Skip to main content

Dirty Steak

This dirty steak recipe offers a primitive and exhilarating way to cook high-quality beef, delivering a unique charred crust that a frying pan simply cannot replicate. By placing the meat directly onto white-hot charcoal embers, you achieve an intense sear and a deep, smoky aroma that defines this outdoor cooking classic. It is a bold, theatre-filled method that celebrates the natural quality of a well-marbled ribeye or succulent sirloin.

Perfect for those following a high-protein diet or anyone looking to elevate their weekend barbecue, this dish is surprisingly simple yet impressively effective. The gentle acidity of fresh lemon and a glaze of melted butter provide the perfect finish to the savoury, pepper-crusted meat. Serve these steaks with a crisp green salad or roasted vine tomatoes for a sophisticated, protein-packed meal that guests will feel truly excited to eat.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Dirty Steak

  • Four 230g ribeye, sirloin, T-bone, or strip steaks, cut 1 inch thick, at room temperature

  • Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • 110g (1 stick) unsalted butter (optional), melted

  • 1 lemon (optional), quartered

  1. Sprinkle both sides of steaks liberally with salt and pepper. Set aside.

  2. Fill a charcoal chimney with briquets, set the chimney on the bottom grill grate, and light. When the coals are ready, dump them into the bottom of your grill. Cover half of your bottom grate with briquets.

  3. When the briquets are white-hot, place each steak directly onto the hot coals using long-handled tongs or a fork. Leave steaks on the coals for 2 minutes. Turn them over and grill for another 2 to 3 minutes for rare (52°C on a meat thermometer). For medium-rare (57°C) to medium (60°C), leave the steaks on the coals for 1 to 2 minutes longer. Remove the steaks from the coals and brush off the ashes. Spread melted butter over the top and a squeeze of lemon before serving, if you desire.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 29 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.