What cooking method is associated with the highest calorie content?

Frying is associated with the highest calorie content among the cooking methods listed due to the way this method introduces oil into the cooking process. When food is fried, it absorbs a substantial amount of the cooking oil used, which significantly increases its total caloric value. For instance, foods that are deep-fried can absorb more fat compared to those cooked with other methods, leading to a higher fat and calorie content in the final dish.

Steaming, grilling, and baking typically involve using little to no added fats, which helps maintain a lower calorie count. Steaming utilizes water vapor to cook food, thus preserving nutrients without adding calories from fats. Grilling cooks food at high temperatures without additional fat, often allowing excess fat to drip away. Baking, while it may involve some fat (depending on the recipe), generally does not reach the same high calorie levels as frying, particularly when oil is not a key ingredient.

Therefore, frying stands out as the method that leads to the most significant increase in calorie content due to the fat absorption during the cooking process.