1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Food Smokers and Smoking Tips/Tricks/Techniques

Discussion in 'Food Talk' started by Polymerhead, Jul 15, 2012.

  1. Jul 15, 2012 at 1:07 PM
    #1
    Polymerhead

    Polymerhead [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 15, 2010
    Member:
    #44737
    Messages:
    4,801
    Gender:
    Male
    Missouri
    Vehicle:
    '18 TRD Limited Inferno...Tundra!
    I tend to clutter up the Food BS thread with smoking commentary, so I thought I'd start a new thread dedicated to smoking food. If you have tips, tricks or techniques, post 'em here! Photos are welcome, too!
     
  2. Jul 15, 2012 at 1:13 PM
    #2
    Polymerhead

    Polymerhead [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 15, 2010
    Member:
    #44737
    Messages:
    4,801
    Gender:
    Male
    Missouri
    Vehicle:
    '18 TRD Limited Inferno...Tundra!
    Here are the steps I take for shoulders:

    Mustard (sometimes I leave this off)
    Pork1_03d7ae94bd77866e40a825a8a79da5794b4f6231.jpg

    Spread into a fine coat:
    Pork2_19e68b66751a3cda000e83c596cf2e0116936e8a.jpg

    Season generously. Look for a rub that doesn't list sugar or brown sugar as the first ingredient - they usually burn. I like paprika-based rubs like Sticky Pig (a local rub) ***2015 update*** I still love Sticky Pig but I've been using more brown sugar in my rubs lately. If you're comfortable with your fire skills and confident you can hold a long smoke without letting the temp get up past 300, brown sugar adds a lot of complexity. So if you're new to smoking, avoid sugary rubs until you're confident with your smoker temps.
    Pork3_57dff7625774bb89ff86b4deabee1c35f2f6d33b.jpg

    Load up your smoker:
    Pork4_7e12ad3ce71eb10c0d797192f431eb937141938d.jpg

    Here it is smoking away:
    Pork5_69bc9a63c493109c83fafd6197fc0a9eb13139bd.jpg

    After about 6 hours, ready to go into the oven:
    Pork6_fe96bb46d229bef84eaa05a3b7890c12d2cb2d1d.jpg

    After it reached 200 degrees internal, rested and was pulled. Ready to provide several meals:
    Pork7_c82520ee73b25d8b7ddc52a52029a5da548e6a5f.jpg
     
    Last edited: Oct 25, 2016
  3. Jul 15, 2012 at 1:15 PM
    #3
    Polymerhead

    Polymerhead [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 15, 2010
    Member:
    #44737
    Messages:
    4,801
    Gender:
    Male
    Missouri
    Vehicle:
    '18 TRD Limited Inferno...Tundra!
    Turkey breast I did a few weeks ago:

    DSC_0169_be075facca8886725f0829d0c422a8dd19c4a551.jpg

    DSC_0171_0cf45739c637fc28a6729bfec62dc4acbf38121b.jpg

    My brine is a gallon of apple juice, a cup of salt and a cup of sugar. I usually add some crushed garlic and honey.
     
  4. Jul 15, 2012 at 1:15 PM
    #4
    Polymerhead

    Polymerhead [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 15, 2010
    Member:
    #44737
    Messages:
    4,801
    Gender:
    Male
    Missouri
    Vehicle:
    '18 TRD Limited Inferno...Tundra!
    My very first brisket:
    DSC_0186_d8f0121d293bf580b94d4563f2db9359b2a0024c.jpg
     
  5. Jul 15, 2012 at 1:17 PM
    #5
    BAMFTACO

    BAMFTACO Another day another beer

    Joined:
    Feb 3, 2010
    Member:
    #30639
    Messages:
    10,907
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Juan
    Woodlandland hills , CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Tacoma AC Prerunner
    Kings bruh
  6. Jul 15, 2012 at 1:19 PM
    #6
    goomba

    goomba It is a Fluid Situation

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2010
    Member:
    #42666
    Messages:
    1,216
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Josh
    San Antonio Fl
    Vehicle:
    96 White Ex. Cab Tacoma TRD 4X4
    3" lift Up front(Donahoe Racing ext. travel coil overs, Camburg UCA's), 1.5-2" lift in the back(aal and some billy 10" stroke short bodies), Bushwhacker Cut-Out fender flairs, 16"x10" Procomp Street locks, and 305/70 Procomp X-Terrains.
    :popcorn:
     
