Cook, bake, fry , roast

[Nathan Mckane]

What is the difference between these verbs?

cook, bake, fry , roast

Thanks.

 

[SoothingDave]

Cook is a basic term meaning to prepare food. The method is not specified.

Bake and roast mean to cook in a hot oven. Cakes and breads, etc. are "baked" while meats are "roasted."

Fry is to cook on a hot surface with some sort of fat/oil. Or deep frying, which is to totally immerse foods in hot oil.

 

[Nathan Mckane]

So we don't fry meats?

And is there any water or oil involved in baking and roasting?

 

[SoothingDave]

Of course we fry meats. And other things.

I meant that if you put meat into an oven, it's called "roasting." If you put cake batter or cookie dough into an oven, it's called "baking."

And yes, some sort of liquid or fat is usually involved with roasting.

Baking would be impossible without some sort of moisture/fat in the batter/dough.