TOP 10 TIPS ON HOW TO SMOKE MEAT


1. Invest in a decent smoker. A smoker (whether home made or commercially made) is a metal unit which contains wood chips that are slowly burned to produce smoke. The smoke heats the meat through and infuses it with a smokey flavor.

2. If you don't plan on buying a smoker you can use your grill - with some adjutments such as; place the meat on the other side of the fire (as smoking is all about cooking your meat very slowly - unlike grilling). Also, keep your grill on low temperature throughout the smoking process.

3. Make sure to completely thaw your meat before smoking

4. It may take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours to properly smoke meat.

5. If you apply a marinade or sauce, then apply it during the last half of the smoking time.

6. The smokey flavor is created by the type of wood chips you use. Types of wood chips can include; Alder (medium, tart flavor), Apple (light, sweet), Cherry (light, fruity), Hickory (strong, sweet), Mesquite (strong, sweet), Oak (strong, medium), Pecan (rich, sweet), Jack Daniels (strong, medium). -- try your own flavor and combine wood chips to satisfy your own preference.

7. If you are using your grill to smoke, then using a pan of water (placed on the grill) will help keep food moist, and help maintain lower cooking temperatures.

8. If you are using your grill and you are smoking for only a short period of time, use dry chips only in a smoke box. This helps maximize the smoke flavor in a short amount of time.

9. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

10. Soak your wood chips in water or wine for 20 minutes before using.