Which cooking method uses hot water to prepare food?

The method that uses hot water to prepare food is boiling. Boiling involves immersing food in water that is heated to its boiling point, typically around 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit) at sea level. This cooking technique allows for even cooking through the transfer of heat from the water to the food, making it popular for many ingredients, such as vegetables, pasta, and eggs.

In contrast, grilling uses direct heat from below, which is suitable for meats and vegetables but does not involve water as a cooking medium. Roasting employs dry heat in an oven to cook food, often resulting in a crisp exterior while keeping the interior tender, and also does not involve water. Sautéing uses a small amount of fat in a pan to cook food quickly at high temperatures, further differentiating it from boiling, which relies solely on water for cooking. Therefore, boiling is distinct in that it specifically utilizes hot water as its cooking method.