How To Grill Steak On A Charcoal Grill?

How To Grill Steak On A Charcoal Grill?

Fancy a juicy steak? This blog post will show you how to grill steak on a charcoal grill. Learn the best way to season, cook, and serve this delicious meat dish. Plus, get some tips on using your favorite cut of meat for grilling! Get ready for an amazing BBQ experience with these simple steps. 

What is a Charcoal Grill?

A charcoal grill is a device used for cooking food over an open flame, typically made of metal with a grate in the middle for the charcoal. The word “charcoal” in this context refers to the burning charcoal, not the black carbon residue left behind after burning wood or other organic matter. 

How Does a Charcoal Grill Work?

In order to understand how a charcoal grill works, it is first necessary to understand the basic principles of combustion. Combustion is a chemical reaction between a fuel and an oxidizer that produces heat. In a charcoal grill, the fuel is the charcoal and the oxidizer is the air. When the charcoal is heated, it begins to burn. The heat from the burning charcoal melts the fat on the food, which then vaporizes and rises up into the flames. The flames heat the food, which cooks it.

The airflow in a charcoal grill is important for two reasons. First, it helps distribute the heat evenly throughout the grill. Second, it helps remove the smoke and charred debris from the grill so that it does not accumulate and create a fire hazard. The air is circulated by the fan in the bottom of the grill or by the draft created by the opening and closing of the lid.

The best way to light a charcoal grill is to use a chimney starter. A chimney starter is a metal cylinder with a wire mesh screen on the bottom and a handle on top. You fill the chimney starter with charcoal, set it on the grill, light it, and wait for the coals to heat up. When they are hot, you can dump them into the grill. This is much safer than trying to light the charcoal directly from the grill. It also ensures that the coals are evenly heated so that your food cooks evenly. 

Step-By-Step Instructions: How To Grill Steak On A Charcoal Grill?

1. The first thing you’ll want to do after firing up your grill is preheating it for roughly 15 minutes. This will allow for a nice even temperature throughout the grill. 
2. If you’re cooking steak, start by seasoning your meat with salt and pepper on both sides just before placing it on the grill. You can also season your meat with your favorite spice rub or steak marinade (a little olive oil and some garlic and rosemary are simple and delicious options). Just be sure you don’t add any sugar to the rub. That will cause your meat to burn.
3. Place the steaks on the grill, cover them, and let them cook for a few minutes before you move them. This will allow the outer part of the meat to set and cut down on sticking, making it easier to flip later.
4. After a few minutes, turn your steaks over and grill them for another couple of minutes or so before checking their internal temperature by taking a quick peek with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the steak. You’re looking for a temperature of around 130 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare. 
5. Remove your steaks from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy! 

Some Mistakes to Avoid When Grilling Steak on a Charcoal Grill

1. Not preheating the grill. Make sure your grill is nice and hot before adding your steaks. This will help them cook evenly and prevent sticking.
2. Putting the steaks on the grill too early. Don’t add your steaks until the charcoal is gray and ashy. If you add them too early, they’ll cook unevenly and be tough.
3. Leaving the lid closed. Grill your steaks over direct heat, not covered in flames. Leave the lid open so that they can cook evenly on all sides.
4. Turning them too often. It’s best to let your steaks cook for a few minutes without moving them around so that they can start to sear and form a crust. This will make them juicier!
5. Cooking the steak through. If you cook your steaks for too long, they’ll be tough. Aim for medium-rare, which should take about five minutes per side depending on the thickness of your cut.
6. Adding butter or sauce before serving it. Add any seasonings that might need it while the meat is still cooking—the juices from the steak will help distribute them evenly—and save any extra sauces until after it’s off the grill so that you’re not putting out anyone’s fire! 

How To Grill Rare Steak On A Charcoal Grill: Step-By-Step

Rare steak is not the easiest thing to pull off on a charcoal grill, but it’s definitely possible. Here are the secrets to grilling rare steak over charcoal.

