burnt exterior and dry interior ultimately detracts from the overall quality and flavor of the dish. Thus, this answer effectively encompasses the typical signs associated with cooking food at too high a heat.