Help! Why did our bar-b-que burgers taste like charcoal?

Question

We got a cheap little bar-b-que grill that is about 10 inches from the ground and it is small. My husband filled the grill with more charcoal than I think he should have for such a small grill. When the hamburgers were done we were all excited...until we took a bite and tasted nothing but bitter charcoal. Is it because he put too much charcoal in? (Probably) but any suggestions on how to cook good bar-b-que with a cheap grill will help, thanks.

Answer 1

The most important thing is to let the coals burn all the way. they should look like a red glow before putting the meat on the grill.

If there are still flames, the meat will take on the flavor of the charcoal or lighter fluid.

So, start the grill thirty minutes before putting the meat on.

Answer 2

a jerk on a roll

first thing its powered by charcoal
hence the taste
to reduce taste of charcoal

have grill further away from heat source
so less charcoal
or grill higher up
simple math the amount of charcoal used should never be more than half the distance from bottom of "bowl" to the grill

and if it still tastes too much like charcoal try a propane grill
meaning you need to buy from some one who knows how to use them
have them train you to on how to use/clean/store it and what cash is for

Answer 3

Go to yard sales this time of year and you can find a good barbecue set for like cheap.
Then have your own yard sale and give the little guy a new home.
That way, in the future on Yahoo q/a some one will ask the question. (why do my burgers taste like charcoal?) and you can get a best answere and 10 points.

Answer 4

I have a grill the same size. i would say too much charcoal because i have never had that problem. I usaully jsut fill the buttom untel there is one layer, or stack them around the outside and put your meat in the middle because when the meat drips it puts out the coal. have had this happen numurus times.

Answer 5

Using a cheap grill has nothing to do with it - you need to cook over white hot coals... you probably let the flames of the still freshly burning coals lick the burgs. Most of us can make a good burg even over a campfire (as long as we have a grill).

Answer 6

I hope that you let the charcoal burn down until each briquette was covered with a white coating of ash; if you try placing food while the charcoal is still black, it will of course taint the food with charcoal taste as you described.

Answer 7

If you're looking for plain, straightforward burgers, we've got them. We also have suggestions to jazz them up to please a variety of cravings, so pick your favorite flavor family -- , barbecue

INGREDIENTS
Basic Burgers
1 pound(s) ground chicken breasts
1 medium carrot, grated (1/2 cup)
2 green onions, minced
1 clove(s) garlic, crushed with garlic press
4 hamburger buns, warmed
Sliced cucumber, lettuce leaves, and green onion (optional)

# Barbecue Burgers: Prepare and cook Basic Burgers as above, but in step 1, add 2 tablespoons chili sauce, 1 tablespoon light (mild) molasses, 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper sauce,* 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to ground chicken mixture. *Cayenne pepper sauce is a milder variety of hot pepper sauce that adds tang and flavor, not only heat.

Each serving: About 295 calories, 31 g protein, 30 g carbohydrate, 5 g total fat (1 g saturated), 2 g fiber, 72 mg cholesterol, 715 mg sodium.

Enjoy!!

Answer 8

I think he put too much charcoal and didn't let it burn off long enough you have to let them burn till it looks white coated ash when you blow off the ash the coal should be red

Answer 9

my guess is that u did not let the coals burn long enough! you must burn off that lighter fluid. then let the coals almost turn to gray ash.. then it's ready,, if they are still black you will have a taste !!

Answer 10

cuz you use a cheap grill.