How to Use Wood Chunks for Smoking Meat

Wood chips can be used while smoking meat to infuse it with flavor. While wood chips are easy to use, it may take some experimenting to find what type has the flavor you seek. Chips made with applewood, cherry or plum wood pieces tend to produce a lighter smoky flavor, while hickory, alder and mesquite have much stronger influences. Keep it simple by trying one at a time or mix them to your discretion to create a unique flavor of your own. Does this Spark an idea?

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Wood chips of your choice
Bucket
Water
Aluminum foil

Instructions

- 1
  
  Place your wood chips into a bucket and cover them with enough water to completely submerge them.
- 2
  
  Allow the chips to soak in the water for 15 to 30 minutes. Drain the water.
- 3
  
  Place the chips into the smoke box of your grill or smoker. If you do not have a smoke box, simply wrap the chips in an aluminum foil pouch and poke holes all over the top to let the smoke escape.
- 4
  
  Turn the grill or smoker on. As the soaked chips heat up, they will begin to smoke and flavor the meat.

Tips & Warnings

Instead of using water, you can also use beer, wine or any other liquid of your choice to help manipulate the final flavor of the meat.

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