1) Get the proper tools

You want thick steaks for this– at least 1-inch thick. You will also need long-handled tongs or spatulas, and a clean brick wrapped in aluminum foil if you are using a kettle-style grill instead of an offset barrel smoker.

2) Prepare the charcoal grill for cooking over direct heat on a kettle grill or in an offset smoker unit

If you are cooking over direct heat on a kettle grill, use your tongs to form two piles of coals that are on the outsides of the grill. If you are cooking in an offset smoker unit like a Weber Smoky Mountain or equivalent, place one pile of unsoaked briquets to one side and leave the other burner off. Line the water pan with aluminum foil for easy clean-up later.

3) Get the steaks seasoned and ready to grill

Season the steaks generously on both sides with salt and pepper before putting them onto your direct heat side of the grill. It is important to get good even coverage over both sides so it will cook evenly when you flip it. The steak doesn’t actually touch any part of the grate itself, so you don’t want to skimp on the seasoning.

4) Grill the steaks over direct heat

Once the coals are hot, place your steaks on the grill over direct heat. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they reach the desired level of doneness. For rare steak, grill for 3 minutes per side.

5) Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before serving

After removing the steaks from the grill, let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and give you a more juicy and tender steak. Enjoy! 

How To Grill Medium ​Steak On A Charcoal Grill: Step-By-Step

1. Prepare your charcoal grill by applying a thin layer of cooking spray to the grates, followed by an even coating of kosher salt. If you do not have cooking spray simply pour some oil onto a paper towel and wipe it over the grates. It is best to apply the salt while the grill is still warm so that it sticks.
2. Light the charcoal with a long-handled fireplace lighter, or with a chimney starter (the most efficient way to light your coals). Place enough hot coals for half of your desired cooking time in one pile on one side of the grill. Place about 1/4 cup of unignited charcoal next to the lit coals. This will be used at the end to create some open flame in order to give your steak that nice charred flavor. Keep in mind that if you are cooking something other than medium steaks then you may want to consider adjusting the fire so that it has two separate piles of heat rather than just one.

3 . Lay 2-3 fist-sized pieces of dry wood chips on top of the hot coals. If you do not have wood chips simply substitute them with dry branches or other items that achieve a similar effect. The type of wood does not matter as much as the fact that it is dry and untreated by chemicals. 

4 . When the coals are lit, place your steak directly on the cooking grate over high heat. It should be placed on the side of the grill opposite where all of your coals are located. Close the lid and allow it to cook for three minutes before flipping the steak over onto its other side (so that both sides have had ample time to caramelize ). After 3 more minutes flip it back onto its first side again, close the lid once more, and give it 2-3 more minutes depending on how thick your steak is. 

5 . After that time has passed use heavy leather gloves to remove the whole steak from the grill using tongs. Carefully place it on a large metal sheet pan which you have placed near the grill. Use your gloved hands to push aside all of the coals so that there are no hot spots inside of where your meat will be placed. Position your unignited charcoal pieces around half of your cooking grate so that they create an even circle about 4 inches in diameter around the area where your steak will be resting. Cover this with foil, being careful not to crimp or pinch too tightly as this can cause heat to build up and possibly burn your steak!

6 . Take two large handfuls of dry wood chips and place them directly on top of the coals you just moved. Use your tongs to position the steak near this newly created flame and close the lid once more. Cook it for 4 minutes or until medium-rare, flipping it over halfway through so that both sides become browned and crusty.

7 . Remove steak from grill and allow to rest for at least 5 minutes before carving against the grain and serving with a sprig of thyme as garnish!

Notes:

-If you do not have thick enough gloves then you can hold it in tongs, but be careful because this will likely cause spills as juices run forward when steak is cut into!

-To tell if steak is done to medium rare, poke your finger into the center of it. If it feels soft then that means that the meat is rare, if you feel a viscus firmness inside of it then that means medium-rare, and if it is almost hard in the middle then you should allow your steak to grill for at least another minute or two before checking again!

