Cooked, in a way, can refer to three different methods of preparing food. Broiled is a method of cooking food by exposing it to direct heat, usually from an overhead source. This method is often used for meats and fish, as it gives the food a nice, crispy texture. FRIED is a method of cooking food by submerging it in hot oil or fat. This method is often used for vegetables, potatoes, and other starches. Lastly, steamed is a method of cooking food by exposing it to steam, usually from boiling water. This method is often used for delicate foods such as vegetables, fish, and dumplings.