Daily Kitchen Note
Broilers are excellent for achieving a quick, even char indoors, but they can easily burn food if used incorrectly. By preheating the broiler and positioning the rack at the correct distance, you can create a perfect crust without overcooking the interior.
How to Preheat and position
- Determine the optimal distance from the broiler element (usually 4 to 6 inches) and position the oven rack accordingly.
- Turn the broiler on high and let it preheat for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Place your food on a heavy, preheated pan or wire rack set in a rimmed baking sheet.
- Slide the pan onto the positioned rack and watch closely, rotating the pan halfway through for even browning.
Why it works
Placing food too close to the broiler creates concentrated hot spots that burn quickly, while setting it further away diffuses the heat for more even browning. Preheating ensures the element is at maximum temperature for immediate searing.
Source
America's Test Kitchen: Technique #27: Use the Broiler to Char without Burning
