I'm going to purchase on of those dual grilles that have separate propane/infared and charcoal capabilities and could use some rib info also.
new smoker
We got a Texas syle smoker attachment for our grill and I could really use any tips you guys have. We smoked some ribs last weekend and they turned out ok but I really don't think we did it right. We used charcoal and some wood chips in the smoker but had a hard time keeping the temp at 200. Maybe I should have started with more charcoal? Help!=)
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Not exactly sure.. You might be on the wrong forums for that question buddy.We got a Texas syle smoker attachment for our grill and I could really use any tips you guys have. We smoked some ribs last weekend and they turned out ok but I really don't think we did it right. We used charcoal and some wood chips in the smoker but had a hard time keeping the temp at 200. Maybe I should have started with more charcoal? Help!=)
I'm sure someone will help me and Hunting man out. If not I'll do some more googling and give it another try next weekend. The stores got some chicken on sale cheap so I'll try smoking that.
smoking is an art & is not easy to maintain the correct temp
I am assuming you were getting higher temp then you wanted here are a few things I do
make sure your charcoal turns to coals before putting the food on
if the temps get higher prop the grill lid open a little to let the heat out & put food as far from to the smoker box as you can
spray bottle with water mist the food once in a while to keep it cool
I am still trying to master the art of smoking but these are a few basic things I have learned
I am assuming you were getting higher temp then you wanted here are a few things I do
make sure your charcoal turns to coals before putting the food on
if the temps get higher prop the grill lid open a little to let the heat out & put food as far from to the smoker box as you can
spray bottle with water mist the food once in a while to keep it cool
I am still trying to master the art of smoking but these are a few basic things I have learned
I use a combination of chips and when I can get it, sawdusr from the big saws. I get mine at a sawmill. Soak both in water for at least two hours. I put the sawdust in AL foil, leaving the top open. Remember, you want smoke, not flames so get it good and saturated. If your chips flame, the temp goes up quickly.
Now, regarding temp control. If you open the top of the grill, you provide much more oxygen to the chips and they flame. Instead, sprinkle water on the chips or any cooking agent like charcoal to bring the flames down and close the top. Be sure your ,eat is on the opposite side of the chips, not over them. Just keep in mind, you want smoke, not flames and you never smoke directly over the smoking agent. I do not know what a Texas thingie you are talking about so keep that in mind. I'm just telling you what I do.
The key to adding a smokey flavor to meat is to get the smoke in agreement with the cooking time. In other words, you can smoke meat or just add a smokey flavor to meat. There is a difference. Depending on the cut, smoking may take up to 12-hours. In smoking, the heat is very low because you are not cooking, just smoking and the meat is ALWAYS not on any direct heat source. It dries out the meat and the smoke fully penetrates.
Most people are actually just trying to add a smokey flavor to whatever they are cooking. That can easily be done on any gas or charcoal grill. I have both and I have a big, custom smoker as well.
In cooking meat, just do it as you usually would. The difference is in adding the smoking ingredient at the right time. When using chips, as stated, soak them well to prevent flaming. That means you add them long before you add the meat. Once the chips start producing good smoke, check and adjust the temperature, add the meat and cook as usual. However, be sure the meat is not directly over the smoke. Obviously, the type of chip produces different smoke. Some experimenting will tell you what you like. Basic rule of thumb is fruit woods for lighter cuts of meat and birds, poultry and fish.
Best method is to wrap the soaked chips in AL foil, leaving top open and perhaps putting a few more holes in the package. Place over direct heat in one side of the grill or in the attatchment, just put soaked chips directly in. When smoking well and circulating in the grill, add meat and cook. On my custom smoker, I just add the chips in a metal pail-about a sack at a time. Once they start to flame, I remove them and add a new pail.
I also smoke my jerky and my larger fish, fillets and whole. Fish smoke faster than most meat. And...I DO NOT like most wild game smoked due to the lack of marbling. It gets quite dry and tough. However, by wrapping larger cuts such a roasts and brisket from elk or large deer, in bacon, it can be smoked and turn out quite good. I do add a smoked flavor to wild game often.
