Method of Cooking: Grilling Explained (Principles, Foods and Tips)

By Sumit Manwal, Founder, Hospitality Vacancy

Every chef I have hired could explain the basic methods of cooking clearly; it is the foundation of kitchen work and a favourite interview question for commis chefs.

Here is grilling explained: what it is, how it works, which foods suit it and the points to remember.

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Grilling is a fast, dry method of cooking that uses the intense heat radiated by an electrical element, gas flame, or glowing charcoal. The heat sources can be either above or below the food or both.

Barbecue

When the process takes place. Out of doors, it is usually referred to as ‘Barbecuing’. The heat source in this situation is usually glowing charcoal, a gas flame or an open wood fire, positioned below the food.

Grilling over the heats

This is cooking on greased grill bars with the help of fat over direct heat. Only first-class cuts of meat are used to grill in this method.

Grilling under the heat

In this method, food is put in a tray as a dish and kept under heat pans. Salamander is one of the best examples of this type of griller.

Advantages

• Grilling is a quick, easy method of cooking
• There is little loss of nutrients and less fat is used.
• Grilled food is tasty and easy to digest

Disadvantages

• Grilled foods cannot be successfully reheated and are difficult to keep warm without drying and toughening. They need to be served straight away.
• Only tender cuts of meat, which are generally more expensive, can be used. However other foods such as vegetables, kebabs are suitable for grilling.

Safety Rules

• Do not leave food unattended whilst cooking. It will quickly overcook and burn.
• Keep floor areas free from spilled grease as this can lead to slippery and dangerous floors.
• Exercise great care when adjusting grill bars or salamander racks. They a heavy and contain
• hot food and oil.
• Exercise great care when adjusting grill bears or salamander racks. They are heavy and contain hot food and oil.
• Safe practice should be observed in operational procedures in clothing and footwear.

FAQ

What foods are suitable for grilling?

Tender cuts of meat, poultry, fish, vegetables and some breads, usually in small or thin portions.

Why do kitchen interviews ask about cooking methods?

Because they show whether a candidate understands how heat changes food, which affects taste, texture, safety and consistency.

Your next step

• Students and hotel professionals: Create your free candidate profile on Hospitality Vacancy and browse the latest hotel jobs.
• Want personal guidance? Book a Hotel Career Guidance Call (30 min) and we will plan your next step together.
• Hotels hiring: Register as an employer on Hospitality Vacancy.

Related reading on this blog

• Method of Cooking: Broiling Explained (Principles, Foods and Tips)
• Method of Cooking: Boiling Explained (Principles, Foods and Tips)
• Method of Cooking: Frying Explained (Principles, Foods and Tips)

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About the Author

Sumit Manwal is the founder of Hospitality Vacancy (since 2017) and has 20+ years of experience in hospitality. He received the "Excellence in Hospitality Sector of Uttarakhand" award, presented by Shri Dhan Singh Rawat ji (January 2023), and the Dainik Jagran inext Uttarakhand Ratan Samman for Excellence in Hospitality & Education, presented by Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari ji (2023). He helps hotels build reliable teams and professionals grow their careers.

📧 Contact: manwal@hospitalityvacancy.com | 🔗 LinkedIn