Abstract: A self-contained portable cooking system that prevents mess and facilitates storage and transportation. In one embodiment, a portable cooking system includes an outer container defining a chamber; and a cooking unit being configured to be entirely contained within the chamber of the outer container, the cooking unit being removable from the outer container. In one embodiment, a method of using a portable cooking system includes removing the cooking unit from the outer container, placing an open second end of a cooking column of the cooking unit on a support surface, and placing a cooking platform of the cooking unit on an open first end of the cooking column.