How to Start a Charcoal Barbecue
The aroma of food cooking outside on the barbecue is enticing to many people. It brings back memories of summer picnics and family barbecues with all kinds of delicious foods. It seems that now most people choose gas grills to cook, and the flavor of the food just does not seem the same. Some cooks may think cooking with charcoal is difficult and time consuming, but it can be quick and easy.
Gather the things necessary to start the grill beforehand. This saves some running back and forth to the kitchen.
Necessary Items:
- Barbecue grill
- Briquettes or lump-wood charcoal
- Lighter fluid
- Matches or stick lighter
- Chimney starter (optional)
- Newspaper (optional)
- Electric charcoal starter (optional)
- Remove the grate from the grill and measure out the amount of coals. The best way to do this is to spread the coals across the bottom of the grill, then add a smaller layer of coals to the top. Too many coals could make for too much heat or may cause a fire. Too little, and the coals may burn out before cooking is done. A good tip is that burgers usually cook fast, so one layer should be enough. Roasts and chicken take a little longer to cook, so two layers of coals should be sufficient.
- Pile the coals into a pyramid. If using briquettes that already contain lighter fluid, use the matches or stick lighter to light them. If using lighter fluid, place a small amount of lighter fluid on the briquettes. Use enough to cover each briquette lightly but not too much. The lighter fluid should be allowed to soak into the briquettes for 30 seconds to one minute. This allows the liquid to penetrate the briquettes. Lighter fluid should be used sparingly, as too much may spoil the taste of the food. Light the briquettes and wait for the coals to turn white. This will help to ensure the lighter fluid is burned off.
- A better method to lighting charcoal is to not use lighter fluid at all, and to use a chimney starter or electric charcoal starter instead. They are available at department and home stores and come with instructions for use. These items can get the coals hot enough to cook in 10 minutes without the taste of lighter fluid penetrating the food. They are also great if the coals burn out and more need to be added to the fire.
- Once the coals are white hot, spread them over the bottom of the grill. Carefully replace the grill grate and start cooking.
Starting a charcoal grill takes a little time, but with the right tools, it can be done quickly. Charcoal grilling adds so much more flavor to food than using propane or natural gas, and the people eating the food will appreciate the extra effort.