When the wife and I have steak,, we usually share one large ribeye, or T-bone,, etc,
The steak is usually close to 1 pound,, enough for us, and trimmings for the cat!!
Recently, we saw Alton Brown demonstrate a "new to us" method to cook a steak,,
We have used the method over a half dozen times,,
As usual, you light the charcoal in the charcoal chimney.
There is only one layer of charcoal in the chimney,, the charcoal is about an inch deep.
That is about 20 pieces of charcoal about as big as your thumb,, see the pic.
When Alton did it ,, he filled the chimney,, I think he did that just for an impressive video.
Rather than putting the charcoal on the lower grate, the charcoal stays in the chimney,,
The chimney is placed OVER THE STEAK!!
So, the cooking is from above,, rather than underneath,, (I think that is radiant cooking)
Since there is no heat under the steak,, there is NO SMOKE!!
The drippings have nothing hot to cause smoke.
Here is a look through the vent hole,, the steak is "sizzling",,
The steak cooks pretty fast,,
2.5 minutes first side, flip then 2.5 minutes the second side, flip 0.5 minute first side, flip, 0.5 minutes second side.
Adjust the time for steak size, and "doneness" preferred. we like a little more than rare,, but not quite medium rare,,
This time is for a typical ~one pound ribeye.
I usually get an internal temp of 130 to 135 degrees,, if the temp is too low, flip, and another 0.5 minutes.
(a 3/4 pound steak time is 2min, 2min, 0.5min, 0.5min,, we have done that)
These are the best steaks we have prepared.
A little charcoal drops on the steak,, that is probably good for you ,, so as Alton explained.
Not only is this FAST,, (less than half the usual amount of time) it uses virtually no charcoal.
We have not tried "Kingsford", so I have no idea how many briquettes are required.
Probably around 5 or 6, is my guess.