Heat and Cooking Methods

Note: These terms are listed in the order you would typically use them in the kitchen. For example, you preheat before baking, and you often simmer before bringing something to a full boil. 

Preheat

Turning on something (like an oven or grill) ahead of time so it reaches the right temperature before cooking. 

Simmer

Small, gentle bubbles. Lower heat than boiling (like cooking soup). 

Boil

Large bubbles rise quickly to the surface. Very hot (like cooking pasta). 

Steam

Cook food using hot steam (often with a steamer basket). 

Sauté

Cook food quickly in a pan with a small amount of oil. 

Bake 

Cook food in the oven using dry heat. 

Roast

Cook food in the oven at higher heat to brown the outside.