Once charcoal has been burning for 20 minutes, or is smoke-free and glowing, hold your hand directly over the grill bars and see how long can you bear to keep it there.
For 1 second
Searing — fish, such as tuna, which is best seared on the outside and left pink in the centre, should be cooked at this temperature, as should “blue” steak.
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For 3 to 4 seconds
Sizzle — at this temperature, the food will brown. So keep an eye on it as it will need to be turned regularly.
For 6 to 7 seconds
Cook — start larger pieces of meat at “sizzle” temperature and then transfer to “cook” temperature.
Indefinitely, but hand feels warm
Holding — for keeping food warm and resting meat.
If the temperature does not fall exactly into one of these categories, but is good and hot, rake the coals around a little.
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HOW TO PREVENT FOOD FROM STICKING
Clean and lightly oil the grill or racks
Lay the grill racks across the barbecue trough as soon as you light the charcoal. When the coals heat up, the racks will, too, so pick them up by the handles and knock them against the side of the barbecue to remove any debris. Give them a good going-over with a wire brush and, taking great care to keep fingers clear of the hot bars, rub them down with a lightly oiled tea towel. You are now ready to grill.
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Make sure your grill is up to heat
If it isn’t, your food is sure to stick.
Lightly oil meat, fish and vegetables
If your dish has been subjected to an oil-free marinade, lightly brush the surfaces with oil before grilling. But take care — too much oil will lead to flaring, smoking and a bitter flavour.
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Turning food on a barbecue
Don’t turn your food until it is well grilled or marked on the underside. The charring process burns the meat, fish or vegetables off the grill bars, making it easy to turn.
Hinged sandwich racks
These are a great idea, as they allow you to cook and turn smaller items, such as prawns or sweet potato chips, with ease, and quickly move food away from the coals if the barbecue is too hot. Placing skewers loaded with meat in hinged sandwich racks prevents individual pieces from swinging around the skewer. Racks also mean food is held in shape and you will have no problem turning large pieces of food, such as whole fish. Clean and oil as directed above before use.