Menu
We usually become passionate about the art of cooking because of the pleasure it gives to our loved ones. It then gets more complex in time. The simple barbecue was the first method of cooking and it has developed in many different ways, like grilling, baking, frying, and so on.
Smoking is one of the methods to use when cooking meat. So, in this cooking guide, we are going to reveal the best meats to smoke.
More...
Smoking meat is a cooking method like barbecuing. It is also called the browning, seasoning or preserving (storing) with the use of smoke. The only difference is that it is cooked as far away from the fire as possible.
Using indirect heat, the meat is placed in the the most upward part of the area where there is a lot of smoke. The heat source could be coal or wood, gas, electric or steaming.
This is considered to be the easiest meat to smoke, and the best choice because cooks quickly. If you need to feed your family for dinner, then you can smoke it in the afternoon. It only takes a few hours before it's done.
Smoking is the best way to cook big cuts of meat, such as the shoulder, butt or ribs.
These cuts offer a lot of delicious fat that runs during the process. As the fat lingers on the skin over time, it naturally seasons the meat to perfection!
This is the top of all the best meats. Welcome to beef brisket! It always ends up tender and juicy, and the delectable fatty part is moist and mouthwatering to the last bite. It is so luscious!
The good thing here is that beef brisket is very common in local markets and groceries. It is often on sale too!
Surprised? Yeah, lamb is a very good meat for smoking. Try the shoulder part. It has this oozing fat that cooks perfectly. This is very popular, especially for outdoor parties.
It is not always available in certain markets, so keep an eye out for days when it is on sale and you might even negotiate a good price.
What comes first to mind when you think of smoking meat with seafood? Yes, salmon!
It has lots of fat that tastes awesome when you smoke it. It is always available too.
Using the best cooking tools, of course, makes your cooking a lot faster, easier and more convenient. A long time ago, our ancestors just did it in a hole in the ground. Now, we are lucky to have a lot of options!
Below are different smokers for you to choose from.
The most important factor is choosing the type of wood to use. As they say, a different type of wood gives the meat a different type of taste. You can use and mix them all and a little experimentation won’t hurt.
Do you think you can have all the different flavors too? Huh? Choose from these different wood types:
Two methods of smoking meat:
Prepare your smokers and your wood and be sure to wet the wood chips before starting the heat. Leave the big pieces of wood dry.
Whatever meat you prefer, smoking will give the food its own yummy flavor. But if you want to add more spice and give the meal a twist to enhance the taste, you can also do marinating, brining or rubbing.
While you are still burning the wood, keep your marinated meat at room temperature. It helps if you make sure that the meat is cooked evenly.
Place the meat in the smoker and make sure that you have set the right time if you are using an electric smoker. Either way, you need to know how long the cooking time is.
To keep the moisture, you will need to baste the meat once in a while. Keep it covered too. You need to cover it after an average of 2-3 hours of smoking.
During smoking, you must be vigilant in monitoring the temperature. Take the meat out when it reaches the desired temperature, and you will find it is completely done.
Below is the suitable temperature for each type of meat:
The most effective way to know that you have smoked the meat just right is to look for smoke rings. They should be at the yummy outer part of the meat.
Image Credit: SmokingMeatForums.com
Smoke rings happen because there is a chemical reaction when the smoke penetrates the meat. The color should be pink, as a result of the nitric acid in it.
Now you know what smoking meat is all about and can choose the meat of your choice. I wonder what your choice will be? Using the steps provided in this "how to do" section should help you to do this pronto.
Take notice of the tips too, as they provide a few simple reminders that will guide you as you make perfect dishes. Here are some additional techniques/tips to help you:
We all know that smoking meat is controversial when it comes to the health risks involved. It is best that you understand both its nutritional value and the probable disadvantages that can occur if it is eaten in certain conditions.
The health risks are avoidable provided that you heed the precautions. You can always create a wonderful balance with all good things. Try to research and find out more about its pros and cons. Knowing is a great help.
For me, the best meat for smoking is pork. It always is! Share your ideas with your friends and find out what their meat choices are too.