Charcoal: How It Transforms Your Food & What You Need to Know

Author: Joost Nusselder, author of The Essential Japanese meal planner cookbook Updated July 28, 2022

Charcoal is a light, black residue, consisting of carbon and any remaining ash, obtained by removing water and other volatile constituents from wood.

Charcoal is usually produced by slow pyrolysis, the heating of wood or other substances in the absence of oxygen.

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The pros and cons of each type of charcoal

Binchotan

Binchotan is a type of charcoal made in Japan from oak wood. It is the most expensive type of charcoal, but it produces very little smoke and has an even burning temperature.

Binchotan is a good choice for those who want the authentic Japanese hibachi grill experience.

Briquettes

Briquettes are the most common type of charcoal used in hibachi grills. They are easy to light and inexpensive, making them a good choice for those new to grilling.

However, briquettes can produce a lot of smoke and have an uneven burning temperature, which can make it difficult to control the grill.

Lump

Lump charcoal is made from whole pieces of wood that have been charred. It lights quickly and burns hot, making it a good choice for those who want to cook their food quickly.

However, lump charcoal can be more expensive than briquettes and can produce a lot of smoke.

Now that you know the different types of charcoal available, you can decide which is the best type of charcoal for your hibachi grill.

Charcoal: The Fuel That Makes Your Barbecue Sizzle

Charcoal is a fuel made from wood that has been heated in the absence of oxygen. This process, called pyrolysis, removes water, volatile organic compounds, and other components, leaving behind carbon-rich chunks of material. The resulting charcoal is a natural product that comes in different sizes and shapes, depending on the materials and process used to produce it.

Choosing the Right Charcoal

When looking for charcoal, it’s important to consider the following factors:

• Type: Decide whether you want lump charcoal or briquettes, depending on your preferences and budget.

• Size: Look for charcoal pieces that match the size of your grill or smoker. If you have a big egg or a large metal grill, you may need larger pieces of charcoal to allow for proper airflow and heat distribution.

• Quality: Check the label or brand to ensure that the charcoal is made from natural materials and doesn’t contain harmful additives or fillers.

• Process: Find out how the charcoal was made and what components were used in the process. A nice combination of wood and ash can create a significantly high energy output.

How to Start Charcoal

Starting charcoal can be a little tricky, but with a little practice, you can get it right every time. Here are some helpful tips:

• Use a chimney starter: This is a metal cylinder that allows you to light the charcoal directly, without adding lighter fluid or other chemicals.

• Add a second layer: Once the first layer of charcoal is lit, add a second layer on top to create a longer-lasting fire.

• Test the temperature: Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the grill or smoker, and adjust the airflow to control the heat.

• Let it rest: Once the charcoal is evenly lit and the temperature is close to what you want, let it rest for a few minutes before adding the food. This will ensure that the heat is evenly distributed and that the food cooks properly.

Remember, cooking with charcoal is a different way of cooking than using gas or electric grills. It takes a little longer to start and requires more attention to control the heat. But the resulting flavor and texture of the food are well worth the effort.

How Charcoal Cooking Affects the Flavor and Quality of Your Food

Cooking with charcoal creates a unique flavor that is loved by people all over the world. Charcoal grilling is a great method to cook meat, especially red meat, as it allows for the meat to be cooked at a high temperature, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. The high heat produced by charcoal grilling also allows for the Maillard reaction to occur, which is the chemical reaction that creates the brown crust on the surface of the meat, adding an additional layer of flavor.

The Safer Method of Cooking with Charcoal

Despite what some people may have heard, cooking with charcoal is a safe method of cooking, as long as certain precautions are taken. One essential thing to keep in mind is to allow the charcoal to burn until it is covered in white ash before placing the food on the grill. This will prevent any harmful chemicals produced during the burning process from contaminating the food. Additionally, covering the grill while cooking can prevent flare-ups and create a more consistent cooking temperature.

The Importance of Precision and Practice

Achieving the perfect level of doneness when cooking with charcoal requires precision and practice. Unlike gas grilling, which allows for more precise temperature control, charcoal grilling requires the cook to pay close attention to the heat produced by the charcoal and adjust accordingly. It’s essential to consider the size and shape of the food being cooked and the type of charcoal being used. A couple of additional tips to keep in mind include:

• For a rare steak, cook for approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
• For a medium steak, cook for approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
• To remove any ash produced during the cooking process, use a brush to clean the grill grates before cooking.

The Link Between Charcoal and High-Quality Food

Numerous studies and research have shown that cooking with charcoal can produce high-quality food. Charcoal is a natural fuel source, preferably made from hardwood, that produces a hot and consistent heat that is perfect for cooking a lot of different foods. Despite the bad reputation associated with charcoal grilling, it can be a great way to achieve precision and consistency in your cooking.

The Main and Second Effects of Charcoal Cooking

The main effect of cooking with charcoal is the unique flavor it creates. The second effect is the change in the shape of the food being cooked. Charcoal grilling can create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender, making it a popular method for cooking meat. Additionally, the high heat produced by charcoal grilling can cause the food to shrink and change shape, so it’s essential to consider the size and shape of the food being cooked.

The Best Types of Charcoal to Buy

When it comes to buying charcoal, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. The first is the shape of the charcoal. Charcoal comes in round or rectangular shapes, and some people prefer one over the other. The second is the storage of the charcoal. Charcoal should be stored in a dry place to prevent it from getting damp and becoming difficult to light. Finally, it’s essential to test the charcoal before using it to ensure that it starts easily and produces a consistent heat.

The Special Role of Wood in Charcoal Cooking

Wood plays a special role in charcoal cooking, as it is the primary fuel source used to create the charcoal. The type of wood used can have a significant impact on the flavor of the food being cooked. Some people prefer to use wood chips or chunks to add additional flavor to their food. It’s essential to find the right balance of wood and charcoal to achieve the desired flavor.

The End Result: Delicious Food on the Table

In the end, cooking with charcoal can produce delicious food that is loved by people all over the world. Despite the numerous methods of cooking available, charcoal grilling remains a popular choice for those who love the unique flavor it creates. With a little practice and precision, anyone can achieve great results when cooking with charcoal. So, fire up the grill and get cooking!

Getting Your Charcoal Grill Started

• Remove any ash or debris from the grill before putting in new charcoal.
• Spread the charcoal evenly in the area where you will be cooking.
• Add a few pieces of wood on top of the charcoal for extra flavor.
• Cover the grill and let it heat up for about 15-20 minutes.

Starting the Charcoal

• Use a chimney starter or match to light the charcoal.
• Allow the charcoal to burn until it gets hot and turns gray with ash.
• Carefully spread the charcoal evenly across the entire area of the grill.
• Lower the grill grate and let it heat up for a few minutes.

Getting the Right Amount of Charcoal for Your Barbecue

When it comes to cooking meat on a barbecue, charcoal plays a significant role in achieving the desired smoky flavor and texture. However, using the correct amount of charcoal is crucial to ensure that the food is cooked evenly and thoroughly. Here are some things to consider:

• The thickness and cut of the meat will determine the amount of charcoal required.
• Different types of meat require different amounts of charcoal. For example, pork chops require less charcoal than beef brisket.
• The size and shape of the meat also play a role in determining the amount of charcoal needed.

Determining the Correct Amount of Charcoal

There are a few methods for determining the correct amount of charcoal to use for your barbecue setup:

• The standard method involves arranging the charcoal in a ring around the outer area of the grill, leaving the center empty. This is ideal for cooking larger cuts of meat.
• The minion method involves setting up a smaller amount of charcoal in the center of the grill and adding more charcoal as needed. This is best for lower and slower cooking.
• The isolated method includes arranging the charcoal on one side of the grill and placing the food on the other side. This is ideal for cooking smaller pieces of meat.

Calculating the Amount of Charcoal Needed

To calculate the amount of charcoal needed, follow these basic guidelines:

• For a standard setup, use around 100 briquettes or 6-8 pounds of lump charcoal.
• For the minion method, start with 20-30 briquettes or 2-3 pounds of lump charcoal.
• For the isolated method, use around 50 briquettes or 3-4 pounds of lump charcoal.

Keep in mind that the length of cooking time and the desired level of heat will also play a role in determining the amount of charcoal needed.

Consider Using Wood as an Alternative

While charcoal is the main fuel source for barbecuing, using wood as an alternative can add a unique flavor to the food. When using wood, it’s important to use the correct size and type of wood chunks to achieve the desired flavor.

Controlling the Heat

Once you have the right amount of charcoal, it’s important to control the heat to ensure that the food is cooked evenly. Here are some tips:

• Adjust the vents on the grill to control the airflow and temperature.
• Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the grill and the food.
• Add more charcoal or wood as needed to maintain the desired temperature.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you have the right amount of charcoal for your barbecue setup and achieve the desired flavor and texture for your food.

Conclusion

So, cooking with charcoal isn’t as hard as you thought it would be. 

Just remember to use the right type of charcoal for the food you’re cooking, use a chimney starter to light the charcoal, and don’t forget to let the charcoal burn for a few minutes before adding food. 

And don’t forget to use a thermometer to check the temperature of the grill so you can achieve the perfect doneness of your food. So, don’t be afraid to give it a try!

Check out our new cookbook

Bitemybun's family recipes with complete meal planner and recipe guide.

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Joost Nusselder, the founder of Bite My Bun is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with Japanese food at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.