For centuries, hunters have used smoke to preserve the products of their summer and fall hunts to store and eat through the harsh winter months. Today's meat smokers, although slightly more technologically advanced than rocks and fire, serve the same purpose and offer alternatives to barbecuing, broiling, and pan frying.
Meat smokers come in many shapes, sizes, and varieties. Some are simple, involving only a small, smoky fire and an area where the smoke is trapped with the cuts of meat. Others are more complicated, being powered by electricity and gas. All meat smokers, however, share the same basic premise – meat is cooked by wood smoke, extremely slowly and at a very low temperature, over a period of several hours to several days. Large cuts of meat can be purchased in bulk, smoked all at once, and then frozen for future use.
Since many manufacturers offer several varieties of wood chips and larger chunks of wood needed for meat smokers, gathering everything needed for a good smoking experience is easy. Meat smokers can be purchased manufactured, or a handy barbecue enthusiast can make one at home using materials as simple as a metal garbage can. Meat smokers should be monitored carefully to ensure that the temperature stays at the right level for thorough cooking.
Before putting meat into a meat smoker, it is usually rubbed with a mixture of spices and then wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to three days. This helps break down the proteins in the meat, makes it more tender, and adds flavor to complement the smoky taste.
Meat smokers can be used to cook just about anything, including beef, pork, fish, poultry and vegetables. Jerky, whether it is made with beef, venison, or even fish, can be made with ease, and many people even use their meat smokers for Thanksgiving turkeys! Chili peppers are easily processed in a meat smoker if you buy them in bulk. Corn and other vegetables can be smoked and come out with a pleasing, chewy consistency, perfect for vegetarians.
Meat smokers, although time consuming, are a cost-effective alternative or complement to a traditional barbecue.
To find out top secrets of the world's best barbecuers,check this out.