Broil: meaning, definitions and examples

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broil

[brɔɪl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

cooking

To cook by direct exposure to radiant heat, typically in an oven or over a fire.

Synonyms

charbroil, grill, roast.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
broil	Broiling is often used in cooking to quickly cook food with high, direct heat from above. It's common in ovens where the food is placed close to the heating element. She decided to broil the salmon to give it a crispy crust. The recipe instructed to broil the vegetables for five minutes.
grill	Grilling involves cooking food on a grill with heat from below. It can be done using gas or charcoal grills and is common for cooking outdoors. We grilled the chicken on the patio for a summer BBQ. He enjoys grilling vegetables to add a smoky flavor.
charbroil	Charbroiling is a method that combines grilling with adding a smoky flavor, often done on a grill with charcoal. It is typically used to describe grilling meat to add a charred texture and taste. They charbroiled the burgers for a smoky flavor. The restaurant is famous for its charbroiled steaks.
roast	Roasting is a cooking method that uses dry heat, typically in an oven, where hot air surrounds and cooks the food evenly. It is usually used for larger pieces of meat or vegetables. She roasted the turkey in the oven for Thanksgiving. The recipe calls for roasted potatoes with garlic and rosemary.

Examples of usage

Would you like me to broil the steak or grill it?
She broiled the fish for dinner.
The chef broiled the vegetables until they were charred around the edges.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

cooking

A piece of meat, fish, or other food cooked by broiling.

Synonyms

charbroiled dish, grilled food.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
broil	Use 'broil' when you are describing a method of cooking that involves direct and intense heat from above, typically in an oven. This term is commonly used in American English. I decided to broil the steak to get a nice crispy exterior. For a quick dinner, you can broil some fish fillets with lemon and herbs.
grilled food	Use 'grilled food' as a general term for any food that has been cooked on a grill. This can include vegetables, meats, and even fruits. It is a versatile phrase suitable for a wide range of cooking contexts. During the summer, we enjoy eating lots of grilled food, like corn on the cob and salmon. The café offers a variety of grilled food options, including sandwiches and kebabs.
charbroiled dish	Use 'charbroiled dish' when describing a meal that has been cooked on a grill over high heat, giving it a charred and smoky flavor. This term is often used in restaurants to describe gourmet or specialty grilled dishes. The charbroiled chicken at this restaurant is absolutely delicious. I ordered a charbroiled steak with a side of garlic mashed potatoes.

Word

Description / Examples

broil

Use 'broil' when you are describing a method of cooking that involves direct and intense heat from above, typically in an oven. This term is commonly used in American English.

I decided to broil the steak to get a nice crispy exterior.
For a quick dinner, you can broil some fish fillets with lemon and herbs.

grilled food

Use 'grilled food' as a general term for any food that has been cooked on a grill. This can include vegetables, meats, and even fruits. It is a versatile phrase suitable for a wide range of cooking contexts.

During the summer, we enjoy eating lots of grilled food, like corn on the cob and salmon.
The café offers a variety of grilled food options, including sandwiches and kebabs.

charbroiled dish

Use 'charbroiled dish' when describing a meal that has been cooked on a grill over high heat, giving it a charred and smoky flavor. This term is often used in restaurants to describe gourmet or specialty grilled dishes.

The charbroiled chicken at this restaurant is absolutely delicious.
I ordered a charbroiled steak with a side of garlic mashed potatoes.

Examples of usage

I'm going to order the broil for lunch.
The broil was seasoned perfectly and cooked to perfection.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Techniques

Broiling is one of the fastest cooking methods used in kitchens, often taking just a few minutes.
It differs from baking; broiling uses direct heat from above, while baking surrounds the food with heat from all sides.
Many broiling recipes focus on meats and vegetables, enhancing their flavors through caramelization and browning.

Etymology

The word 'broil' comes from the Old French word 'broyler', meaning to grill or roast over a fire.
Its use in English dates back to the 14th century, showcasing its long-standing presence in cooking vocabulary.
The term has evolved from its original use, now commonly associated with oven cooking across various cuisines.

Cultural Significance

In American cuisine, broiling is often used to prepare traditional dishes like broiled salmon and broiled steaks.
Many cultures have similar cooking techniques, such as 'tandoori' in Indian cuisine, which also involves intense heat.
The method of broiling is popular in many barbecue traditions, emphasizing quick cooking over high flames.

Safety Tips

Broiling can lead to splatter, so it’s essential to use a broiling pan or tray to catch dripping fat.
Always keep an eye on the food while broiling, as it can burn quickly due to the high heat.
Using a timer can help prevent overcooking, especially because broiling times vary by food type and thickness.

Scientific Aspects

Broiling cooks food primarily by conduction and radiation, where high temperatures draw moisture and flavor to the surface.
The Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction that creates browning, is a vital part of broiling, adding rich flavors to the food.
Nutritionally, broiling can be healthier than frying, as it allows excess fats to drip away from the food during cooking.

Translations

Translations of the word "broil" in other languages:

🇵🇹 assar

🇮🇳 भूनना

🇩🇪 braten

🇮🇩 memanggang

🇺🇦 смажити

🇵🇱 smażyć

🇯🇵 焼く (やく)

🇫🇷 griller

🇪🇸 asar

🇹🇷 ızgara yapmak

🇰🇷 굽다

🇸🇦 شوي

🇨🇿 péct

🇸🇰 piecť

🇨🇳 烤

🇸🇮 peči

🇮🇸 grilla

🇰🇿 қуыру

🇬🇪 შეწვა

🇦🇿 qızartmaq

🇲🇽 asar

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,024, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
29021 motored
29022 degassing
29023 carefulness
29024 broil
29025 maim
29026 vitrification
29027 encomium
...