    Antmill likes this.
  7. Jul 15, 2012 at 1:24 PM
    #7
    Texoma

    Texoma IG: Triple C Chop Shop

    Joined:
    Feb 1, 2011
    Member:
    #50374
    Messages:
    18,747
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris(Topher)
    Lago Vista, TX
    Vehicle:
    10 Taco 4x4
    A bunch a cool stickers, a bada ass MetalMiller Tx Longhorns grill emblem painted Hemi Orange, JBA long tube headers with o2 sims, Diff breather mod, Red LED interior lights, Fancy head unit that plays ipod n movies, Also DIY install factory stuff like, factory cruise control, factory intermittent wipers, OME nitro struts with 886x springs and toy tec top plate, JBA high caster UCA's for better alignmnet and dey beefier too, Old Man Emu Dakar leaf springs in da rear with the gear, U bolt flipper, Ivan Stewart TRD rims with 33" K Bro 2's, some bad ass weather tech floor liners so I don't muck up my interior, an ATO shackle flipper for mo travel in da rear wit the gear, also super shiny Fox 2.0 shocks back there too, all sorts of steal armor for bouncing off of the rocks like demello sliders, AP front skid, trans skid, n transfer skid, demello gas tank skid, and a tough as nails ARB bumper with warn 8k winch, I'm sure there's more
    I have the Chargriller with one side gas and the other charcoal with a side fire box. So far I've smoked pork ribs, 2 briskets, and a pork loin. The ribs and my first briket were crap since it was my first time. 2nd brisket came out better since I paid closer attn to temp control and I had it in some beef broth. All of that was done with Hickory. Then I did the pork loin with some apple wood branches. I was really impressed with the flavor there. I am gonna try some mulberry next, maybe on some ribs.
     
    Biscuits likes this.
  8. Jul 15, 2012 at 1:27 PM
    #8
    coffeesnob

    coffeesnob Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2010
    Member:
    #30892
    Messages:
    8,795
    Gender:
    Male
    VA
    Vehicle:
    2010 access 4 cyl 2 wd
    I have trouble with keeping the temperture at the right setting. Its either too hot or near the end of the warm setting. I have tried putting in a whole lot of charcoal which gets things really hot for a while then dies down and it leaves so much charcoal dust that it smothers the new ones I put in.On the other hand I have tried just using fewer briquets but then it don't get hot enough. Yesterday it rained on me so I just put the darn thing in the overn/
     
  9. Jul 15, 2012 at 1:31 PM
    #9
    OffroadToy

    OffroadToy old, forgetful, and decomposing

    Joined:
    Sep 12, 2009
    Member:
    #22680
    Messages:
    6,681
    Gender:
    Male
    Location: In a van down by the river
    Vehicle:
    2007 Offroad DCSB AT- VSC,TRAC,HAC, & DAC
    Icon Stage 8, ECGS Bushing, Timbren bump stops, Crown braided/extended brake lines, Overland Custom Design sway bar links, rear differential breather extension, oil filter drain hose, a/c drain hose extension & reroute, front windows tint, Cat Security, XPEL headlight/fog & grill protection, OEM block heater, RCBS illuminated 4X4 switch,
    This is a dry brine for smoking kokanee... here's the main ingredients:

    4 cups of brown sugar
    1 cup of pickling salt (I used kosher salt)
    4 tablespoons rosemary
    3 tablespoons oregano
    3 tablespoons basil
    3 tablespoons of bay leaf

    This was mixed and layered between the fillets...put in the refer over night and rinsed off in the morning. Fillets were placed skin side down in the smoker. Burned 4 pans of alder chips and removed after around 3 1/2 hours.
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Aug 22, 2016
    Kolohe, SpeySquatch, wilcam47 and 5 others like this.
  10. Jul 15, 2012 at 1:35 PM
    #10
    jtav2002

    jtav2002 Kenny Fuckin Powers

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2009
    Member:
    #19074
    Messages:
    4,460
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Josh
    Reading, PA
    Vehicle:
    2013 Tundra DBL Cab TRD OR
    I've been looking to pick up a smoker recently as well. Anyone have any suggestions for a cheaper one for a beginner?
     
