How to Cook Steak on A Charcoal Grill?

Best Charcoal Grills for Steaks to Buy in January 2026

1

Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Inch Barrel Charcoal Grill with Warming Rack, Outdoor BBQ Grill with 627 Sq. In. Grilling Space for Backyard, Patio and Parties, Black

• COOK FOR A CROWD WITH A SPACIOUS 627 SQ. IN. GRILLING AREA!
• MASTER HEAT CONTROL FOR PERFECTLY COOKED STEAKS AND BURGERS!
• ENJOY EASY CLEANUP WITH A REMOVABLE CHARCOAL PAN AND HANDY HOOKS!

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$109.99

2

Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill for Outdoor Cooking and Barbecue, 22-Inch, Black

• GRILL UP TO 13 BURGERS EFFORTLESSLY WITH PREMIUM STEEL COOKING GRATE!

• EASY CLEANUP WITH ONE-TOUCH ASH SYSTEM; ENJOY HASSLE-FREE GRILLING.

• DURABLE DESIGN WITH PORCELAIN-ENAMELED LID ENSURES LONG-LASTING FLAVOR!

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$149.00 $159.00

Save 6%

3

HALNYHYFD Portable Charcoal Grill with Thermometer, Double-sided Smoker Grill for Outdoor Camping Backyard Party Travel

• DUAL-SIDED COOKING LETS YOU GRILL VARIOUS FOODS AT ONCE!
• DURABLE, HEAT-RESISTANT DESIGN ENSURES LONG-LASTING GRILLING FUN.
• LIGHTWEIGHT AND PORTABLE FOR PERFECT OUTDOOR ADVENTURES!

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$91.85

4

Royal Gourmet CC1830S BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker | 823 Square Inch cooking surface, Outdoor for Camping | Black

• VERSATILE COOKING AREA: 823 SQ. IN. FOR GRILLING, SMOKING, AND WARMING.
• FLAVORFUL RESULTS: BUILT-IN OFFSET SMOKER FOR RICH, SMOKY FLAVORS.
• PRECISE CONTROL: ADJUSTABLE RACK AND THERMOMETER FOR PERFECT COOKING.

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$143.75

5

Royal Gourmet CC1830V 30 Barrel Charcoal Grill with Wood-Painted Side Front Table, 627 Square Inches Cooking Space, for Outdoor Backyard, Patio and Parties, Black

• GENEROUS 443 SQ. IN. COOKING SPACE FOR LARGE CUTS OF MEAT.
• PRECISION HEAT CONTROL WITH ADJUSTABLE VENTS FOR PERFECT GRILLING.
• HASSLE-FREE CLEANUP WITH EASY-DUMP ASH PAN FOR QUICK MAINTENANCE.

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$115.61 $129.99

Save 11%

6

Charcoal Grill Outdoor BBQ Grill, Barrel Charcoal Grills with Side Table, with Nearly 500 Sq.In. Cooking Grid Area, Outdoor Backyard Camping Picnics, Patio and Parties, Black

• SPACIOUS COOKING AREA: 500 SQ. IN. FOR BIG PARTIES AND EVENTS!
• EASY TO CLEAN & DURABLE: ENAMEL RACKS RESIST HEAT AND SIMPLIFY CLEANUP.
• PORTABLE & CONVENIENT: FEATURES WHEELS AND SIDE TABLE FOR EASY USE!

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$79.99 $179.99

Save 56%

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Cooking steak on a charcoal grill can be a delicious and enjoyable experience. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

