How to Use a Propane Grill to Smoke Food
Smoking food is a good way to obtain an alternate taste to food that normal seasoning or marinades do not accomplish. The ideal method of smoking is to use a dedicated wood smoker that houses a compartment for the wood that feeds into the cooking area. Propane grills are not ideal for smoking, but can be used. The process requires wood chips as opposed to wood logs and takes a substantially longer time to cook than normal grilling. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Make small bowls out of aluminum foil. The bowls should be large enough to house one to two inches of wood chips and wide enough to sit on top of the burners.
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Fill each bowl with your preference of wood chips. Mesquite wood chips offer a robust flavor to meats and vegetables. Set the bowls directly on top of the heat shields that cover the burners. Position the bowls so they are stable and won't fall over.
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Turn the grill on to a low heat setting and close the lid. Allow the burners to warm the wood chips and generate smoke.
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Set the food onto the grates positioned so the food is not in a direct line with the flames. Close the hood and allow the food to cook. Cooking times vary by the type and amount of food, and the temperature inside of the grill. Check the temperature of the food with a food thermometer to ensure it is at the proper serving temperature.
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Tips & Warnings
Smoking with a propane grill is best when your grill has multiple burners. Activate one burner with the wood chips on top. Place the food on an alternate burner that is turned off. You want the heated smoke to cook the food as opposed to the direct flame to obtain the proper amount of smoky flavor to the food.
Leave the hood down at all times and only flip the food once if needed.
Moist wood chips smoke more than dry wood chips and are less prone to burning fast.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
