Are you new to smoking meats? Do you want to impress your friends and family with tender, juicy dishes that are sure to become a hit at any gathering? Look no further! In this article, we’ll take you through the world of smoker recipes, highlighting 18 delicious and easy-to-make options perfect for beginners. From classic pulled pork to savory smoked mac and cheese, these mouthwatering dishes will have you experimenting with new flavors and techniques in no time.
Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just starting out on your smoking journey, these simple yet impressive recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you eager to try more. So grab your apron, preheat that smoker, and get ready to dive into the world of slow-cooked goodness!
Smoked BBQ Pulled Pork
A classic Southern staple, this recipe yields tender, flavorful pulled pork smothered in a rich, tangy BBQ sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1 cup wood chips (hickory or apple)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F (110°C).
2. Season pork shoulder with brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Place pork in the smoker, fat side up. Close lid and smoke for 8 hours or until internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).
4. After 6 hours, add wood chips to the smoker to enhance flavor.
5. Remove pork from smoker and shred with two forks.
6. In a saucepan, combine BBQ sauce and 1 tablespoon of the pork’s pan drippings. Simmer for 10 minutes.
7. Toss shredded pork with BBQ sauce until coated.
Cooking Time: 8 hours (including prep time)
Easy Smoked Chicken Thighs
Easy Smoked Chicken Thighs
Savor the rich flavor of smoked chicken thighs with minimal effort! This recipe yields tender and juicy results, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a stress-free weekend meal.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup wood chips (hickory, apple, or cherry work well)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup liquid smoke (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken thighs, making sure they’re evenly coated.
4. Place the wood chips in the smoker, then add the chicken thighs.
5. Close the lid and smoke for 2-1/2 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. If desired, brush the chicken with liquid smoke during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 to 3 hours
Smoked Beef Brisket with Rub
Transform a humble beef brisket into tender, flavorful masterpiece by smoking it to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 1 (5-7 pound) beef brisket
– 1/2 cup dry rub (see below)
– 1 cup wood chips (your preferred type of smoke wood)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Dry Rub:
– 1/4 cup chili powder
– 2 tablespoons ground cumin
– 2 tablespoons kosher salt
– 1 tablespoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F (110°C).
2. Mix dry rub ingredients in a bowl.
3. Season brisket with the rub, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Place brisket in smoker fat side up.
5. Smoke for 10 hours or until tender and easily shredded.
6. Brush with brown sugar mixture during last hour of smoking.
Cooking Time: 10 hours
Smoked Turkey Legs
Savor the rich flavor of smoked turkey legs, perfect for a casual gathering or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 turkey legs (about 2 lbs)
– 1 cup wood chips (hickory or apple work well)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture evenly onto all turkey legs.
4. Place turkey legs in smoker, leaving space between each leg for air circulation.
5. Smoke for 4-5 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours
Simple Smoked Salmon Fillet
Get ready to elevate your meal game with this effortless smoked salmon recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 salmon fillet (6 oz)
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp liquid smoke
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together water, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and liquid smoke.
3. Place the salmon fillet in the marinade, making sure it’s fully coated.
4. Smoke the salmon for 30-40 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of smokiness.
5. Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Smoked Pork Ribs with Honey Glaze
Smoked Pork Ribs with Honey Glaze: A Sweet and Savory Delight!
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds pork ribs
– 1 cup wood chips (your preferred type of smoking wood)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
2. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs (this will help them absorb flavor better).
3. Season the ribs with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
4. Place the ribs in the smoker, close the lid, and smoke for 4 hours or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
5. While the ribs are smoking, mix together the honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper to make the glaze.
6. After the ribs have smoked for 4 hours, brush them with the honey glaze during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
7. Remove the ribs from the smoker and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 4 hours and 45 minutes (including resting time)
Easy Smoked Sausage Links
A classic comfort food with minimal effort required! This recipe yields tender and flavorful smoked sausage links that are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or game-day gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound smoked sausage links (such as Andouille or knockwurst)
– 1 cup wood chips (your preferred type of smoking wood, such as hickory or apple)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 225-250°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and paprika.
3. Remove the sausage links from their packaging and sprinkle both sides with the sugar-paprika mixture.
4. Place the sausage links in the smoker, close the lid, and smoke for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
5. Once cooked, remove the sausage links from the smoker and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Smoked Mac and Cheese
Smoked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Get ready to elevate your comfort food game with this creamy, smoky macaroni and cheese recipe!
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup half-and-half
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (110°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
3. In a large saucepan, combine butter, half-and-half, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir over medium heat until the cheese is melted and smooth.
5. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.
6. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a smoker-safe dish and smoke for 30 minutes.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Smoked Garlic Butter Shrimp
Elevate your shrimp game with this savory and aromatic recipe that combines the richness of smoked garlic butter with succulent shrimp.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves smoked garlic (see note), minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the minced smoked garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add the lemon juice and stir to combine.
5. Toss the shrimp with the garlic butter mixture until well coated.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Place the shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 8-10 minutes or until pink and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Note: To make smoked garlic, simply wrap 2 cloves of garlic in foil with 1 tablespoon of water and smoke at 225°F (110°C) for 30 minutes. Let cool before using.