Just experiment and you will get it the way you want it soon. Hard to beat a 3/4-pound hamburger with a good hickory flavor and a slice of sharp cheddar.
Damn, I hungry! :wacko:
Now, regarding temp control. If you open the top of the grill, you provide much more oxygen to the chips and they flame. Instead, sprinkle water on the chips or any cooking agent like charcoal to bring the flames down and close the top. Be sure your ,eat is on the opposite side of the chips, not over them. Just keep in mind, you want smoke, not flames and you never smoke directly over the smoking agent. I do not know what a Texas thingie you are talking about so keep that in mind. I'm just telling you what I do.
The key to adding a smokey flavor to meat is to get the smoke in agreement with the cooking time. In other words, you can smoke meat or just add a smokey flavor to meat. There is a difference. Depending on the cut, smoking may take up to 12-hours. In smoking, the heat is very low because you are not cooking, just smoking and the meat is ALWAYS not on any direct heat source. It dries out the meat and the smoke fully penetrates.
Most people are actually just trying to add a smokey flavor to whatever they are cooking. That can easily be done on any gas or charcoal grill. I have both and I have a big, custom smoker as well.
In cooking meat, just do it as you usually would. The difference is in adding the smoking ingredient at the right time. When using chips, as stated, soak them well to prevent flaming. That means you add them long before you add the meat. Once the chips start producing good smoke, check and adjust the temperature, add the meat and cook as usual. However, be sure the meat is not directly over the smoke. Obviously, the type of chip produces different smoke. Some experimenting will tell you what you like. Basic rule of thumb is fruit woods for lighter cuts of meat and birds, poultry and fish.
Best method is to wrap the soaked chips in AL foil, leaving top open and perhaps putting a few more holes in the package. Place over direct heat in one side of the grill or in the attatchment, just put soaked chips directly in. When smoking well and circulating in the grill, add meat and cook. On my custom smoker, I just add the chips in a metal pail-about a sack at a time. Once they start to flame, I remove them and add a new pail.
I also smoke my jerky and my larger fish, fillets and whole. Fish smoke faster than most meat. And...I DO NOT like most wild game smoked due to the lack of marbling. It gets quite dry and tough. However, by wrapping larger cuts such a roasts and brisket from elk or large deer, in bacon, it can be smoked and turn out quite good. I do add a smoked flavor to wild game often.
Just experiment and you will get it the way you want it soon. Hard to beat a 3/4-pound hamburger with a good hickory flavor and a slice of sharp cheddar.
Damn, I hungry! :wacko:
I soak my chips in water like its said above to help me produce a little more smoke. I usually smoke hams around Thanksgiving when its really cold outside. In my little smoker I struggle to keep the heat as high as 250 degrees.
They sell a little charcoal chimney. You can preheat your charcoal in this and then pour it on your pile. Therefore not losing any heat.
I like buying hams and then making a rub with orange zest and garlic (I believe thats about it). I then start the ham on the smoker and every hour or so I drizzle maple syrup all over it. It creates an amazing burnt crust that is very good. It takes about 9 hours or so to smoke one of these but its worth it.
Good luck with your new toy.
I havent smoked ribs yet. We still boil them first and then slap em on the grill!
They sell a little charcoal chimney. You can preheat your charcoal in this and then pour it on your pile. Therefore not losing any heat.
I like buying hams and then making a rub with orange zest and garlic (I believe thats about it). I then start the ham on the smoker and every hour or so I drizzle maple syrup all over it. It creates an amazing burnt crust that is very good. It takes about 9 hours or so to smoke one of these but its worth it.
Good luck with your new toy.
I havent smoked ribs yet. We still boil them first and then slap em on the grill!
When you are smoking a ham, try marinating it in Coca-Cola for about an hour. The, three or four times, brush it with Coke as it smokes. Gives it a nice flavor on the outside.
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