Grilling
A popular cooking method in the summer months, grilling involves cooking meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, and more on a rack over heat produced by charcoal fire or gas flames.1
Barbecuing
Barbecuing can also be done on a grill, but with lower temperatures and longer cooking times. Those who take this distinction very seriously might also stipulate that barbeucing can only be done over a wood-fueled fire to create the smokiness "BBQ" is known for.2
Roasting
Roasting, like baking, involves cooking food in a hot oven. The food is uncovered so that it is the hot air cooking the food, not steam.
Baking
Baking and roasting are essentially the same thing; the terms are just used differently based on what you are cooking. For example, cookies, cakes, and bread are often "baked", vegetables are often "roasted", and meat and fish can be either (e.g. baked pork chops, roast chicken). Some people may prefer the term "roasting" when talking about higher temperatures as well. 3
Broiling
Broiling refers to cooking food from above when it is close to the heat source. The surface facing the heat cooks very quickly at the high temperature. There are special broiler pans that help ensure the other side cooks properly too, but this can also be accomplished by flipping the food. Most broiling is done in an oven equipped with a broil setting.4
Recommended Read
How to Cook Everything
If you are teaching yourself how to cook, this guide is a must have reference book.
check it out ยป
