grilled

Grilling is a form of cooking that involves direct heat. Devices that grill are called grills. The definition varies widely by region and culture.

British English

In the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries, grilling generally refers to cooking food directly under a source of direct, dry heat; however there exists a device known as a vertical griller, which cooks meat on both sides. In the USA this would be referred to as broiling. The grill or griller is usually a separate part of an oven where the food is inserted just under the element. The Maillard reaction is very important in grilling and professional grilling chefs understand it either intuitively or scientifically. The door of a grill unit is normally left open during cooking to increase dryness. Until the advent of toasters, and toasted sandwich makers, grills were the main method for making toast and toasted sandwiches. The main disadvantage of using a grill for toasting is that there is usually no cut-off mechanism or timer, and hence one can set bread alight if the grill is left unattended.

American English

In contrast, the United States use of the word refers to cooking food directly over a source of direct, dry heat. In the UK and Commonwealth this would be referred to as barbecueing, although grilling is usually faster and hotter than the American sense of the word "barbecue". Grilling is usually done outdoors on charcoal grills and gas grills. Many agree that charcoal provides more flavor, but many prefer gas since one can grill quickly and easily year round. Propane is the most common fuel for gas grills and is most often sold in 20lb cylinders. Those fuel cylinders can be either refilled from a propane tank or exchanged at numerous locations throughout the United States.

A skewer or brochette, a rotisserie, or a wok may link smaller portions of food into this process. Grilling is very popular during the summer months, but is becoming increasingly popular throughout the entire year. Mesquite or hickory wood chips (damp) may be added on top of the coals to allow a smoldering effect that provides additional flavor to the food. Other hardwoods such as pecan, apple, maple and oak may also be used.

Meats such as pork, lamb, beef, and chicken can be basted or marinated to help retain moisture or impart seasonings. Spice rubs and dry seasonings can also be applied to impart different flavors.

Other meanings

• Double-sided frying, as in a sandwich toaster or George Foreman Grill. Grilling also refers to intense questioning, scrutinization or specuation.

Events and gatherings

• In the United States, outdoor social and family gatherings where food is grilled and served are often referred to as "cook-outs", "grill-outs", or "barbecues."
• In Australia and New Zealand, a barbecue or "barbie" can refer to any event where food is grilled outdoors.
• In South Africa, the equivalent term to barbecuing would be braaing.