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5 easiest meat to smoke in electric smoker + steps
There are so many different meats that you can smoke in an electric smoker, but which is the easiest meat to smoke in electric smoker? In this blog post, we will discuss the top 5 easiest types of meat to smoke in an electric smoker or pellet grill.
We will also provide detailed steps for smoking each type of meat in an electric smoker. So, if you are looking for some ideas for easy smoked meats, read on or watch the video below!
1. Whole chicken
The easiest meat to smoke is whole chicken. You can simply season the chicken with your favorite spices and cook it in the smoker until it is fully cooked.
How to smoke whole chicken
Smoking a whole chicken is a great way to get started with smoking meats. Chicken is relatively easy to smoke, and it is also very versatile. You can use smoked chicken in a variety of dishes, or you can simply eat it as is.
To smoke a whole chicken, you will need to start by preparing the bird. Season the chicken with your favorite spices, and then place it in the smoker. Smoke the chicken at 225°F for about three hours, or until the internal temperature of the bird reaches 165°F.
Once the chicken is cooked, you can remove it from the smoker and enjoy it!
Here are some tips for smoking a whole chicken:
– Season the chicken with your favorite spices.
– Place the chicken in the smoker and cook it until it is fully cooked.
– Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before carving it.
Time to cook: Depending on the size of your chicken, it will usually take between two and four hours to smoke a whole chicken.
What you need: All you need to smoke a whole chicken is an electric or analog smoker, some salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. You may also want to use a poultry rub or marinade for additional flavor.
Read our grilled chicken recipe for the complete step-by-step instructions for even more grill chicken recipes
2. Beef brisket
Beef brisket is another great meat to smoke in an electric smoker. It’s probably the most popular meat to smoke on this list, even if it’s not the easiest to prepare.
Beef brisket is a tough cut of meat, so it needs to be cooked slowly in order to be tender and juicy.
How to smoke beef brisket
To smoke beef brisket, you’ll need to cook it at a lower temperature than other meats. Aim for around 22°F. Cook time will vary depending on the size of your brisket but plan for at least six hours.
As with any smoked meat, you’ll want to use a dry rub or marinade to generously add flavor to your beef brisket before cooking. Apply your seasonings generously and let the brisket sit for at least an hour before smoking.
When it’s time to cook, place your beef brisket in the smoker fat side up and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 190°F. Once it’s cooked through, remove it from the smoker and let rest for at least 30 minutes. The reason for this is that the juices need time to redistribute throughout the meat before you slice into it.
And there you have it! Smoked beef brisket that’s juicy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Just remember to start early and plan ahead so you can enjoy your creation to the fullest.
Here are some tips for smoking beef brisket:
– Season the beef brisket with your favorite spices.
– Place the beef brisket in the smoker and cook for six to eight hours.
– Check the beef brisket periodically to make sure it’s not drying out.
– When the beef brisket is cooked through, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Time to cook: Also, the time to smoke beef brisket depends on the quantity. Generally, it takes 90 minutes to smoke 1 pound of beef brisket.
What you need: Apart from the beef brisket, you’ll need some wood chips for smoking, and charcoal to keep the fire going.
READ ALSO: What Temperature Do You Cook Steak On A Gas Grill?
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3. Pork butt
Pork butt is another tough cut of meat that benefits from being cooked slowly. Smoking pork butt in an electric smoker takes time, but if you’re patient, that’s all it takes, because pork butt is one of the easiest meat to smoke in an electric smoker.
How to smoke pork butt
First, smoke the pork butt (seasoned with your preferred spices) for 6 hours at 250°F. Then, increase the temperature to 275°F and leave it for around 4 hours until probe tender.
Another option is to put the pork butt in the smoker and cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 190°F. When smoking pork butt, you’ll want to use a dry rub or BBQ sauce to add flavor.
Here are some tips for smoking pork butt:
– Season the pork butt with your favorite spices.
– Put the pork butt in the smoker and cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 190 degrees Fahrenheit.
– Remove the pork butt from the smoker and let it rest for a few minutes before cutting into it.
Time to cook: Pork butt takes longer to smoke than beef brisket, usually taking about 10 hours.
What you need: Pork butt, also called Boston butt, is a cut of pork that comes from the shoulder area of the pig. Pork butt is a tough cut of meat that benefits from being cooked slowly.
4. Brisket stall
Many beginners to grilling start off by smoking brisket, as it’s one of the easiest meats to smoke. Brisket is a tough cut of meat, which means it needs to be cooked slowly in order to become tender.
How to smoke brisket stall
One way to cook brisket is by using the indirect grilling method. First, you’ll want to preheat your grill to 250°F. Then, increase the temperature to 275°F and leave it for around 4 hours.
Next, you’ll need to wrap the brisket in butcher paper or aluminum foil. This will help to lock in the moisture and prevent the brisket from drying out.
Finally, place the wrapped brisket on the grill and cook for an additional hour or until it reaches an internal temperature of 200°F. You may monitor the internal temperature using a meat thermometer to cut out the guessing.
Once your brisket is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it even more tender and flavorful.
Now, it’s time to enjoy your perfectly smoked brisket! Serve it with your favorite sides or use it to make a delicious sandwich.
Time to cook: The entire process of smoking brisket stall takes 5 hours and 30 minutes.
What you need: brisket, salt, pepper, wood chips.
5. Texas crutch
Texas crutch is number 5 on our list of the easiest meats to smoke. This cooking method involves wrapping the meat in foil during the smoking process.
Some people believe that this speeds up the cooking time, but it actually helps to prevent the meat from drying out.
How to smoke texas crutch
To smoke texas crutch, simply season your brisket with salt and pepper then place it on the smoker. Cook for about two hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Then, wrap the brisket in foil and continue cooking for another three hours. When it’s finished, let it rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing into it. Enjoy!
That’s all there is to smoking texas crutch! By following these simple instructions, you’ll be able to enjoy perfectly cooked brisket every time.
Time to cook: about five hours
What you need: a smoker, salt, pepper, foil, and a brisket. Enjoy!
Now that you have an idea of the first meats you can try smoking as a beginner, you should also read my post on the best smokers for beginners to get started.
I hope you found this post helpful! If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy smoking!