    OldManTacoFeels likes this.
  11. Jul 15, 2012 at 1:36 PM
    #11
    BamaToy1997

    BamaToy1997 Wheel Bearing Master

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2012
    Member:
    #71846
    Messages:
    10,792
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bill
    Navarre, FL
    Vehicle:
    1997 Tacoma 4X4 AKA "Blue Beast"
    best wheel bearings around! www.marionbumper2bumper.com
    It's funny how you just started this particular thread, and I am about to pull of the Sirloin roast that I just finished cooking. I will have to post pictures later.

    I used a generic rub, but also made my own marinade. The night before I took the roast and left it inside the package (it was in a sealed full wrap, NOT a foam container with a plastic cover) I made my marinade, which consisted of vinegar, brown sugar, and a long list of spices that even my own mother doesn't know I use. After mixing it all well, I used an injector to inject the marinade inside at several locations, by simply piercing through the plastic package. It then sat overnight (about 14 hours) in the refrigerator.

    This morning I set up the firebox using charcoal as my medium for cooking. Propane grills are fine for some things, but I refuse to use them for slow cooking. I prefer not only the style, but the flavor and smell that comes from using charcoal. After getting the temp inside the grilling area at a consistent 250 degrees, I removed the roast from its package, and applied the rub.

    One of the most common problems with slow cooking is drying out the meat. Everyone has their own methods. The one I have always used for over 20 years is taking a couple of paper towels and soaking them in water, then drape them over the top. After the 4 hours (time of course depends on the weight, as well as things like temperature outside, and humidity) I then removed the paper towel, and let it finish the last 45 minutes uncovered.

    It looks great, and like I said, I will post the pictures tomorrow.
     
    Bigdaddy4760 and Biscuits like this.
  12. Jul 15, 2012 at 1:38 PM
    #12
    BamaToy1997

    BamaToy1997 Wheel Bearing Master

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2012
    Member:
    #71846
    Messages:
    10,792
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bill
    Navarre, FL
    Vehicle:
    1997 Tacoma 4X4 AKA "Blue Beast"
    best wheel bearings around! www.marionbumper2bumper.com
    Depending on how much you consider "cheap" but mine cost only $140. I prefer as I mentioned charcoal, so this is the one I have. A side firebox is a MUST for slow cooking, or smoking.

    [​IMG]
     
  13. Jul 15, 2012 at 1:43 PM
    #13
    OffroadToy

    OffroadToy old, forgetful, and decomposing

    Joined:
    Sep 12, 2009
    Member:
    #22680
    Messages:
    6,681
    Gender:
    Male
    Location: In a van down by the river
    Vehicle:
    2007 Offroad DCSB AT- VSC,TRAC,HAC, & DAC
    Icon Stage 8, ECGS Bushing, Timbren bump stops, Crown braided/extended brake lines, Overland Custom Design sway bar links, rear differential breather extension, oil filter drain hose, a/c drain hose extension & reroute, front windows tint, Cat Security, XPEL headlight/fog & grill protection, OEM block heater, RCBS illuminated 4X4 switch,
    I use the Luhr-Jensen smokers...got a Little Chief and a couple Big Chief's. There's better smokers out there but these will get you going and work well. I've been useing them (mainly for smoking fish and making jerky) for the last 10 years and have never had a problem.
     
  14. Jul 15, 2012 at 1:44 PM
    #14
    Texoma

    Texoma IG: Triple C Chop Shop

    Joined:
    Feb 1, 2011
    Member:
    #50374
    Messages:
    18,747
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris(Topher)
    Lago Vista, TX
    Vehicle:
    10 Taco 4x4
    A bunch a cool stickers, a bada ass MetalMiller Tx Longhorns grill emblem painted Hemi Orange, JBA long tube headers with o2 sims, Diff breather mod, Red LED interior lights, Fancy head unit that plays ipod n movies, Also DIY install factory stuff like, factory cruise control, factory intermittent wipers, OME nitro struts with 886x springs and toy tec top plate, JBA high caster UCA's for better alignmnet and dey beefier too, Old Man Emu Dakar leaf springs in da rear with the gear, U bolt flipper, Ivan Stewart TRD rims with 33" K Bro 2's, some bad ass weather tech floor liners so I don't muck up my interior, an ATO shackle flipper for mo travel in da rear wit the gear, also super shiny Fox 2.0 shocks back there too, all sorts of steal armor for bouncing off of the rocks like demello sliders, AP front skid, trans skid, n transfer skid, demello gas tank skid, and a tough as nails ARB bumper with warn 8k winch, I'm sure there's more
    I got my Char griller at Lowes with the dual gas/charcoal for $199 about 2 years ago, then bought the side smoker for $25 that attaches to the charcoal side. It's a big ole cast iron thing, but is very convenient for when ya just wanna grill up some burgers n dogs real quick on the gas side, or Q up some steaks on the charcoal side, then get real crazy n smoke a rack o lamb when your doing yard work n pounding back a few cold ones.
     
