There’s grilled BBQ and then there’s smoked BBQ. Adventurous barbecuers experiment with the many different flavors of smoked meat by using different types of wood chips or chunks, spices, and cuts of meat. Here are five smoked BBQ recipes that are sure to be a hit at your next cookout.
1. Smoked pork butt
For this recipe, use Boston butt or pork shoulder to make an incredibly smoky, tender, and juicy BBQ. Begin by gathering all of the ingredients: guajillo chiles, light brown sugar, salt, sweet paprika, granulated garlic, onion powder, cumin, black pepper, cayenne pepper, bone-in pork shoulder, and mustard.
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2. Smoked brisket
This recipe comes from Matt Horn in Oakland, California, a 2021 Food & Wine Best New Chef. Ingredients include a packer of brisket, black pepper, salt, onion powder, and yellow mustard or olive oil. You’ll need to be patient while the meat’s internal temperature rises to 203°F, but the end result will be more than worth the wait.
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3. Barbecue-spiced hot-smoked salmon
Make this salmon the show-stopping centerpiece of your next BBQ. Made with a dry brine and a pineapple-based mop sauce, the barbecue-spiced hot-smoked salmon offers a double dose of flavor. Ingredients include light brown sugar, salt, ancho chile powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, pineapple juice, and salmon. You’ll also need cooking spray, four cups of hardwood chips, and six pounds of natural lump charcoal.
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4. Burnt ends with bourbon sauce
Make this savory finger food with dark brown sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. For the bourbon sauce, you’ll need ketchup, bourbon, dark brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, salt, black pepper, and liquid smoke. For the burnt ends, you’ll also need Horn Rub, Bourbon Sauce, and beef brisket point.
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5. Smoked turkey breast
Don’t wait until Thanksgiving to enjoy a smoked turkey breast. The lemon-oregano rub permeates the skin to give the meat a juicy flavor. Ingredients include fresh lemon juice, olive oil, garlic cloves, fresh oregano, salt, black pepper, and one six- to seven-pound bone-in turkey breast.
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