What is smoking?
Smoking is the process of flavoring, browning, cooking or preserving food by exposing it to smoke from burning or smoldering wood. The process of smoking food is known as ‘slow and low’.
MEAT SMOKING GUIDE
Meat Type and Temperature:
| Meat Type | Smoking Temp. | Target Internal Temp. | USDA Min. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pork Butt/Shoulder | 225-275°F | 195-205°F | 145°F | Estimate 1.5 hours per pound for smoking time. |
| Pork Tenderloin | 225-325°F | 145-150°F | 145°F | Wrap in a bacon weave to help keep it from drying out. |
| Pork Ribs | 225-275°F | 225-275°F | 145°F | Remove the thick membrane on the bone side first. |
| Beef Brisket | 225-275°F | 195-210°F | 145°F | Estimate 1.5 hours per pound for smoking time. |
| Chicken | 250-300°F | 165°F | 165°F | Finish off over high heat 325F for 20 minutes to crisp the skin. |
| Turkey | 250-300°F | 165°F | 165°F | Try brining the turkey for 24 hours prior to smoking for maximum moisture. |
| Fish | 225-250°F | 145°F | 145°F | Fatter fish like salmon & trout absorb smoke faster and have better texture. |
Types of Wood to use:
| Wood Type | Flavor Profile | Pork | Beef | Poultry | Turkey | Fish | Veges | Water Pan or Soak |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alder | MILD Delicate and sweet smoke |  |
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Water, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Apple Juice, Lager, Ale | ||
| Almond | MEDIUM Nutty and sweet flavor, little ash |
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Water, IPA | ||
| Apple | MILD Sweet, fruity taste |
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Water, Apple Juice/ Cider, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pineapple Juice | |
| Apricot | MILD Hint of sweetness and fruitiness |
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Water, Apple Juice, White Wine | ||
| Cherry | MILD Fairly sweet and fruity |
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Water, Apple Juice/ Cider, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pineapple Juice | ||
| Hickory | STRONG Sweet to Strong with heavy bacon flavor |
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Water, Beer, Bourbon, Ginger Ale, Coke, Apple Juice, Pineapple Juice, Cabernet Sauvignon | ||
| Jack Daniel’s/ Jim Beam’s | STRONG Made from charred white oak whiskey barrels. Strong |
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Water | |
| Maple | MILD Somewhat sweet subtle flavor |
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Water, Apple Juice, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Honey Brown Lager, Maple Lager | ||
| Mesquite | STRONG Earthy smoke flavor, sweet but strong |
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Water, Cider, Pineapple Juice, Lemonade, Beer, Ginger Ale | ||||
| Mulberry | MILD Sweet, tangy, blackberry-like flavor |
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Water | |||
| Oak | MEDIUM Traditional smoke flavor |
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Water | |
| Orange | MEDIUM Tangy, citrus smoke with hint of fruitiness |
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Water, Juice/ Cider | ||||
| Peach | MEDIUM Slightly sweet and woodsy flavor |
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Water, Chicken or Pork Stock, Juice/ Cider | |||
| Pear | MILD Earthy flavor with a hint of fruitiness |
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Water, Juice/ Cider, Chardonnay | |||
| Pecan | MILD Sweet and mild. Similar to hickory, all purpose smoke |
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Water, Guinness, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Apple Juice, Ginger Ale |
| Plum | MILD Mild and sweet smoke |
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Water, Japanese Plum Wine, Light White Wines | |||
| Walnut | STRONG Bitter, heavy smoke. Mix with lighter woods |
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Water |
