Grilling With Charcoal

I admit, I am biased. For me there is simply no comparison between grilling with charcoal and using anything else as your fuel source. In the charcoal grilling tips category here at Barbecue or Boogaloo you will find any number of articles on how to get the best out of charcoal grilling. Plus you will find recipes and information on many aspects of charcoal grilling. In this article I want to simply cover some of the basics, so that you have a better understanding of just why charcoal grilling is going to give you the best results.

It certainly gives you that barbecue flavor that many of us are in search of.

Charcoal vs Gas Grilling

The bottom line is that gas is much more convenient. It is quick, you can totally control the temperature, and it means you don’t have to get your hands dirty!

But where is the fun in that. Give me my Weber smokey Joe grill any day!

So why use charcoal for grilling if gas is so much more convenient.

Flavor!!!

Charcoal gives off a great flavor that can transform your meat, fish or vegetables into something wonderful. It is simply the best way to add real depth to your courses without the need for all manner of spices, sauces and marinades. Not that these do not have their place, of course. Also see  my article on the best charcoal for grilling to make sure you use a charcoal that is as natural as possible.

How To Control The Temperature With Charcoal Grilling

It is not actually as difficult as it seems. Once you have allowed the charcoal to go totally white then it is time to cook. We want to make sure it is not too hot so the best thing to do is to put your food on the grill and see how it begins to cook. If it is too fast then the solution is simple. We simply close the lid on the grill for just a few seconds.

TOP TIP: If your grill does not have a lid then a simple sheet of silver foil will work just as well to starve the coals of oxygen and cool down them down.

If you do this it will cool down the charcoal instantly.

Then we remove the lid and the coals will slowly begin to heat up again.

I have done this countless times and it really is the best way to stay in total control of your grilling temperature.

Charcoal Grilling Instructions

It is not difficult at all. If you want to know how to grill with charcoal then here are the simplest steps:

• Use two small firelighter cubes and light them in the center of the grill
• Build a pyramid of charcoal around the cubes
• Use the whole grill surface to fill with charcoal, making sure it peaks in the center
• Leave it for about 45 minutes
• Once the coals are all totally white they are read to be used to grill

That really is about all there is to it.

Ensure the coals are white and you are ready to go.

Use the tip above to cool down the coals if your food is too hot.

And get ready for a taste sensation