Before the invention of refrigerators, many civilizations would use smoking to preserve various types of meat.
Additionally, smoked meat transformed into a comfort food that many love today.
Today, people still smoke their meat. However, the reason for smoking is not only to preserve them. Travelers would explore new flavors of smoked meat from local delicacies. Besides, the flavors and aroma of smoked meat vary depending on the wood used, cooking method, and ingredients. It is the main reason why there are hundreds of smoked meat recipes you can remake at home. One challenge for cooking smoked meat is keeping the wood chips from burning immediately. Here are a few tips to keep your wood chips from burning in the smoker:
Source: Pixabay
Use The Right Wood Chips The Right Way
Soaking wood chips for electric smokers is not necessary because it exudes white smoke, which is not smoke but steam. It makes temperature control challenging as moisture evaporates out of the chip. The thin blue smoke gives the desired smoky flavor.
The flavor of your smoked meat will vary depending on the type of wood used. For example, you can use alder to produce mild-tasting smoked meat. Its mildness is perfect for chicken and fish.
Additionally, you can try Apple chips to add a fruity and sweet taste to your smoked pork or chicken.
Furthermore, you can consider Hickory wood chips if you want intense and spicy flavored meat out of the smoker. If you plan on smoking beef or pork, this is what you need.
When you select the correct wood chip, the next challenge will be the right way to use it.
You need to know that certain factors can affect how fast your wood chips burn. For example, a small wood chip may burn faster.
Consider The Age Of The Wood Chip
The less-dense the wood, the faster it will burn. Over time, wood becomes less dense. It means the older it is, the faster it will burn in your smoker.
It means you need to look for newly cut wood if you plan to smoke meat for an extended period. For example, beef and pork may need more time in the smoker, unlike fish and poultry.
On the other hand, a few months old woods are also good if you plan to smoke your meat for a shorter period. Fish and poultry do not need a long time inside the smoker compared to beef and pork.
Plain Wood Chips Are Also Good
In an electric smoker, moisture will come from evaporated water. It means you may not need the added moisture by seasoning your wood chips. So, plain wood chips can still do wonders for your meats. Besides, wood chips may not even soak up much water.
Some electric smokers may have built-in wood chip containers. However, there are some electric smokers without this feature.
For those with built-in wood chip containers, you can place your chosen type of chips inside them. If your electric smoker does not have any, there is still a way to add flavor to your meats. All you need is to be resourceful and creative to do this.
Some home cooks would be creative by using makeshift wood chip containers. For example, you can use aluminum foil to cover your wood chips. To do this, you can wrap your wood chips in a few layers of aluminum foil. Then, you can poke holes in it. Place it just above the area where the vapor from the water and heat can pass through. That way, the aroma from the wood chips can touch the meat in your smoker.
Source: Pixabay
Make Healthier And Memorable Smoked Meals With Family
Smoking meat is a healthy option for you and your family. Also, it helps add flavor to any meat. It even helps preserve it. That way, you get to enjoy its aroma for an extended period with your loved ones. You can even keep it in the freezer to extend its shelf life.
If you want to try various smoked meat recipes at home, you can get an electric smoker. Be creative. Use makeshift wood chip containers using aluminum foil. That way, you can elevate your meat dishes.
Moreover, various types of wood offer unique flavors to your meats. Intense-flavored wood chips are usually ideal for beef or pork. On the other hand, wood chips incorporating mild flavors are a perfect partner for fish or poultry.
Choose the appropriate wood, ingredients, seasonings, and methods to enjoy carnivore dishes with your loved ones. To learn more about how you can prepare your meat dishes, check out Carnivore Style now!