Stupid question....How do you broil something?

your oven should have a 'broil' setting. Its cooking from the top of the oven only, at a high temperature.

Broiling
Definition: A quick dry-heat cooking method done in the oven using the broiler setting. Use for more tender cuts. Less tender cuts can be used if marinated.

Appropriate cuts: Ribeye steak, top loin steak, T-bone steak, top sirloin steak, tenderloin, top blade steak, kabobs and hamburger patties

Appropriate cuts if marinated: Shoulder steak, flank steak and top round steak

Step by Step:
1. Set oven for broiling; preheat for 10 minutes. During broiling, the oven door for electric ranges should be left ajar; the oven door for gas ranges should remain closed. (However, consult your owner's manual for specific broiling guidelines.)
2. Place beef (straight from refrigerator) on rack of broiler pan. Season beef, as desired. Position broiler pan so that surface of beef is within specified distance from the heat as indicated in chart.
3. Broil according to chart, turning once. After cooking, season beef with salt, if desired.

TIPS:

When broiling you control the cooking not by adjusting the temperature but by adjusting the distance from the cooking source. You accomplish this by raising or lowering the cooking rack.
To make clean up easier, line the bottom of your broiler pan with foil.
Brush broiler rack with oil or spray with cooking spray to make clean up a breeze.
Use tongs instead of a fork for turning meat to prevent natural juices from escaping.
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You can also broil on a BBQ (in that case the heat is only on the bottom).

I'm curious about the step that says to take the meat straight from the fridge and put it under the broiler. As far as I know, you're supposed to let meat rest outside of the fridge to raise the temperature of it. I thought you're not supposed to try to cook a cold steak since the outside will be done but the inside won't.

And I learned something new - I didn't know you were supposed to keep the oven door of a gas oven closed with the broiler on!