How to Smoke Meat

  • Feb 15, 2023

Good day!

You are probably wondering why people smoke meat. Smoking helps create better overall flavors and aromas in your food and tenderizes the meat. It sounds simple enough, but it's a long, detailed process. Of course, the hard part is knowing where to begin. As a beginner, it is all about finding a balance and experimenting with different woods and techniques. When smoking, you need to cook low and slow food with equipment and patience, as it takes anywhere from one to fifteen plus hours.

Here is a list to help cover the basics of how to smoke meat:

1.     Find a Smoker – You need a container to hold in the smoke and a source of the smoke. Smokers range in various sizes and use different types of fuel.

2.     Choose the Fuel Type – Hardwoods are recommended to give that satisfying smokey taste, but you can also use charcoal, wood pellets, electricity and propane.

3.     Hardwood as Fuel – If you’re using hardwood as fuel, make sure to soak it in water for an hour before using so it lasts long during smoking.

4.     Choose Meat – Ribs, brisket and pork are popular options, but you can choose whatever you wish.

5.     Control Temperature – Recommended range to cook is 200 to 220 degrees Fahrenheit. Meat should cook to an internal temperature of 145, and poultry should be 165 degrees. You want to keep the temperature low to give the smoke enough time to sink into the meat and tenderize it.

6.     Sustain Smoke – Make sure you place the meat surrounded by smoke and keep the smoke moving to avoid build-up.

7.     Maintain Moisture – you also need to make sure meat is steaming while there's smoke. Keeping the water pan full is critical.

8.     Cooking Time – Consider the type of meat, thickness and the smoker's temperature. Some recommend following the "3-2-1 rule” while smoking.

With these tips, you'll be ready to perfect smoked meat at your next BBQ! Need cooking attire? Check out our featured product, a BBQ Apron! It comes in three colors: red, blue and black. Plus, you get a one-color logo on the front. Call us to place your order at 306.249.4318. Please let us know if you have any questions.

- Team MOBO


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