7
THE FUNDAMENTALS
SMOKE
The Fundamentals of Smoke
Smoke is the taste that can’t be mimicked or faked. It
transforms even the most lowly of meats, adds complexity,
makes a meal worth remembering. Because the Kamado Joe
is charcoal-fueled, everything you cook in it will come away
subtly changed by smoke, no matter which technique you use.
Smoke is the flavor we’re all chasing.
A LITTLE WOOD GOES A LONG WAY
The secret to successful smoking in your kamado is
remembering that less is more. There’s no need to load up your
firebox with smoking wood; it only takes a few chunks to impart
flavor. You don’t need to see smoke coming from the grill to be
confident that smoke is infusing your food. Too much smoking
wood may give your food a bitter, acrid taste.
LEAVE LIQUIDS OUT
The innovative shape and air-circulating design of the kamado
creates a moist cooking environment that will produce tender,
flavorful meats. There’s no need to add a pan of water or liquid
during the smoking process as the Kamado Joe does not
require extra humidity for temperature control.
SMOKE
PREFERENCE AND EXPERIENCE
SHOULD GUIDE YOU WHEN
ADDING SMOKING WOOD TO
YOUR FIREBOX, BUT HERE’S
A QUICK RULE OF THUMB FOR
STARTING OUT: 1 CHUNK FOR
POULTRY AND FISH (BECAUSE
THEY ABSORB SMOKE AT A
HIGHER RATE THAN BEEF OR
PORK); 2–4 CHUNKS FOR CUTS
OF MEAT THAT ARE LARGER
THAN 6 POUNDS (SUCH AS
BUTTS, BRISKET, RIBS). ADD
MORE TO YOUR TASTE.
8
THE FUNDAMENTALS
SMOKE
SMOKING IS AN ART, NOT A SCIENCE
When it comes to smoking foods, there are no hard rules, only
suggestions. Every decision you make—from the type of wood to the
spice rub to the length of smoking time—is driven by your palate and
preferences. Different types of wood produce different aromas and taste
or flavor intensities. High-intensity woods, like hickory and mesquite,
make a natural pairing for beef, while light-intensity fruitwoods bring out
the sweetness of pork. Some people prefer a punch of powerful flavor and
others prefer just a kiss of smoke—you will discover your own taste in
time, but it’s best to start with less and add more.
LIGHT-INTENSITY
HIGH-INTENSITY
Cherry
Peach
Apple
Maple
Pecan
Oak
Hickory
SMOKE
Mesquite
