Smoking the meat at low temperatures and for a long time allows it to be preserved and flavored. If you like the taste of smoked food, you might want to buy an electric smoker. In this way you can prepare your recipes without having to constantly check the smoker.
Steps
Step 1. Decide what type of smoker to use
- Water vertical ones are relatively inexpensive and work very well when the weather is mild but cannot keep the internal temperature constant in the cold months. When cooking meat with an electric smoker, consider doing it only in the summer if you have decided on this model.
- Cabinet smokers have a shape similar to that of a small refrigerator. Most are equipped with a thermometer that allows you to check the internal temperature. When cooking meat it is important to manage the temperature.
Step 2. Read the instruction booklet
There are many different models of smokers and each works in different ways. Before using yours, you need to understand how it works.
Step 3. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to treat a new smoker
This procedure removes odors, dust and traces of solvent while you prepare the appliance for cooking. Before using it you must always treat the smoker.
- Coat the shelves and internal surfaces with cooking oil.
- Turn on the appliance and leave it running for two hours. Turn it off and open the door to let it cool.
Step 4. Prepare the meat
Step 5. Season it with a spice mix of sugar, salt and herbs or leave it in an acid marinade
Step 6. Wait for the meat to absorb all the flavors overnight
Step 7. Turn on the smoker
Add water if your model provides for it
Step 8. Buy some wood pellets
You can go to home improvement stores or buy them online.
You can use alder, cherry, cedar, plum, maple, or walnut. Usually the volume of 1 liter of pellets is needed for 3-5 hours of operation
Step 9. Check the temperature of the smoker
When using an electric one, it is important to check the internal temperature, which is why many models have a thermostat.
- Adjust the temperature. Some models have a regulator that allows you to raise or lower the temperature, while others self-set at a certain level, usually at 107 ° C.
- Wait for the smoker to reach the desired temperature. It is important to start cooking the meat when the heat has reached the correct level for the recipe.
Step 10. Put the meat in the appliance
It will take 3-8 hours. Check if the meat is ready by inserting a thermometer in the center, or cook until tender.
Advice
- You can find smoking recipes both online and in cookbooks.
- When using an electric smoker, try adding apple juice, wine or beer if the appliance is equipped with a container for liquids. This will add much more flavor to the smoked meat.
- If you've never used a smoker before, consider buying an inexpensive model to get some experience before investing in a high-end appliance.
