BBQ Like a Pro: How to Cook the Perfect Steak Over Coals

There’s something timeless about cooking over real fire. Whether it’s the sound of beef hitting a hot grill, the smoky aroma from the coals or the satisfaction of slicing into a perfectly rested steak, barbecuing connects us to food in a way that few other methods can. Here on the farm, we’ve spent years rearing our own beef and cooking it over fire, both at home and at HERD, our outdoor restaurant. Nothing showcases that better than a steak cooked properly over charcoal.

We’re often asked how to barbecue steak like a professional. The truth is, it’s not about fancy gear or complicated marinades. It’s about great ingredients, simple technique and a bit of patience. If you're using quality meat, such as the dry-aged steaks from our butchery, you’re already halfway there.

Choose the Right Cut for the BBQ

The first step is selecting the right cut. Some steaks are better suited to high-heat, quick grilling, while others benefit from slower, indirect cooking. Here are a few of our favourites for barbecuing:

All our steaks come from cattle reared here on the farm and are aged in-house to bring out maximum flavour and tenderness. You can find these and other premium BBQ-ready cuts in our BBQ Meat Collection.

Let the Steak Come to Room Temperature

Remove your steak from the fridge around 30–45 minutes before cooking. Letting it come up to room temperature helps it cook more evenly and gives you greater control over the internal temperature. A cold steak on a hot grill often results in a burnt outside and undercooked centre.

Keep the Seasoning Simple

When you’re working with high-quality meat like our dry-aged British beef, there’s no need to overdo the seasoning. A generous sprinkle of coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper is often all it takes to bring out the best in the steak.

You can experiment with flavour by brushing the meat lightly with garlic butter or adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, but we’d always recommend keeping it simple and letting the beef speak for itself.

Prepare Your Charcoal Grill Properly

The key to cooking steak over coals is getting your fire right. Don’t rush this stage. Wait until the charcoal is fully lit and covered in a layer of white ash. That’s when it’s hottest and most stable. We recommend using lumpwood charcoal for its clean burn and natural smoky flavour.

For thick steaks like Tomahawks, set up your BBQ with a two-zone fire. One side should have high, direct heat for searing, and the other lower, indirect heat for finishing the cooking gently.

Searing and Cooking to Temperature

Place your steak on the hot side of the grill and sear for 2–3 minutes per side, or until a dark crust forms. Then move the steak to the cooler zone and continue cooking to your preferred doneness:

  • Rare: 50°C

  • Medium rare: 55°C

  • Medium: 60°C

  • Well done: 70°C+

Using a meat thermometer helps eliminate the guesswork, especially for thicker cuts. For thinner steaks like Sirloin, the sear may be enough without needing to move it to indirect heat.

Let the Steak Rest

Resting is essential. Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5–10 minutes under foil. This gives the juices time to redistribute, making every bite more tender and flavourful. If you’re cooking for a group and planning to slice the steak, rest it whole and carve it just before serving.

Pair With Proper BBQ Sides

We love serving our BBQ steaks with fresh, farm-style sides that complement the flavour without overpowering it. Here are a few classics:

  • Grilled flatbreads or sourdough with herbed oil

  • Roasted new potatoes with sea salt and garlic

  • Charred seasonal veg like courgettes, peppers or asparagus

  • Fresh herb salad with mustard dressing

  • Farm-made sauces like horseradish crème fraîche or chimichurri

Many of these ingredients, including sauces, marinades and seasonal veg, are available through our Farm Shop.

Buy the Best BBQ Meat in the Cotswolds

Our butchery shop is open to both locals and visitors, and is stocked with everything you need for a proper barbecue. From thick-cut Tomahawks to handmade Beef Burgers, BBQ Rib Racks and Steak Packs, there’s something for every grill enthusiast. You can also order online with national delivery through our BBQ Meat collection.

BBQ Like a Pro with Proper Meat and a Bit of Know-How

Cooking steak over coals is one of life’s simple pleasures. When done right, it’s hard to beat. Whether you’re grilling for two or feeding a garden full of friends, starting with high-quality meat makes all the difference. Our experienced butchers are always happy to advise on cut selection, preparation tips and portion sizes. You’re welcome to pop into the farm or browse online.

So next time you’re planning a barbecue, skip the supermarket meat and choose something with proper flavour, reared and prepared with care right here in the Cotswolds.

Todenham