cook: prepare food for eating by using heat.
Cook the sauce for 15 minutes.

bake: cook something in an oven.
Bake the cake for 45 minutes.

boil: cook something in boiling water.
Boil the rice for about 15 minutes.

braise: cook meat or vegetables in a small amount of liquid in a closed container.
Braise the meat for 30 minutes.

fry: cook something in hot fat or oil.
Fry the potatoes for 10 minutes.

grill / broil: cook something on a metal frame with bars across it, above strong direct heat.
Grill the meat for 20 minutes.

barbecue: cook food on a metal frame over a fire outdoors.
They always barbecue some meat when they go to the club.

roast: cook something in an oven or over a fire, on a spit.
Roast the chicken over an open fire.

poach: cook something in gently boiling water.
Poach the eggs for 5 minutes.

sauté: cook something in a little amount of hot oil or fat.
Saute the vegetables for some minutes.

simmer: cook something slowly by boiling it gently.
Allow the soup to simmer for half an hour.

steam: cook something in steam.
Steam the vegetables lightly.

stew: cook something slowly in liquid.
Stew the meat for one hour.

stir-fry: cook something in hot oil for a short time and keep it moving in the pan.
Stir-fry the onions for 20 seconds.

toast: make bread or other food brown by placing it close to heat.
She toasted the cheese sandwiches.

microwave: cook something in a microwave oven.
Microwave the meat for 7 minutes.