Is Broiling the Same As Grilling?
Grilling and broiling both do have a similar cooking procedure. However, there are many differences between broiling and grilling. Both kinds of cooking techniques use hot air as an ignition source, below the food. Both techniques also use direct flames above the food. Also, while broiling only requires oil and a bit of time, grilling requires oil, time and skill.
Fast Overcook
It is difficult to overcook broiling or grilling because both techniques are very fast. When cooking on a gas grill, the food can be ready in just minutes, while on a stove top it may take hours. This is because the gas grill produces flames that are hotter and faster than that of a broiler. But the result is the same – great tasting grilled food!
Proper Planning and Preparation
The key to a successful broiling or grilling session is proper planning and preparation. Both techniques require using a hot metal object as the flame – either a stick or tongs. The difference is that broiling requires oil to enhance the sear of the outside of the meat while grilling calls for simple butter. But the method of cooking is essentially the same.
Size of Cooktop
Once the food is prepared, the next step is to turn the burner on. Depending on the size of the cooktop and the type of fuel used, this may vary from a low, medium or high heat. Once the coals are lit, you should begin cooking. Normally, it is advisable to use a rotisserie bar to cook the meat quickly, so that it does not dry out. If you are going to broil fish, it is usually best to cook it in smaller batches, perhaps once or twice a week, while grilling vegetables is usually best done on a grill.
Time Taken To Cook
Another major difference between broiling and grill is the time it takes to actually cook the food. This depends largely on the type of food being cooked. Grilling tends to seal in the flavors and tenderize them while broiling will release those nutrients and leave them more open to the juices of the grill. Some foods such as sweetbreads, brown rice and even broccoli can be cooked quickly on a grill, while others can take up to an hour on a broiler. Also, the foods which can withstand high temperatures in a grill such as apples and pears can also be cooked on a grill.
Clean Cooking Area
Whether broiling or grilling, it is important to keep the cooking area clean. Use a plastic brush to wipe down the heat and burners after every cook. It is also essential to keep food away from the flames and any other hot surfaces, such as the oven and stove. If there is an electrical outlet close by, you should also plug the items that you are cooking in so they do not overheat. The same goes for gas.
Direct Heat
Similar to broiling, direct heat is used in grilling. Grills generate direct heat which is radiated into the foods being grilled, but it is generally much hotter than broiling. This means that you can cut foods directly onto the grill to brown them or grill a specific region of the food at one time. Grilling is often used to cook foods faster than broiling, but it is also very popular for imparting a great deal of flavor to them. It is often used for roasting marshmallows or baking hot dogs.
Looking To Accomplish
Both grilling and broiling have advantages and disadvantages, depending on what you are looking to accomplish. Grilling is more often used to cook food quicker, while broiling is more commonly used for deep-fried foods. No matter what type of food you are wanting to cook, you should choose the method that is best suited for your type of food. If you are looking to impress your friends, then grilling might be an excellent choice for you. However, if you are looking to quickly cook a variety of foods, broiling may be the best choice for you.
