What cooking method typically uses a dry heat source from above?

The correct answer is broiling, which is a cooking method that utilizes a dry heat source from above. In broiling, food is cooked by exposing it to direct heat, typically from an overhead element in an oven or a grill. This method allows for the rapid cooking of food, often resulting in a browned and crispy exterior while keeping the interior moist.

Broiling is commonly used for cooking meats, fish, and vegetables, as it can effectively sear the surface, enhancing flavor through caramelization. The high, direct heat helps to seal in juices and creates a desirable texture and color.

In contrast, boiling and steaming are methods that involve cooking food with moisture: boiling immerses food in water or broth at high temperatures, while steaming uses water vapor. Frying, on the other hand, involves cooking food in hot oil, which is also considered a method that predominantly uses moisture (albeit in the form of fat) rather than dry heat from above.