Charcoal Beef
Charcoal Beef offers a smoky, crusted, medium-rare eye round roast with bold flavors, perfect for barbecue enthusiasts and those seeking a unique, flavorful grilling experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare a large bed of completely white charcoal.
- Roll the wet roast in kosher salt until completely coated.
- Wrap the coated roast in 7 sheets of waxed paper, each approximately 36 inches long.
- Wrap in alternate directions, ensuring there are no open spots.
- Place the covered roast directly on the coals; stand back and watch the flames engulf your beef.
- Turn the roast 1/3 after 20 minutes; repeat each 20 minutes for a total of 60 minutes cooking time.
- Remove from fire and scrape off any waxed paper ashes; the salt crust prevents the paper from sticking.
- The roast will be medium rare, charcoal flavored, and very flavorful.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal results, ensure the charcoal is completely white before cooking to achieve the right temperature. If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding herbs like rosemary or thyme when rolling the roast in salt. If eye round isn't available, a top round roast can be a good substitute. Just ensure it has a similar fat content for the best flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your charcoal beef with sides like Dill Potatoes for a classic pairing. A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables would also complement the dish well. For a delicious touch, consider offering a side of Easy Cranberry-Apple Sauce to balance the rich flavors of the beef.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover charcoal beef should be wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or placed in an airtight container to maintain its moisture. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the oven at a low temperature to prevent drying out, or slice and pan-sear briefly to refresh the crust.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Charcoal Beef contains roughly 575 calories, with 93g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (186% of the Daily Value), potassium (69% of the Daily Value), and iron (57% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, while eye round is ideal for its lean texture, you can substitute it with other cuts like top round or sirloin. Just ensure the cut has sufficient fat for flavor and moisture during cooking.
What if I don't have waxed paper?
If waxed paper isn't available, you can use parchment paper or aluminum foil as an alternative. Just ensure that the wrap is secure to keep the salt crust intact while it cooks over the charcoal.
How can I tell when the roast is done cooking?
For medium rare, aim for an internal temperature of about 130-135°F. Using a meat thermometer will provide the most accurate reading. Remember that the roast will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the heat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).