Definition

1. Verb:
   • To cook food by exposing it directly to strong, radiant heat from above within an oven: This cooking method uses the oven's broiler element, which is typically located at the top of the oven cavity. It is used to quickly brown, crisp, or finish the surface of food.

Usage

• The verb "oven broil" describes a specific cooking technique. It is typically used in recipes and cooking instructions.
• It is a transitive verb, requiring a direct object (the food being cooked).
• The cooking process is usually brief and at a high temperature.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The recipe says to oven broil the salmon for 6-8 minutes until the top is caramelized.
  • For a crispy cheese topping, oven broil the dish for the final two minutes of cooking.
  • You can oven broil vegetables like asparagus or peppers to give them a nice char.

Advanced Usage

• "to broil" vs. "to oven broil": In American English, "to broil" is commonly understood to mean cooking under the direct heat of an oven's broiler. Therefore, "oven broil" is often simply stated as "broil." The term "oven broil" can be used for extra clarity, especially in instructional contexts.
  • Broil the chicken until the skin is crispy. (This implicitly means to use the oven's broiler function.)

Variants and Related Words

• Broil (verb): The more common, shortened form meaning to cook by direct radiant heat, especially in an oven.
• Broiler (noun):
  • The part of an oven that produces strong direct heat from above.
  • A young chicken suitable for broiling.
• Grill (verb): To cook food on a rack over direct heat (usually from below, as on a barbecue). This is a related but distinct cooking method from broiling.

Synonyms

• Grill (UK English): In British English, "to grill" often means what American English calls "to broil."
• Sear: To brown the surface of food quickly at a high temperature. Searing can be done in a pan or under a broiler.
• Salamander (verb, professional kitchens): In professional kitchens, a salamander is a specialized overhead broiler used to brown or glaze food.

Related Phrases

• Broiler pan: A special pan, often with a slotted top and a drip tray underneath, designed for use under the broiler to allow fat to drain away from the food.
  • Place the steak on the broiler pan before you oven broil it.
• Broiler setting: Refers to the specific oven setting that activates the top heating element for broiling.
  • Make sure your oven is on the broiler setting.

Verb

1. cook under a broiler
   • broil fish