The Secret to Perfect Homemade Steak on Charcoal: Recipe and Foolproof Tips!
Learn the secret recipe for making super delicious charcoal steak at home! Get tips on choosing meat, seasoning, and how to perfectly grill steak with quality charcoal. Perfect for meat lovers!
BBQ
Tropicoal Team
6/25/20252 min read
Dreaming of a restaurant-quality steak right in your backyard? The secret lies in charcoal grilling! The distinctive aroma and perfect doneness achieved with charcoal are simply unmatched by electric grills. Anyone can make a delicious steak, as long as you know the tricks. Let's uncover the recipe and foolproof tips!
Why Charcoal Grilling Makes a Difference for Steak
Grilling with charcoal imparts a unique flavor and a characteristic smoky aroma to your dishes, especially steak. The intense heat from charcoal also helps create a crisp, flavorful crust (the sear) while keeping the inside wonderfully juicy. This is why many professional chefs always return to this traditional method.
Perfect Charcoal Steak Recipe: Choosing Your Cut and Seasoning
Choosing the right cut of meat is the first step towards success. For charcoal steak, cuts with good marbling (fat distributed within the meat fibers) like Ribeye, Sirloin, or Tenderloin are highly recommended.
Ingredients:
2 pieces of Ribeye/Sirloin/Tenderloin steak (2-3 cm thick)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp coarse sea salt
1 tsp black pepper, ground
1 clove garlic, smashed
1 sprig fresh rosemary/thyme (optional)
1 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions:
Prepare the Meat: Take the steak out of the refrigerator at least 30-60 minutes before cooking to allow it to reach room temperature. This is crucial for even cooking. Pat the surface of the meat dry with paper towels.
Season: Rub both sides of the steak with olive oil, then generously sprinkle with coarse salt and black pepper. Press lightly to help the seasoning adhere.
Prepare the Charcoal: Light your high-quality charcoal until it's glowing red and covered with a thin layer of ash. Spread the charcoal evenly on one side of the grill, leaving the other side empty (this creates a cool zone for indirect heat). Make sure your charcoal is ready before the meat goes on the grill.
Grill the Steak: Place the steak directly over the hot charcoal on the grill.
For medium-rare, grill for about 3-4 minutes per side.
For medium, grill for 4-5 minutes per side.
Flip only once for maximum sear.
Finishing Touch: After flipping, add the smashed garlic, rosemary/thyme, and butter on top of the steak. Use a spoon to baste the melted butter over the steak for the remainder of the grilling time.
Resting Time: Remove the steak from the grill and place it on a cutting board. Tent loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This process is vital for the juices to redistribute, making the steak much juicier.
Serve: Slice the steak against the grain and serve immediately with your favorite sauce or a fresh salad.
Additional Tips for Perfect Charcoal Steak:
Don't Flip Too Often: Only flip once to achieve that perfect crust.
Use a Meat Thermometer: This is the best investment! For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of around 55-57°C (131-135°F), and for medium, 60-63°C (140-145°F).
Quality Charcoal Matters: Make sure you use charcoal briquettes or hardwood charcoal that are clean and don't produce strange odors. Good charcoal provides stable heat and minimal excessive smoke. If you're looking for durable coconut shell charcoal briquettes that offer even heat, you know where to find them!
Variations: You can marinate the meat overnight with other seasonings like soy sauce, honey, or your choice of herbs and spices.
Trying this charcoal steak recipe at home is guaranteed to get you hooked. Experience the difference of grilling with charcoal yourself! Happy grilling, and don't forget to share your culinary creations!