-Before cooking with your new setup, be sure that all pieces are cool enough to touch with your bare hands and clean off any remaining coals and salts so they do not flavor the meat in an unpleasant way! Allow to completely cool down before placing in a storage bin or anywhere else. 

Tips For Grilling The Perfect Steak:

– Prepare the grill for direct cooking over hot charcoal or high heat.

– Place the meat on a well-oiled, hot grate and cook it to the desired doneness turning with tongs. Don’t pierce the meat with a fork unnecessarily; piercing allows flavorful juices to escape

– Allow the steak to rest away from the fire for five minutes before serving.

– For medium-rare, cook the steak for about four minutes per side for a 1-inch thick steak.

– Use tongs to turn the steak; don’t use a fork that will pierce the meat and let flavorful juices escape.

– Test for doneness by pressing the meat with your finger; if it’s soft, it’s rare; if it springs back, it’s medium-rare; when pressed firmly, it’s well done.

– For a 2-inch steak, increase the time to six minutes per side. For a 1/2-inch steak, decrease the cooking time to three minutes per side.

– When checking for doneness, remember that the steak will continue to cook after it is removed from the grill.

– Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before serving so the juices have a chance to redistribute.

– For a charred crust, allow the steak to cook for an extra minute or two per side. 

How To Choose a perfect steak?

When you’re faced with a menu full of steak, choosing the right cut to fit your budget and palate can be difficult.

How do you know if that $50 porterhouse is really worth it? How do you pick between that sirloin and that strip? Which cut should you order for the best value?

To decide which cut is best for you, consider four main factors:

1. Price 

As with any food purchasing decision, the cost is an obvious consideration when buying any kind of steak. But price does not necessarily reflect quality in all cases so it’s important to look at other factors before making a final purchase.

2. Flavor 

The flavor is important because you’re going to be eating this. The meat will have a distinct flavor depending on the cut and which part of the cow it’s from. Some may want a leaner cut but find that they prefer a more marbled piece of filet mignon or strip steak, even if it costs more. When choosing between cuts with similar prices, choose the one with deeper flavor for better satisfaction. And don’t forget seasoning! A well-prepared steak does not need much salt to taste delicious, so make sure your cook knows how to use different spices before choosing a cut.

3. Tenderness 

Tenderness is important when you consider the texture and bite. Not everyone enjoys chewing forever, while others might insist on a chewier steak. Consider your preference and how you will be cooking the meat when making a decision. Tenderness is largely determined by the cut of meat, with some being more tender than others.

4. Fat Content/Flavor

Fat content/flavor is something that is often overlooked but can be a very important consideration when choosing a steak. Fatty steaks have more flavor because the fat enhances the taste of the meat. This is especially true for cuts from the rib or loin area. But, if you’re watching your figure, these may not be the best choices. Cuts from the shoulder or leg are usually less expensive and still provide great flavor, without as many extra calories.

Ultimately, the best way to choose a perfect steak is to try different cuts and see what suits your taste best. Experiment with recipes, cooking techniques, and types of meat to help determine where your preferences lie. Once you understand what flavors work best for you, you’ll never wonder again which cut is perfect for steak night. 

The perfect types of steak to grill:

With the Fourth of July near, many people will be firing up their grills to cook some delicious steaks. In order to make sure those steaks are cooked perfectly, here is a list of the best types of steak to grill:

• Ribeye or Cowboy Steak – This popular cut features a generous amount of marbling, which makes it juicy and flavorful.
• T-Bone or Porterhouse Steak – This steak is a two-in-one cut, with a bone running down the center that separates the strip steak from the tenderloin.
• Filet Mignon – The most tender and expensive cut of steak, filet mignon is cut from the tenderloin.
• Strip Steak or New York Strip – This steak, cut from the loin of beef, is very popular because it’s lean while still having a lot of flavors.
• Top Sirloin Steak – The most economical choice on this list, top sirloin steak is easy to cook but still has great taste and texture.
• Skirt Steak – Perfect for grilling, skirt steak is often used in fajitas because of the shape that allows it to stretch around fillings easily. 

