Gegrilltes Tomahawk-Steak.

Loving grilling in caveman style with steak and more

Directly on the embers, without grate, without frills. Caveman-style grilling is not just a special way of grilling, it is a real adventure that connects you directly with the elements of fire and meat and awakens your primal instincts.

🌍 Where did the caveman style originate?

Grilling directly over embers, known as caveman style, is one of humanity's oldest cooking methods. Millions of years ago, our ancestors placed meat and vegetables directly into the hot ashes. They used neither grill grates nor thermometers—just the naked fire and their raw ingredients, which is what makes this method so appealing to this day. Modern grill masters like Adam Perry Lang and Francis Mallmann have perfected this principle and transferred it from archaic campfires to the world of gourmet cuisine.

Delicious grilled steak in a cast iron pan for caveman style grilling.

🔥 What has changed to date?

  • In the past, meat was simply cooked – the main thing was that it was hot.
  • Today: The Caveman Steak preparation aims for perfect doneness.
  • In the past: Only game meat, roots and other natural ingredients were available.
  • Today: Exquisite ingredients such as dry-aged beef, butter and finely balanced spices enrich the Caveman BBQ.
  • In the past: The embers came directly from wild collected wood.
  • Today: Selected types of coal provide a special aroma when grilling.
  • Not just for hardcore grillers, even fine dining restaurants rely on this method to achieve incomparable roasted aromas and textures.

    🛠 The optimal setup for the Caveman Style

  • Coal & Wood: Use hardwood charcoal such as beech, oak, or hickory. Avoid briquettes because of the undesirable chemicals.
  • Heat: Achieve a white glow without visible flames, with the ember layer at least 4 cm deep.
  • Meat: Thick cuts, including tomahawk or picanha, guarantee a perfect crust.
  • Vegetables: Whole pieces of vegetables retain their natural protective layers when grilled directly on the embers.
  • Tip: Set up a "Clean Zone" with finer embers to utilize different temperature ranges.

    🔥 The perfect Caveman Style preparation – step by step to ember mastery

    Although direct grilling over hot embers can seem challenging, this method offers the potential to master one of the most fascinating grilling techniques. Here, we'll explain techniques for preparing the perfect fire bed and preparing your grilled food to perfection.

    🔥 1️⃣ The basics: Preparing the perfect ember bed

  • Use only natural materials such as hardwood charcoal or logs that burn to a white ember.
  • Layer your coals to create an even layer of embers 3–5 cm thick.
  • One side with dense, strong embers for intensive grilling, the other for gentler cooking.
  • Glowing coals for perfect caveman style grilling and juicy steaks directly on the embers.

    📌 Tip: Adjust the heat intensity by using a fan or bellows to maximize airflow.

    🔥 2️⃣ The perfect preparation of meat, fish & vegetables

  • Place thick steaks directly on the embers without prior oiling, season after grilling and refine with butter.
  • Place the fish skin-side down directly on the embers and do not turn until the skin is crispy.
  • Leave robust vegetables such as eggplants or sweet potatoes whole, cook them directly in the embers, and then refine them with butter and spices.
  • Grilled steak with salt, perfect for caveman style grilling directly on the embers.

    📌 Tip: Start with vegetables since they take longer to cook in the embers.

    🔥 3️⃣ Grilling: The right way to handle heat & cooking time

    🥩 Meat, vegetables & variations for the caveman style

  • Experiment with different types of meat such as tomahawk steaks or picanha, which are perfect for the caveman style due to their thickness.
  • Vegetable lovers will get their money's worth with robust varieties such as eggplants, which are black on the outside and creamy on the inside.
  • 📖 Three inspiring caveman style recipes

  • Caveman Tomahawk Steak – a highlight for every barbecue fan.
  • Braised eggplant with crunchy garlic butter – a vegetarian delight.
  • Groceries Direct embers? Turn around? Cooking time Steak (Tomahawk, Ribeye) ✅ Yes 🔄 Every 30 seconds ⏳ 4–6 min. Picanha (with fatty side) ✅ Yes 🔄 Fat side longer in embers ⏳ 5–7 min. Salmon fillet (with skin) ✅ Yes 🔄 Turn over once ⏳ 6–8 min.
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