1. Start by preparing the grill. Arrange the charcoal briquettes in a single layer on the bottom of the grill. Leave some space in the center for indirect cooking. Light the charcoal using a chimney starter or lighter fluid, allowing it to burn until the coals are covered with white ash.
2. While the grill heats up, take the steak out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows the steak to cook more evenly.
3. Pat the steak dry using paper towels and season it generously with salt and pepper, or any other desired seasoning. You can also marinate the steak beforehand for added flavor.
4. Once the grill is heated, use tongs to place the steak directly over the hot coals. Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes to create a nice crust. This step locks in the juices and adds flavor to the meat.
5. After searing, move the steak to the cooler side of the grill, where there are no coals directly underneath. This creates indirect heat, which allows the steak to cook more evenly without burning the exterior.
6. Cover the grill with the lid, leaving the vents partially open to maintain airflow. This helps control the temperature inside the grill.
7. Cook the steak for an additional 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust the cooking time based on your desired level of doneness. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for a reading of around 135°F (57°C).
8. Remember to flip the steak only once during cooking to retain the juices and avoid overcooking. Opening the grill too frequently can cause temperature fluctuations.
9. When the steak reaches the desired doneness, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
10. Finally, slice the steak against the grain and serve it immediately while it's still hot.

Enjoy your perfectly grilled steak straight from the charcoal grill!

How do I determine the doneness of the steak by using the touch test?

To determine the doneness of a steak using the touch test, you can follow these general guidelines:

1. Start with clean hands and make sure your steak is properly cooked on both sides.
2. Use your hand to compare the feel of the steak's firmness to different parts of your hand.
3. Understand the correlation between the firmness of the steak and the different levels of doneness:

• Rare: When you touch the fleshy area of your palm just below the thumb, the steak should feel very soft and squishy, similar to the texture of your steak when it's rare.
• Medium Rare: Touch the area of your palm between your thumb and the base of your pinky finger. This will give you an indication of how a medium-rare steak should feel. It should feel slightly firmer than when it's rare, but still retain some softness.
• Medium: Using your thumb and middle finger together, press the fleshy part of your palm comparing the firmness to your steak. A medium steak should feel firm but still have a slight give.
• Well-Done: Firmly press the fleshy part of your palm with your thumb and pinky finger touching each other. This simulates how a well-done steak feels. It should feel very firm with no give.

1. Practice and familiarity with the touch test will help you become more accurate in gauging the doneness of a steak based on its firmness.

Note: It's essential to use a meat thermometer for accurate results, especially if you're new to using the touch test. The touch test is subjective and may vary depending on factors such as the thickness of the steak, type of meat, and personal preference.

How long should I grill the steak on each side for medium-rare doneness?

For a medium-rare steak, you should grill each side for about 4-5 minutes. However, cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the temperature of the grill. To ensure the desired doneness, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, the thermometer should read around 130-135°F (55-57°C).

What is the best way to clean a charcoal grill after cooking steak?

Cleaning a charcoal grill after cooking steak can be done effectively by following these steps:

1. Allow the grill to cool: Before starting the cleaning process, it's important to let the grill cool down completely to avoid any burn injuries.
2. Remove the grates: Take out the cooking grates from the grill and set them aside.
3. Brush off debris: Use a grill brush with wire bristles to scrape off any leftover food particles, grease, or debris from the grates. Make sure to scrub both sides thoroughly.
4. Empty the ash/charcoal: Remove the grill's ash catcher or open the bottom vents to let the ash out. Be careful not to spread it everywhere. Safely dispose of the cold ash/charcoal in a designated area.
5. Wipe down the inside: Using a damp cloth or paper towels, wipe down the inside of the grill, removing any grease, oil, or ash that may have accumulated. You can also use a mild soapy water solution to clean more stubborn stains.
6. Clean the exterior: Use a grill cleaner or mild soapy water to wipe down the external surfaces of the grill, including the lid, handles, and side trays. Rinse with clean water and dry them thoroughly.
7. Clean the grates: Soak the grates in warm soapy water for around 15 minutes to loosen any remaining grease. Scrub the grates with a grill brush to remove any remaining residue or burnt-on food. Rinse them thoroughly with clean water.
8. Reassemble and store: Once everything is cleaned and dry, reassemble the grill and store it in a clean, dry place, protecting it from the elements.

It's important to note that regular maintenance and cleaning after each use will help to prolong the life of your grill and ensure optimal performance.