5 Tips for Grilling the Best Steaks on Charcoal

What’s the best kind of steak to cook on a charcoal grill? All of them. The truth is, as long as it’s done properly, any kind of steak goes well with a charcoal grill. The high heat and smoke make for a rich, bold flavour that won’t do you wrong. Follow these tips to cooking any kind of steak to perfection over charcoal.

Charcoal Steak Grilling Tips

  1. Any Steak Cooked on Charcoal Tastes Great. If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can try cooking your steaks directly on the charcoal. If you’re not quite ready for that yet, just follow these five steps for cooking any type of steak on a charcoal grill.
  2. Take your steaks out of the refrigerator and let them sit out for about 20 minutes before putting them on the grill. They’ll cook faster and more evenly while holding seasoning better.
  3. About 15 minutes before putting them on the grill, give your steaks some salt and pepper. This will allow enough time for the salt to properly dissolve and flavour the meat. For lesser quality cuts of meat, go ahead and use your favourite sauce or rub to add some flavour. But for higher grade cuts, some salt and pepper is all you need to preserve the natural flavours of the steak.
  4. Set up your charcoal with a hot zone for direct heating and a medium heat zone for indirect heat. You’ll want to use both for cooking your steak.
  5. Put the steaks on the hot zone and let them sit for about two minutes, then give them a quarter turn. After another two minutes, flip them over but don’t set them down in the same spot (this area will now be slightly cooler). Let them sit for two minutes, give them a quarter turn and then place them in the indirect heating zone (not directly over the coals). This will give them a nice crispy coat with desirable sear marks.
  6. Continue to cook over the indirect heat to desired doneness, flipping only once. Use a meat thermometer to monitor your progress.

It doesn’t matter what type of steak you cook on a charcoal grill. As long as you follow these five steps, you’ll be licking your fingers every time.

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