Starting a perfect coal barbecue requires a few key steps to ensure that your coals are evenly lit and stay hot throughout your cooking session. Here's what you need to do:
Choose the right charcoal: Look for natural lump charcoal, which is made from real pieces of hardwood and will burn hotter and longer than briquettes. Self-lighting charcoal these days make light work of getting the fire going.
Prepare the grill: Remove any ash or debris from the grill grates and make sure the vents are open to allow for airflow. Or make sure there is sufficient airflow around the coals if no vents are present.
Arrange the coals: Place desired amount of bags to your barbecue, this all depends on the size of the pit you wish to light. For me one bag per each side is fine. Light the bag with either a match or a lighter.
Wait for the coals to ash over: Once you've arranged the coals, wait until they're covered in a layer of white ash before you start cooking. This will take about 20-30 minutes.
Adjust for right temperature: To control the temperature of your grill, adjust the vents to increase or decrease the amount of airflow. If you want a hotter fire, open the vents wider. For a cooler fire, close them partially or completely. If you have no vents on your barbecue, then adjust the height of cooking to get an alternative approach to controlling the cooking heat.
Begin cooking: Once your coals are hot and covered in ash, it's time to start cooking! Place your food on the grill grates and adjust the vents or height's as needed to maintain the desired temperature.
Remember to always practice good fire safety when using a charcoal grill. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, never leave the grill unattended, and make sure the coals are completely extinguished before disposing of them. And most importantly, make sure children and pets stay well clear of surrounding areas. Have fun and enjoy!
Comments