How to Grill A Frozen Steak a Charcoal Grill?

The best way to grill a frozen steak is to preheat your charcoal grill to medium-high heat and place the steak directly on the grill. Grill the steak for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it is cooked to your desired doneness. If you would like a charred outside crust on your steak, you can use the direct grilling method described above, or you can briefly place the steak over the hot coals after it has been on the grill for a few minutes. Just be careful not to overcook your steak!

If you want to add some extra flavor to your frozen steak, you can brush it with a bit of oil or baste it with a sauce before grilling. You can also season it with salt and pepper before grilling.

How to Grill A Frozen Steak on an Electric or Gas Grill?

An electric or gas grill is the most foolproof way to grill a frozen steak. Simply turn it on, place your steak on the rack, close the lid, and let it cook according to your preferred doneness. If you would like a charred outside crust with your frozen steak, follow how to grill a frozen steak over direct heat in the section above this one 

Can You Steak Without Grilling It?

Yes! There are several ways you can prepare steak without grilling it. Broiled steak is made by placing seasoned raw meat under a broiler for about 5-7 minutes per side until done. Steak can also be pan-fried in a skillet for 3-5 minutes per side. Finally, the steak can be cooked in the oven by seasoning and sealing it tightly in aluminum foil, cooking it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-40 minutes or until done.

Ingredients Needed:

Steps:

Preheat grill to high heat and place steaks on hot grate Cook about 4 mins/side for medium-rare Serve with salt and pepper as desired Enjoy!

Why It Works: The key to this recipe is starting with very cold meat and then cooking it quickly over very high heat. This will give you a nicely browned outside crust while leaving the middle nice and pink. Sometimes frozen steaks are sold without any wrapping; if that is the case, be sure to thaw them in the fridge for a day or two before cooking.

Variations:

-Try using a marinade or spice rub on your frozen steaks before grilling for extra flavor.

-For a slightly different flavor, try using mesquite wood chips when grilling your frozen steaks.

-If you want to make grilled steak sandwiches, try slicing your cooked steak thin and then serving it on a bun with some grilled onions and peppers. 

-You could also try topping your cooked steak with a fried egg for a delicious breakfast version.

-Finally, you could always just serve your grilled frozen steak plain with some salt and pepper on the side. Enjoy! 

FAQs

What Can I Cook on a Charcoal Grill?

It’s a common question, and the answer is…virtually anything you can cook on a gas grill – but better. Charcoal grills offer greater heat control than most electric or gas grills, adding a flavor that some say is second only to wood-burning grills. They’re also far less expensive than those more advanced models. Whatever your choice of fuel, it’s important to know how best to maintain your equipment before firing up for your first jalapeño popper.

What Fuel Should I Use?

This will depend on personal taste and local availability; briquettes are popular because they burn longer and cleaner than lump charcoal (which, rather confusingly, can come in either natural or soaked hardwood varieties). Generally, the longer the burn, the lower the heat. If you’re looking for quick searing or a long slow cook, check your recipe first to make sure you have the right equipment.

What should I know about Temperature Control?

Charcoal grills are distinguished by their three main temperature ranges – hot, medium, and low – which are controlled through air vents at the bottom of the grill. To increase cooking temperatures, open these vents completely; to decrease them, close off all vents partially or completely. As a rule of thumb, allow ten to fifteen minutes following each 25°F drop in temperature for food to cook properly.

How do I Get My Grill Ready?

There’s no need for lighter fluid if you use an electric charcoal starter – just place the coals in the starter, plug it in and wait until they’re hot. If you’re using regular charcoal, light a handful of it in a chimney starter and then pour it over the unlit charcoal when ready; this will help them to light evenly. 

What Are The Advantages Of Grilling?