    Bigdaddy4760 likes this.
  15. Jul 15, 2012 at 1:47 PM
    #15
    PAlittlematty

    PAlittlematty "the soulless ginger"

    Joined:
    Dec 6, 2010
    Member:
    #47260
    Messages:
    4,185
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matt
    Beech Creek, PA
    Vehicle:
    I miss my taco
    OME Lift, 885 Coils, 13MM Top Spacer, Dakar Leafs, DSM UCAs, Homeroshi Flush Mount Grille, WeatherTech Digifit Mats, Bestop Super Top, Toyota Bed Extender, Clevice Receiver 1990 SR5 3.slow SAS 5” Leafs, high pinion diff, 37” PBRs, MC rear, AP front bumpers, 5.29s, locked
    I smoke venison bologna, different cheeses, and venison jerky. Never used a small cabinet though. And I smoke bologna or jerky for no less than 12 hours. Cheese no less than 24
     
    Explor and Bigdaddy4760 like this.
  16. Jul 15, 2012 at 1:53 PM
    #16
    jjew18

    jjew18 the Nightman cometh!

    Joined:
    May 17, 2009
    Member:
    #17315
    Messages:
    6,383
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Alliance Airport
    Vehicle:
    05 PreRunner SR5
    Added extra awesomeness to its original awesomeness.
    Yum, I'm in. Get those pics posted BamaToy:drool:
     
  17. Jul 15, 2012 at 1:55 PM
    #17
    Polymerhead

    Polymerhead [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 15, 2010
    Member:
    #44737
    Messages:
    4,801
    Gender:
    Male
    Missouri
    Vehicle:
    '18 TRD Limited Inferno...Tundra!
    I bought mine off a friend for $50, and if I ever use it up, I'll make another just like it. It's made out of a keg, with a stainless chimney welded to it and a thermometer in the top. Stabilizes really well at 225-250, and runs for 4-6 hours on one chimney-starter-full of lump hardwood charcoal. Only complaint is that it only holds a single shoulder, around 12 lbs would be the max size at a time. Small and efficient. Kegs are made out of a really nice stainless metal, so it should last a while.

    Pork5_69bc9a63c493109c83fafd6197fc0a9eb13139bd.jpg
     
  18. Jul 15, 2012 at 1:56 PM
    #18
    Jon850FL

    Jon850FL is Lurkin'

    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2011
    Member:
    #60972
    Messages:
    2,392
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jon
    DFS, FL
    i wont give out my secrets....


    but i do have a spare keg lying around from the 4th of july. may have to chop it up...lol
     
    TheRushedTurtle likes this.
  19. Jul 15, 2012 at 3:01 PM
    #19
    PAlittlematty

    PAlittlematty "the soulless ginger"

    Joined:
    Dec 6, 2010
    Member:
    #47260
    Messages:
    4,185
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matt
    Beech Creek, PA
    Vehicle:
    I miss my taco
    OME Lift, 885 Coils, 13MM Top Spacer, Dakar Leafs, DSM UCAs, Homeroshi Flush Mount Grille, WeatherTech Digifit Mats, Bestop Super Top, Toyota Bed Extender, Clevice Receiver 1990 SR5 3.slow SAS 5” Leafs, high pinion diff, 37” PBRs, MC rear, AP front bumpers, 5.29s, locked
    Kegs are aluminum I believe
     
    GarlicFarts likes this.
  20. Jul 15, 2012 at 3:05 PM
    #20
    Polymerhead

    Polymerhead [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 15, 2010
    Member:
    #44737
    Messages:
    4,801
    Gender:
    Male
    Missouri
    Vehicle:
    '18 TRD Limited Inferno...Tundra!
    Some are. Most are stainless, as is mine.
     
    Boatbldr likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top