Which of the following best defines "cooking methods"?

The best definition of "cooking methods" refers to the various methods for preparing food, such as baking and boiling. Cooking methods encompass the techniques and processes used to transform raw ingredients into ready-to-eat meals, each applying specific heat and timing to achieve different textures, flavors, and nutritional profiles. These methods can include dry cooking techniques like roasting or grilling, as well as moist methods such as steaming or poaching. Understanding these methods is fundamental in culinary arts, as they directly influence the outcome of the dish being prepared.

While techniques for cleaning food items are essential for food safety and preparation, they do not constitute the actual cooking methods. Similarly, styles of plating food and varieties of food products are related to presentation and the types of food respectively, but they do not define the processes involved in cooking itself.