How to Make Your Own Smoked Meats

Meat is an excellent source of protein. Not only that, but it’s rich in several vitamins and minerals including niacin and selenium.

The best part? There are several different ways that you can cook it. For example, you can roast, pan-fry, grill, or broil the meat.

Smoked meats are a thing as well. Basically, it’s when you heat the meat at a low temperature for a long period of time—this adds flavor, texture, and aroma.

Interested in making your own? Looking for some tips on how to smoke meat? If so, you’re on the right page. Keep reading to learn more!

1. Dry-Brine Before Cooking

Dry-brine your meat with salt at least two hours prior to cooking, if not the night before. For the best results, use 1/2 a teaspoon per one pound of meat.

Not only will that enhance the flavor, but it’ll help the meat retain moisture by starting the denaturing process.

2. Take the Meat Out of the Fridge

Take the meat out of the fridge 1-2 hours before cooking so that it can reach room temperature. That will allow you to shave some time off of the actual cook time so that it’ll retain more moisture.

While it’s resting, you can also trim off some of the fat.

3. Keep It Slow and Low

Slow and low is key when it comes to smoking meats. You don’t want the temperature to be too high as that’ll dry it out.

Depending on the type of meat and the thickness of the meat, it can take anywhere from 6 to 8 hours, sometimes more. You’ll know that it’s cooked correctly if there’s a pink ring around the meat just inside the outside layer.

4. Don’t Check On the Meat

Don’t open the smoker’s door to check on your meat. Every time you do, heat will come out, causing the inner temperature to drop and that will only extend the cooking process.

In fact, you shouldn’t have to open the door at all as long as there’s a temperature probe inside. The only exception is if you’re adding sauce to the meat.

What Should You Use to Smoke Meat?

There are a few things that you can use to smoke your own meats. For example, you can use a smoker, which is specifically designed for smoking. Unless you plan on smoking regularly, however, it’s probably not worth it to buy a separate appliance.

Instead, you can use an outdoor BBQ grill such as the Traeger Tailgater. You can find out more by reading some reviews on the device.

Making Your Own Smoked Meats

And there you have it—a short guide on how to make your own smoked meats. Remember, don’t rush; you want to keep it nice and slow.

Interested in reading more posts like this? Then be sure to check out the rest of our food section!

Photo by Anna Guerrero from Pexels

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