When it comes to grilling, there are a few things that set it apart from other methods of cooking. First, it’s a very quick cooking method. Foods grilled over hot coals or flames cook in a matter of minutes, which is ideal when you want a quick and easy meal. Second, grilled foods have a distinctive flavor and texture that can’t be matched by other cooking methods. The intense heat from the grill sears the surface of the food, locking in juices and flavors for an amazing taste experience. Finally, grilling is a healthy way to cook. Unlike frying or baking, grilling doesn’t require any added fat or oils, so your food will be lower in calories and healthier overall.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Grilling?

There are a few disadvantages to grilling as well. First, it can be a messy process. The juices and fats from the food can drip down onto the coals or flames, causing flare-ups and creating smoke and unpleasant odors. Second, grilled foods can be quite tough if not cooked properly. It’s important to pay close attention to the food while it’s cooking and not to leave it on the grill for too long.

Griddle vs Grill – What’s the Difference?

Griddles and grills are fairly different tools, all designed for similar purposes but used in slightly different ways. The primary difference between a grill and a griddle is the type of cooking surface each one has. Griddles have smooth flat surfaces while many types of outdoor grills use ribbed or closed metal surfaces that allow food to be cooked both above and below by hot charcoals or flames. Where you plan on using your grill also makes a difference when choosing the right kind of grill for you. If you want to cook larger amounts of food at once, it may be better to go with a grill that has a larger cooking surface. If you’re mostly interested in grilling burgers or hot dogs, a small portable grill may be a better option.

How Do I Grill A T-Bone?

Preheat your grill to high heat, then prepare the grill for cooking over direct heat. 

Rub a light coat of olive oil onto both sides of your steak and sprinkle it with salt and pepper. Place the steak on the preheated grill and cook each side for 3 minutes, or until you see grill marks forming. 

When it’s finished grilling, place the steak on a plate and loosely cover it with foil to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows all of its flavors to be absorbed into the meat so that when you eat it, each bite is full of amazing flavor.

What do I need to do If My Steak Is Bad?

If you’ve just realized that you may have bought a bad steak, there are a few things you can do to try and save it. The first step is to heat up your grill to high heat and cook the steak for about 2 minutes per side. This will help to kill any bacteria that may be living on the surface of the meat. Once it’s cooked, let the steak cool down completely before refrigerating it. It’s best to eat any steak within 3-4 days of cooking it.

How Do I Grill A Strip Steak?

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and prepare the grill for cooking over direct heat. 

Rub a light coat of olive oil onto both sides of your steak and sprinkle it with salt and pepper. Place the steak on the preheated grill, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side or until it’s browned evenly on all sides. 

When it’s finished grilling, place the steak on a plate and loosely cover it with foil to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Just like a T-Bone steak, letting it rest allows all of its flavors to be absorbed into the meat so that when you eat it, each bite is full of amazing flavor.

What is the best way to store leftover grilled steak?

If you have leftover grilled steak, the best way to store it is by wrapping it tightly in aluminum foil and placing it in your refrigerator. It should be good to eat for up to 3-4 days after it’s been cooked.

What are some side dishes that go well with a grilled steak?

There are many different sides that taste great with a grilled steak. Many people enjoy serving their steak with a baked potato or sweet potato, along with steamed vegetables or even macaroni and cheese! The possibilities are endless!

How do I fix over-grilled meat?

Overcooked meat is tough, dry, and often tastes burnt. Unfortunately, there’s no way to correct this once the meat has been overcooked, so you’ll need to start over if your food is too done by grilling. Also remember that cooking times can vary depending on the type of food you’re cooking, the heat of your grill, and other factors. In general though, if you keep an eye on your steaks while grilling them they should turn out perfectly cooked every time. 

Conclusion 

Grilling steak is a difficult skill to master, but it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself. There are many variables that go into grilling a great steak on a charcoal grill and we hope this guide will help take some of the guesswork out of preparing your next meal. If you have any questions about what went wrong with your grilled steaks lately or how to improve them, please feel free to contact us! We want everyone who cooks at home to be able to enjoy their food without all the hassle.

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