I have been posting quite a few recipes for our wood pellet smoker, but I know that not everyone has a smoker like ours so wanted to include some tips and tricks for Smoking Meats in an Electric Smoker (Plus 5 Awesome Recipes) too! The electric smoker is nice because there is little fuss involved, and the heat remains consistent throughout the cooking period. Since most electric smokers include a large water pan, you won’t have to worry about the meat drying out, either. Most of these smokers are pretty large, with two racks, and they’ll hold a surprising quantity of meat.
Wood Chips for Electric Smoker
For that wonderful smoky flavor, place some sort of wood on the burner. You can use hickory chips, mesquite chips, or twigs that have been soaked overnight in water. Small branches about one inch in diameter seem to work best. Oak and pecan wood give the great meat flavor, and so does apple wood. You might want to experiment with other fruit woods, as well.
What type of liquid should I use in an Electric Smoker?
For more flavor, use apple juice in the water pan instead of water. Just be sure to check the pan about halfway through the cooking time to ensure that it doesn’t get empty. If you like “bark” on your meat (you know, that crunchy brown crust), remove the water pan about an hour before you take the meat off the smoker. The longer the meat cooks without the moisture from the water pan, the more crust you’ll get.
Rubs and Seasoning for smoked meats
Use your favorite dry rub or infuser before cooking. Garlic, garlic salt, red pepper, rosemary, onion powder, black pepper, and sage all work well. Sometimes we use a mixture of spices and mix them with vinegar to make a paste. Rub the meat generously on all sides. If you’re preparing a turkey, goose, or duck, be sure to rub the cavity.
Tips & Tricks for Smoking Meats in an Electric Smoker
Poultry
Whenever we smoke a dry piece of poultry, like a turkey or a turkey breast, we smoke a fatty cut of meat at the same time. A pork roast or cured ham, when placed on the top rack, constantly drips on the turkey on the bottom rack, basting it with wonderful juices.
Beef & Pork
Cuts of beef and pork should be placed fat side up, while turkeys should always be placed breast down on the bottom rack.
When smoking a sugar-cured ham, try soaking it overnight in a mixture of cherry, apple, pineapple, or orange juice, or a mixture of different juices. If you plan to glaze the ham, wait until about two hours before the meat is done to do so.
For large slabs of meat like Boston butts, pork loins, and turkeys, we allow about twelve hours for smoking. Electic smokers with water pans are pretty forgiving, so it’s hard to overcook the meat. Just check on the smoker every three or four hours, and add water, juice, or more wood as needed. Remember, the more wood you place on the burner, the more smoke you’ll get, along with more smoked flavor.
5 Awesome Recipes that are done in an Electric Smoker
Check out some of my blogger friend’s electric smoker recipes to get you started on smoking some great meat this Summer!
1. Texas Style Smoked Beef Chuck Roast– Little Sunny Kitchen
Smoked chuck roast aka poor man’s brisket is a great alternative to smoked brisket. If you feel intimidated by smoking a large cut of meat like brisket, then this recipe is perfect for you.
2. Smoked Jalapeno Cheese Stuffed Pork Balls – Erica’s Recipes
Pork meatballs that are stuffed and smoked to perfection, YES PLEASE! I will be trying these for sure!
3. Smoked Turkey Brine Recipe & Smoked Turkey Rub – This Mama Cooks
We love smoking our turkeys! They always turn out super moist and flavorful! If you haven’t tried to do it yet, make sure to check out this recipe!
4. Smoked Pork Shoulder- Recipes from a Pantry
Smoked pork shoulder is a classic, easy, and versatile! Check out this how to for a flavorful, juicy pork shoulder recipe!
5. How to Smoke Great Ribs 3-2-1 Method– Food Wine Sunshine
These ribs turn out great using the 3-2-1 method and walk you step by step for perfect results every time!
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I hope you can find some of these Tips & Tricks for Smoking Meats In an Electric Smoker (Plus 5 Awesome Recipes) useful!
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