Broiling Vs. Baking: Key Differences Between The Cooking Methods
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Broiling and baking are two popular oven-based cooking methods that are used all across the world for different applications. Both cooking methods utilise the dry heat of the oven to cook the food kept inside. The cooking techniques are considered healthy compared to their counterparts, like deep-frying, and they can be used interchangeably at times, but they will give you different results.

However, there are specific foods that benefit from these cooking methods and you should use the method that suits what you are making the best to get the desired results. In this article, we will look at the key differences that set these two cooking techniques apart. Keep reading to learn more.

What Is Broiling?

Broiling refers to a method of cooking that uses high heat or infrared radiation at 287 degrees Celsius to cook food. The food is kept in a broiling pan or broiler, which is a drawer that could be above or beneath your oven. This is a great cooking method since it gives your food a char as well as makes it crispy to your delight. On top of that, broiling does all this in less time as compared to stovetop cooking.

So, if you want to broil, simply turn on the broil setting and increase the temperature settings and you are good to go.

What Is Baking?

On the other hand, baking is one of the most popular cooking methods, especially in the era of social media, where you keep seeing all these delicious baked treats and healthier baked variations of traditional food. Baking is essentially a cooking technique that cooks the food by circulating hot air in the oven, similar to air frying. Here, the temperature range isn't as high as in broiling, as it generally requires a range of 76 degrees Celsius to 205 degrees Celsius to cook the food.

What's The Difference Between Broiling And Baking?

Heat Source

When it comes to broiling, the heat source that cooks the food typically comes from above. On the top of the oven or broiler, there's a heat source that releases heat onto the food.

Baking, on the other hand, requires heat from all directions to cook the food evenly from all sides. Unlike broiling, here the heat is distributed evenly.

Temperature

One of the key differences between the two methods is the temperature required to cook. Broiling typically requires a temperature range of 260 to 287 degrees Celsius, whereas baking requires a temperature between 76 and 205 degrees Celsius, which is much less than broiling.

Cooking Time

Broiling is a quick-cooking technique that is done to brown the top of food, mostly meat, and it is done for smaller periods and at a high temperature.

Baking, on the other hand, requires a long time to cook since it is a slow cooking method. The reason behind this is that baking evenly cooks the food and allows the flavours to settle down properly during the baking period.

Typical Foods

When it comes to broiling, the best foods are pork chops, tenderloin, chicken breasts, or other pieces of meat, as broiling helps in searing them. You can also broil your veggies to brown them.

Baking is generally preferred for making foods in large quantities, such as casseroles and turkey. It is also the preferred method for many desserts, like cakes, bread, pies, and pastries.