The Easy Way To Smoke Meat Right In Your Kitchen

BBQ restaurants are often the go-to spot for tender, smoked meats, which, according to MasterClass, involves an old cooking method that allows smoke and various food items to mingle for preservation and browning purposes. If anything else, smoking adds flavorful elements of fire to food. One such way is through the burning of wood, which becomes reminiscent of spices, caramel, and/or vanilla. Another aspect is via the "bark" on the smoked meat's exterior, which is a byproduct of the reaction between smoke and the protein's moisture.

Grill Masters Club states that smoking can be achieved through the use of gas grills, charcoal grills, offset smokers, or smoker grill combos. Whichever direction you go in, Fattybombatty's emphasizes that the low n' slow method is the way to go when smoking meats since this will allow the flavors to really shine through. As you probably have already guessed, smoking meats is usually an outdoor event, though it can certainly be accomplished in one's kitchen. Here's how Serious Eats is able to get those beloved smoked flavors with a cooking vessel.

There are tons of pressure cooker hacks out there, and one of our favorite ones is utilizing the vessel as a smoker. Granted, it should only be used for quick-smoking foods rather than racks of ribs or brisket (per Serious Eats), but nevertheless, it's arguably much easier and faster to use than a grill or smoker.

The food outlet first suggests placing some foil within the bottom of the pressure cooker. Next, take some spices or soaked wood chips and place them over the foil. Now add a steamer basket, followed by the foods of your choice, and start heating these. Only place the lid on when you see smoke escaping from the appliance. The source also notes to reheat it often to maintain the smoke. After 10 to 20 minutes, foods like fish, chicken wings, or cheese should be done smoking (be sure to check for doneness, though).

If you're going the meat route for this and you're unsure about which type of wood to use, Grill Masters Club offers a handy dandy chart for wood types and meat.