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5 Tips and Tricks To Try While Cooking With An Electric Smoker

People who love food are keen on trying innovative cuisines and cooking techniques. One of the techniques that are gaining extensive popularity across the globe is smoking. It brings amazing flavors to the simplest of recipes. And nothing is as easy as preparing smoked dishes if you have invested in an electric smoker. The appliance gives you the freedom to just set the timer and temperature controls and you can taste a succulent and aromatic dish in just a short span of time. If you are an avid food enthusiast and love to enjoy the summer nights smoking your meat of choice, here are some tips and tricks that you can try with your electric smoker.

  1. Choose the right kind of wood

Smoking technique uses wood smoke to bring the right flavors to the food. It is important to use the right kind of wood in your electric smoker. Scrap woods are to be avoided as they can produce unhealthy gases. Hardwood such as mesquite and hickory are the best. Soak the wood chips in water and then place them into the unit. This is done to maintain the right temperature and prevent the wood from flaming up. Wet wood is better because it lasts longer and yields more smoke.

  1. Preheat before cooking

Do not forget to preheat the smoker before putting in the food to cook. Start by setting the temperature and leave it on so that the heat rises to the desired level. Once it does, only then put the meat into the cooking chamber. The smoker has a built-in thermometer which you can use for monitoring the temperature. Place the meat in the unit only once the wood chips start to ash and the smoke turns bluish in color.

  1. Soak the food in brine solution overnight

The secret to getting a flavorful smoked meal is to soak the food in brine solution overnight. Whether you are cooking chicken, meat, or turkey, soak it in a mixture of salt and seasonings and leave it overnight to rest. Cover the food thoroughly with the mixture and leave it in the refrigerator for about 24 hours. This will make the meat tender as well as allow the flavors to soak in.

  1. Be patient and careful

Smoking is a slow cooking technique and some dishes may need as long as 6 hours to cook. So patience is the key when you use an electric smoker to cook your favorite dishes. Keep a meat probe handy so that you can check whether the smoked meat is done properly. Also, you need to be careful to ensure that the food is neither overcooked nor undercooked so that you can get the right flavors. A little practice can bring perfection.

  1. Clean the appliance regularly

Besides following the right cooking technique, it is important to clean the smoker on a regular basis. It will prolong the life of the appliance as well as prevent it from smelling rancid due to grease and leftovers. A bad odor can spoil the flavors of the food you cook in the unit. Use a mixture of water and vinegar for cleaning.

Besides following these tips, make sure that you read the user manual thoroughly and stick to all the instructions mentioned in it. With the right technique, you can surely cook the most heavenly tasting smoked dishes in the world!

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