The spelling of "broiler pan" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈbrɔɪlər pæn/. The first syllable is pronounced as "broy-ler" with the "oy" representing the diphthong sound made by blending the "o" and "i" vowels together. The second syllable is pronounced as "pan" with a short "a" sound. Together, these two syllables form a utensil used in cooking meat under an open flame, typically consisting of a metal rack over a drip pan.
A broiler pan refers to a specialized kitchen utensil or cooking implement used primarily for broiling food. It typically consists of two essential components: a flat, rectangular shallow pan and a slotted or perforated detachable upper rack. The primary purpose of a broiler pan is to provide a suitable surface for broiling food items, especially meat and poultry.
The rectangular pan of a broiler pan is usually made of heat-resistant materials such as stainless steel or enamel-coated steel. It is shallow in order to collect the juices and fats released during cooking, preventing them from splattering or causing a mess inside the oven. The upper rack, often referred to as the broiling tray, is designed with slots or perforations to allow the fat to drain away and to facilitate the direct exposure of the food to the intense heat of the broiler.
Broiler pans are typically used in conjunction with an oven broiler, a high-temperature cooking element located at the top of the oven cavity. The food to be broiled is placed on the slotted rack of the broiler pan, allowing the generated heat to circulate around the food, resulting in rapid cooking and the formation of a browned or crispy exterior. The bottom pan catches any drippings, reducing the risk of smoke or flare-ups.
In summary, a broiler pan is a specialized cooking implement consisting of a shallow pan and a slotted rack specially designed for broiling food, allowing for efficient drainage of fats and juices while browning or crisping the exterior of the food under intense heat.
The word "broiler pan" originated from the combination of two separate words: "broiler" and "pan".
The term "broiler" comes from the verb "broil", which means to cook food by direct exposure to a heat source, such as a grill or oven. The word "broil" came into English from the Old French word "bruillir", meaning to burn or scorch. It has its roots in the Latin word "brodum", meaning to burn or roast over hot coals.
The word "pan" refers to a flat, shallow container used for cooking or baking. It has Middle English and Old English origins, and both stemmed from the Latin word "patina", meaning a shallow dish or pan.
So, when combined together, "broiler pan" refers to a cooking utensil specifically designed for broiling food.