Description
Smoked meats are packed with rich, deep flavors achieved through slow cooking with wood smoke. Whether it’s brisket, ribs, pork shoulder, or chicken, smoking enhances the natural juices while adding a delicious smoky essence. Perfect for BBQ lovers, this method creates tender, flavorful meat with a satisfying crust.
Ingredients
Scale
(Adjust based on the type of meat)
- 5 lbs of meat (brisket, ribs, pork shoulder, chicken, or turkey)
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- ½ cup brown sugar (for pork or ribs)
- ¼ cup yellow mustard (as a binder, optional)
- Wood chips or chunks (hickory, applewood, mesquite, or cherry)
Instructions
Prepare the Meat
- Trim excess fat if necessary.
- Rub mustard on the meat (if using) to help the seasoning stick.
- Generously apply the dry rub all over the meat. Let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Prepare the Smoker
- Preheat the smoker to 225°F (107°C).
- Add your preferred wood chips/chunks for desired smoke flavor.
Smoking Process
- Place the meat in the smoker, fat-side up if applicable.
- Maintain a consistent temperature of 225°F (107°C).
- Smoke until the internal temperature reaches:
- Brisket: 195–205°F (90–96°C) (12-16 hours)
- Ribs: 190–203°F (88–95°C) (5-6 hours)
- Pork Shoulder: 195–205°F (90–96°C) (8-10 hours)
- Chicken: 165°F (74°C) (3-4 hours)
Wrapping (Optional for Juiciness)
- Wrap the meat in butcher paper or foil once it hits the stall (around 160°F/71°C) for brisket and pork shoulder.
Resting the Meat
- Let the meat rest for at least 30-60 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
Serving
- Slice against the grain for brisket.
- Serve ribs and pork shoulder with BBQ sauce if desired.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- Different wood types give different flavors: hickory is strong, applewood is mild and sweet.
- For extra moisture, place a water pan in the smoker.
- Experiment with different rubs and marinades for unique flavors.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: Varies (4-16 hours depending on meat)
- Category: Dinner, BBQ
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American, BBQ
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 oz
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg