Grilling steaks on a 22" Weber Kettle -- so-so results. Tips appreciated.

[Anonymous]

New grill, even bought a Weber cookbook but not doing anything fancy yet. So to grill steaks they say put all the charcoal up along one side so it slopes up toward the grill, then put the steaks there for a couple of minutes on each side for a sear, then move them away from the banked charcoal for the remaining cooking. I never get much of a sear doing this -- they just stay above the banked charcoal until they are cooked inside, but not so seared. Not bad, but not as seared as I like. Any tips appreciated.

[Anonymous]

Get the grill as hot as it will get.

Don't sear.

Cook for 4 minutes on each side, for 1 inch steak.

Put on plate... Cover with foil, steep for 5 minutes, serve.

[Anonymous]

Ditch the charcoal and go to gas. Charcoal is a PITA to regulate temperature.

[Anonymous]

It's hard to get charcoal hot enough to cook the steak the way you like it. You need to use a LOT of charcoal and let it smolder for 20-30 minutes to get it hot enough to sear the meat.

[Anonymous]

For steaks, put the coals in a pile in the middle. Let it get really hot. Pat your steaks dry and season heavily with s&p. Grill for 2-3 minutes a side depending on how thick the cut is and how done you like it. Take it off before it's done (you can use a meat thermomator or feel it by touch (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8YQX-QgbXc) and let them rest for at least 3-5 minutes.

[Anonymous]

Search Youtube for "America's Test Kitchen" and grilling steaks, e.g.:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY1i6g9Uuhs

[Anonymous]

You lose your man card for posting this. What's next, asking how to change a flat tire?

Use starter bricks or a chimney, spread the coals out in the middle of the grill and buy a cheap thermometer and put it on the top rack.
Make sure open the bottom vent and the top vent all the way. Put the cover on and check temp after 5 mins. Using a reasonable amount of charcoal, temp should be about 450 which is plenty hot. Should be about 4 minutes per side for a 1 inch thick

[Anonymous]

I suspect you are putting the steaks on too early, before the coals are ready.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You lose your man card for posting this. What's next, asking how to change a flat tire?

Use starter bricks or a chimney, spread the coals out in the middle of the grill and buy a cheap thermometer and put it on the top rack.
Make sure open the bottom vent and the top vent all the way. Put the cover on and check temp after 5 mins. Using a reasonable amount of charcoal, temp should be about 450 which is plenty hot. Should be about 4 minutes per side for a 1 inch thick

WTF is wrong with you PP?

[Anonymous]

I suspect you are putting the steaks on too early, before the coals are ready.

+1.

The coals should be covered with gray ash and glowing orange. No visible flames. The grill should be low enough over them that if you hold your hand an inch above the grill, you can't hold it there more than 1-2 seconds.

[MikeL]

+1 to this, too.
I've owned a couple Weber kettles and they came with a recipe book.
Follow the recipe times for cooking steak and it comes out perfect.
And charcoal is way better than gas.

[Anonymous]

Also, make sure the steaks have come up to cool room temp before grilling.