I really like my gas grill, genuinely. It is a no fuss, no muss preference for grilling outside. Mine is even connected to my house gas line so I do not have worry about replacing the tank. But for true BBQ or smoking, I still turn to my charcoal kettle grill, you just cannot beat it for its simplicity and good flavor. Huh? Isn’t grilling and BBQ the exact same thing? No, there’s a difference, let me explain and share with you some BBQ tips and tricks for cooking on a charcoal grill.

Grilling vs BBQ vs Smoking

Grilling is cooking directly above a higher high temperature. You grill a steak or even a hamburger. BBQ is cooking directly or indirectly over a decrease far more moderate heat. You BBQ ribs or chicken. Smoking is really slow cooking above indirect heat in an enclosed space. You smoke a turkey, ribs, brisket and so forth. The slower cooking of BBQ and smoking enables the inclusion of seasonings to permeate the meat and for the meat to absorb additional moisture to allow it to be oh so tender. Yes, you possibly can season a steak with a rub but it truly is cooked at a increased heat and far more quickly, consequently the seasoning is an add-on to the surface of the meat not a flavoring through it.

Light My Fire

Light your charcoal about 30 to 40 minutes before you plan to cook above it. In the event you use lighter fluid be certain it has burned off properly before you set the meat on the grill, otherwise you turn out with lighter fluid flavored BBQ. Ick. The charcoal is ready when it’s mostly ashy gray in the daylight or glowing red in the dark.

Position your hand above the grill to establish the heat; 2 seconds is Hot, 3 to 4 is Medium Hot and 4 to 5 seconds is Medium.

Control The Temperature

Keep a spray bottle of water handy for flare ups. Move the meat to the side, spray the flare up with water, wait for it to die down and replace the meat. You also can smother it with the lid, but make guaranteed to move the meat as well so it doesn’t char. In case you need a hotter fire, push the charcoal together into a concentrated pile and fan it or lower the grill closer to the coals.

If you have to reduce the heat; spread the charcoal out, spray lightly with water, raise the grill away from the heat. These are just a couple BBQ tips and tricks for cooking on charcoal to get you started. The biggest one should be to relax and have fun and get pleasure from the outcome!