In the "Direct Cooking Method" remove the grill's slotted cooking grate. Cover the bottom of grill with charcoal briquettes. Stack them to resemble a pyramid and light. Once they have turned white, spread them evenly and replace the grill's slotted cooking grate. With a gas grill turn on grill and cook on the grate directly above the burner that is turned on. Direct Cooking works best for meat such as thin steak and hamburgers. It can cook baked potatoes and sweet corn to perfection. Use this Direct Cooking Method for foods that need to cook at a higher temperature.
Indirect Cooking Method:
The second method is the "Indirect Cooking Method." Remove the grill's slotted cooking grate. Place a layer of charcoal briquettes around the sides of your grill (do not place any briquettes on the inside of the grill). After the charcoal is properly arranged, light it. Allow the charcoal to turn white. Replace the grill's slotted grate. Once you have the grate filled up, place the lid on the grill. This will help to keep the indirect heat inside the grill. When using a gas grill turn "ON" one burner to the desired temperature level. Once the grill is pre-heated to temperature cook over the grate which is over the "OFF" burner.
Olive Oil and Coarse Salt
Whether using a gas or charcoal grill prepare the grill's slotted cooking grate with a thin coating of oil to help prevent meat from sticking to the grate. All meats will benefit from a coating of oil and rubbing of coarse Kosher salt. Oil allows heat to dissipate evenly across the meat surface. Coarse Kosher salt "melts" on the meat surface tenderizing the meat. U.S.D.A. Prime and Choice Grade meats do not require anything more than oil, coarse kosher salt, and fresh ground black pepper. The bulk of flavor is delivered by the aging process and intra-muscular fat in the meat.
Because the heat of the Indirect Cooking Method is not as intense as with the Direct Cooking Method, this is the best way to barbecue thicker steaks, lobster, spare ribs, chicken, and similar products. Remember, all grills will vary in heat.
A meat thermometer is the best device for determining a meat's doneness.