under a broiler

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under a broiler" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to cooking food using a broiler, which is a method of cooking that exposes food to direct heat. Example: "To achieve a crispy top, place the dish under a broiler for a few minutes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Cooking

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Alternatively, roast under a broiler.

The New York Times - Health

Otherwise, toast them on both sides under a broiler.

The New York Times - Magazine

1. Roast peppers under a broiler or on a gas burner with flame on low.

The New York Times - Food

You can grill peppers under a broiler or over a flame or coals.

The New York Times - Health

Brush bread with olive oil, and toast on both sides under a broiler.

The New York Times - Food

Place the casserole under a broiler until the cheese is nicely browned, 2 to 3 minutes.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Wooden handles, some of which can withstand low to moderate oven temperatures, should also never be placed under the flame of a broiler.

The New York Times - Food

Put under a preheated broiler until the cheese is bubbling.

The New York Times

(Some cooks do this under a gas broiler, but in my experience the peppers get too cooked this way).

The New York Times - Food

As each layer was added, I slid the pan closely under a hot broiler in a scorching oven to bake from above and from below.

The New Yorker

5. Put the dish under a hot broiler and cook just until the shrimp turn pink and begin to brown around the edges.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always ensure that the cookware used is broiler-safe, as not all materials can withstand the high temperatures. Avoid using plastic or wood-handled cookware "under a broiler" as they may melt or catch fire.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "under a broiler" when you actually mean baking. Broiling involves direct, intense heat from above, while baking uses indirect heat to cook food more gently. Using the wrong term can lead to confusion and improper cooking techniques.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under a broiler" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase specifying the location or position of food in relation to a broiler during the cooking process. Ludwig provides examples of its use in various cooking contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Food

32%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Science

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under a broiler" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe cooking food using the direct heat of a broiler. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It is frequently used in news, media and food contexts, and sources such as The New York Times exemplify its usage. When using "under a broiler", ensure you're accurately describing the cooking method, differentiating it from baking. Remember to use broiler-safe cookware and monitor the cooking process closely to avoid burning. Related phrases like "beneath a broiler" offer similar meaning. Following this guidance will help you confidently and correctly use the phrase in your culinary endeavors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beneath a broiler

Uses a synonym for 'under', maintaining the same spatial relationship and cooking context.

in a broiler

Slightly changes the spatial sense but still refers to cooking within the broiler appliance.

broiling

A more concise verb form indicating the action of cooking with a broiler.

broiled

Past participle adjective form, meaning subjected to the broiler cooking method.

using a broiler

Emphasizes the method of cooking involves the use of a broiler.

in the direct heat of a broiler

Highlights the source of the heat, emphasizing direct exposure.

subjected to broiler heat

Formal phrasing focusing on the action of exposing something to the heat.

with broiler cooking

More general phrase indicating the usage of a broiler for cooking.

broiler-cooked

Adjective form indicating something cooked by a broiler.

grilled by broiler

More specific for grilling by broiler.

FAQs

What does it mean to cook something "under a broiler"?

Cooking "under a broiler" means exposing food to direct, intense heat from an overhead heating element in an oven. It's similar to grilling, but the heat source is above the food.

What are some cooking methods similar to using a broiler?

Similar cooking methods include grilling, which uses direct heat from below, and using a salamander, which is a specialized overhead broiler often found in professional kitchens.

Is it the same thing to broil something "under a broiler" or "in a broiler"?

While both phrases are used, "under a broiler" more accurately describes the position of the food relative to the heating element. "In a broiler" /s/in+a+broiler might suggest the food is entirely enclosed, which isn't always the case.

What types of food are best cooked "under a broiler"?

Foods that benefit from quick cooking and browning on top, such as melting cheese on gratins, toasting bread for bruschetta, or searing the tops of steaks, are well-suited for cooking "under a broiler".