FOOD NEWS
When Should You Use A Basting Brush Or Basting Bulb?
By Chase Shustack
According to Rouxbe, basting is where you pour either liquid or melted fat over the surface of the meat you're preparing to give the meat some extra flavor, keep it moist, and create an even crust on the exterior of the meat. While many tools can be used for basting, the two most popular choices of basting equipment are basting brushes and basting bulbs.
A basting brush is meant to spread your choice of basting liquid across the surface of the meat, and basting brushes vary greatly in size and the types of bristles. If you have a large brush with lots of bristles, it's best to use it on something with a large surface area, like a turkey or ribs, while standard and smaller brushes should be used for smaller meats like chicken breast or ham.
The bulb, or "turkey baster," is a cross between a syringe and a squirt gun, making it great at picking up liquids and marinades at the bottom of the pan. However, while the baster can "hose" the meat down in its own juices to keep it moist, the liquid doesn't get dispersed evenly, according to The Spruce Eats.
If you have a thick sauce or liquid, you should use the brush for an even coating, but make sure to choose the right one depending on the type of meat and how you cook it. A basting bulb is a good choice for collecting juices and redistributing them back into the meat.