Simple Smoked Corn on the Cob
Get ready to elevate your grilled corn game with this easy and delicious recipe! With just a few simple steps, you’ll be enjoying perfectly smoked corn on the cob in no time.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 ears of corn, husked and silked
– 1/4 cup wood chips (your choice of flavor, such as apple or cherry)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (110°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto each ear of corn, making sure to get it into all the nooks and crannies.
4. Place the corn on the grill grates, leaving about 1 inch of space between each ear.
5. Add the wood chips to the smoker, following the manufacturer’s instructions for lighting.
6. Smoke the corn for 30-40 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of tenderness and flavor.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends
Savor the rich flavor of slow-cooked pork belly with this simple recipe for Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends. This Southern-style comfort food is perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds pork belly, skin removed
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup liquid smoke
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the pork belly, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Place the pork belly in the smoker, fat side up.
5. Smoke for 8-10 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 30 minutes before slicing into burnt ends.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Easy Smoked Whole Chicken
Transform a whole chicken into tender, flavorful perfection with this simple smoking recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 1 cup wood chips (your choice of flavor, e.g., apple, cherry, or mesquite)
– 1 cup water
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
2. Rinse the chicken, pat dry with paper towels.
3. Mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
4. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
5. Place the wood chips in the smoker according to manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Put the chicken in the smoker, breast side up.
7. Close the lid and smoke for 4-5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours
Smoked BBQ Baby Back Ribs
Succulent baby back ribs smothered in a rich, tangy BBQ sauce and smoked to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 4 pounds)
– 1 cup BBQ rub
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 cup wood chips (hickory or apple)
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together BBQ rub, brown sugar, and smoked paprika.
3. Apply the dry rub evenly to both racks of ribs, making sure to coat all surfaces.
4. Place ribs in smoker, bone side down. Close lid and smoke for 4 hours.
5. While ribs are smoking, prepare BBQ sauce by whisking together apple cider vinegar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and honey.
6. After 4 hours, remove ribs from smoker and brush with BBQ sauce.
7. Return ribs to smoker and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
8. Remove ribs from smoker and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Smoked Potatoes with Herbs
Transform ordinary potatoes into a flavorful side dish by smoking them to perfection with aromatic herbs. This recipe is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and home cooks alike.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker or charcoal grill to 225°F (110°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, smoked paprika, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the potato wedges to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
4. Place the potatoes in the smoker or grill and cook for 1 hour.
5. Flip the potatoes and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of tenderness.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Simple Smoked Tri-Tip Roast
Elevate your BBQ game with this easy and flavorful smoked tri-tip roast recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) beef tri-tip roast
– 1 cup wood chips (post oak, mesquite, or a mix)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the tri-tip roast, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Place the roast in the smoker, fat side up.
5. Smoke for 4-5 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours
Smoked Jalapeño Poppers
Elevate your snack game with these Smoked Jalapeño Poppers, a twist on the classic appetizer that combines spicy and savory flavors. This recipe is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and party-goers alike.
Ingredients:
– 12 large jalapeños
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Wooden skewers or toothpicks for assembly
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (110°C).
2. Cut off the stems of the jalapeños and carefully remove the seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Stuff each jalapeño with about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture.
5. Place the stuffed jalapeños on wooden skewers or toothpicks.
6. Smoke the poppers for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Easy Smoked Pork Tenderloin
A tender and flavorful pork tenderloin infused with the rich taste of smoke, perfect for a weekend dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1-2 pound) pork tenderloin
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup liquid smoke (optional)
– 1 cup wood chips (hickory or apple)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork tenderloin, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Place the pork tenderloin in the smoker, close the lid, and smoke for 2-3 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
5. If using liquid smoke, apply it during the last 30 minutes of smoking.
6. Remove the pork from the smoker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Smoked BBQ Beef Short Ribs
Transform tender short ribs into a fall-off-the-bone masterpiece with this simple smoked BBQ recipe.
Ingredients:
– 4 pounds beef short ribs
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Apply the dry rub evenly to both sides of the short ribs, making sure they’re well-coated.
4. Place the short ribs in the smoker, bone-side down (if applicable).
5. Smoke for 8 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
6. During the last 30 minutes, brush the BBQ sauce all over the short ribs.
7. Remove from heat and let rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 8 hours (including resting time)
Summary
Discover 18 simple and delicious smoker recipes perfect for beginners. From classic BBQ favorites to savory seafood dishes, these easy-to-follow recipes will get you started on your smoking journey. Try smoked pulled pork, chicken thighs, beef brisket, turkey legs, salmon fillet, pork ribs with honey glaze, sausage links, mac and cheese, garlic butter shrimp, corn on the cob, pork belly burnt ends, whole chicken, baby back ribs, potatoes with herbs, tri-tip roast, jalapeño poppers, or pork tenderloin. Each recipe is designed to be easy to follow and requires minimal equipment, making it perfect for those new to smoking.
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