A charcoal grill is a great way to enjoy grilled food when you are away from home. Whether you are camping, tailgating, or picnicking, a portable grill gives you the ability to cook your favorite foods over an open heat source.
In this quick read, we will show you how to use a portable charcoal grill so that you can enjoy grilled food anywhere, anytime. We will also provide some tips on how to get the most out of your grill. So, particularly if you are relatively new to grilling with charcoal, this guide will help you make the most of your portable charcoal grill.
6 Easy Steps to Use Your Portable Charcoal Grill
If you're just starting out using a charcoal grill it can be quite daunting. But, not to fear - if you follow the steps outlined below, you'll be grilling great meals confidently in no time at all!
1. Choose the right location
When choosing a location for your grill, you should ideally be at least 10 feet away from any buildings or flammable objects. If you are using a grill pan, make sure that it is placed on a level surface so that the food does not stick or burn.
2. Prepare the charcoal
If you are using briquettes, you can soak them in water for 30 minutes before cooking. This will prevent them from burning too hot. If you are using lump charcoal, there is no need to soak it before cooking.
3. Light the charcoal
There are several ways to light charcoal, and the following are the 3 most common.
- You can use a chimney starter. Chimney starters are great - just follow the instructions that come with your one and it's pretty hard to go wrong, especially after one or two practices!
- A small propane gas torch. These are usually the fastest methods for getting your coals lit up for your charcoal grill experience.
- Lighter fluid. While we don't necessarily recommend it as often people use a little too much and the taste can transfer through to the food, if you don't have anything else and you go easy on the fluid, then it certainly does work. Just remember to wait at least 5 minutes before getting food anywhere close to the coals to ensure the fluid is all burnt off.
4. Preheat the grill
Once the charcoal is lit, wait until it is covered in gray ash before cooking. This usually takes about 15 minutes.
5. Cook your food
Place your food on the grill and cook it for the recommended time based on its thickness and type of meat (you can find these times in a good cookbook or the BBQ guide at the end of this blog). Be sure to flip your food halfway through cooking so that it cooks evenly on both sides.
Let the food rest. Once your food is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, making for juicier and more flavorful food.
6. Clean the grill
Let the coals cool completely before disposing of them. Never pour water on hot coals as this can cause them to splatter and cause injury. Once they are cool, they can be disposed of in any container that is safe for trash disposal.
Clean the grill after each use. Before storing your portable grill, be sure to clean it thoroughly. Remove any food residue from the grate with a stiff brush, and then clean the grate with soapy water. Rinse it well and dry it completely before storing, and if you want you can apply a thin film of vegetable oil over the grate (either a spray or use a paper towel) to stop it from rusting.
Are You Ready to Get Grilling?
So, to sum up, a portable charcoal grill is a great way to enjoy grilled food when you are away from home. By following the simple tips outlined in this guide, you can easily turn any outdoor space into your own personal BBQ restaurant! So, fire up that grill and get cooking - you can do it!
Bon Appetit, thanks for reading, and don't forget to check out some of our links below!
