What You Need to Know
Grilling applies direct radiant heat from below or above, reaching surface temperatures >200 °C, which initiates Maillard browning between 140–165 °C and caramelization above 170 °C. Roasting employs dry oven heat (180–220 °C) to gradually denature proteins and gelatinize starches over 20–60 min, while sautéing cooks food in a small amount of fat at 160–190 °C, promoting rapid Maillard reactions while preserving moisture.
The Science
Primary Reaction
Maillard browning