Barbecue enthusiasts understand the importance of a well-flavoured, smoky meal. While there are various types of smokers available, charcoal smokers remain a classic choice for imparting that distinct smokiness to your favourite meats. In this blog post, we’ll explore five DIY smoker recipes that will undoubtedly elevate your BBQ game, focusing on the use of charcoal smokers. These recipes are not only delicious but also optimized for pellet grills and pellet smokers, ensuring a mouth-watering experience for your next outdoor cooking adventure.
1. Classic Smoked Brisket
Ingredients:
- 1 whole beef brisket (10-12 lbs)
- ¼ cup kosher salt
- ¼ cup black pepper
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
Instructions:
- Combine salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder and onion powder to create a rub.
- Apply the rub generously to the brisket, covering all sides.
- Preheat your charcoal smoker to 225°F.
- Smoke the brisket for 1.5 hours per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 195°F.
- Allow it to rest for 30 minutes before slicing.
Tip: Use fruitwood or hickory pellets for an extra layer of flavour on your pellet smoker.
2. Smoked Salmon with Maple Glaze
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs salmon fillets
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions:
- Mix maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic and smoked paprika to create the glaze.
- Place salmon fillets on a cedar plank and brush the glaze over the top.
- Preheat your charcoal smoker to 200°F.
- Smoke the salmon for 1-1.5 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Brush with additional glaze before serving.
Tip: Add a handful of apple wood pellets for a delicate smoky flavour on your pellet smoker.
3. Honey Bourbon Smoked Ribs
Ingredients:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup bourbon
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Mix honey, bourbon, brown sugar, smoked paprika and garlic powder to create the marinade.
- Rub the mixture over the ribs and let them marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat your charcoal smoker to 250°F.
- Smoke the ribs for 3-4 hours, periodically basting with the marinade.
- Wrap the ribs in foil for the last hour to tenderize.
Tip: Experiment with different wood pellets like mesquite for a robust flavour on your pellet smoker.
4. Maple Mustard Glazed Smoked Chicken Wings
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt and pepper to make the glaze.
- Toss the chicken wings in the glaze, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Preheat your charcoal smoker to 225°F.
- Smoke the wings for 1.5-2 hours or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Glaze the wings once more before serving.
Tip: Use a blend of cherry and oak pellets for a well-rounded smoky flavour on your pellet smoker.
5. Garlic Rosemary Smoked Lamb Chops
Ingredients:
- 8 lamb chops
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tsp smoked sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Mix olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, smoked sea salt and black pepper to create a marinade.
- Coat the lamb chops with the marinade and let them sit for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your charcoal smoker to 275°F.
- Smoke the lamb chops for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
Tip: Enhance the smokiness by using a combination of pecan and cherry wood pellets on your pellet smoker.
Conclusion
With these five tantalising DIY smoker recipes, you’re well on your way to becoming a backyard BBQ master. The use of charcoal smokers, along with the versatility of pellet grills and pellet smokers, ensures that each dish is infused with that irresistible smoky flavour. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a novice griller, these recipes are sure to impress your guests and elevate your outdoor cooking game. So, fire up the smoker, embrace the aroma of sizzling charcoal and get ready to indulge in a feast of mouthwatering, smoky delights.