27 Best Meats To Smoke For Beginners

As a beginner in smoking meats, it can be overwhelming to decide what cuts to smoke and how to prepare them. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of the 27 best meats to smoke for beginners, along with detailed instructions on each one to perfection.

Beef

1. Beef brisket – Beef brisket is perfect for smoking because it has a good amount of fat that helps to keep it moist while smoking. To prepare, coat with a dry rub of your choice and smoke at 225 degrees for 12-14 hours.
2. Tri-tip roast – This cut of beef is a great option for beginners because it is relatively inexpensive and easy to smoke. To prepare, coat with a dry rub and smoke at 225 degrees for 2-3 hours.
3. Beef ribs are a classic choice for smoking and are sure to impress. To prepare, coat with a dry rub and smoke at 225 degrees for 3-4 hours.
4. Ground beef – Smoking ground beef is a great way to add smoky flavor to burgers, meatloaf, and other dishes. To prepare, mix with your favorite seasonings and shape into patties or a loaf. Smoke at 225 degrees for 1-2 hours.

Pork

5. Pork butt – Pork butt is ideal for smoking due to its ample fat content, which helps ensure the meat remains moist throughout the process. Simply apply a dry rub and then slowly smoke it at 225 degrees Fahrenheit over 8-10 hours—the result will be succulent perfection.
6. Pork ribs are a classic choice for smoking and are sure to impress. To prepare, coat with a dry rub and smoke at 225 degrees for 3-4 hours.
7. Pork shoulder – If you’re looking for an incredibly juicy, succulent cut of pork that can be smoked to perfection, look no further than pork shoulder. All it takes is a generous coating of your preferred dry rub and slow-smoking at 225 degrees for 8-10 hours. The fat content will ensure the meat stays moist throughout the process, resulting in delicious smoky goodness.
8. Pork loin – This cut of pork is perfect for smoking because it has a good amount of fat that helps to keep it moist while smoking. To prepare, coat with a dry rub and smoke at 225 degrees for 2-3 hours.

Chicken

9. Chicken thighs – For smoking, chicken thighs are a superb option. Their higher fat content helps to keep them juicy and succulent as they smoke. To prepare, season with your favorite dry rub and cook at 225 degrees for 2-3 hours – I guarantee you’ll have mouthwatering results!
10. Whole chicken – Smoking a whole chicken is a great way to add a smoky flavor to the meat. To prepare, coat with a dry rub and smoke at 225 degrees for 2-3 hours.
11. Chicken legs – Perfectly smoked chicken legs await when you coat them with a dry rub and smoke at 225 degrees for 2-3 hours. The chicken’s fat content helps keep it succulent while smoking, making this an ideal option for anyone looking to bring smoky flavor into their meals.
12. Chicken wings – Smoking chicken wings are the perfect choice due to their remarkable fat content, which works massively in preserving moisture while they smoke. To prepare them for smoking, generously apply a dry rub, place them on your smoker set at a temperature of 225 degrees and cook for 1-2 hours until tender.

Fish

13. Salmon – Salmon is an ideal candidate for smoking due to its fatty composition, which helps keep the meat succulent during cooking. To get started, coat with a dry rub and smoke at 225 degrees Fahrenheit for 1-2 hours until it reaches perfection.
14. Trout – Smoking trout is an ideal way to enjoy its delicious flavor and is incredibly easy. Thanks to the good amount of fat, this fish does not dry out quickly while smoking. All you need do is coat your catch with a dry rub before placing in your smoker at 225 degrees for 1-2 hours.
15. Tuna – Tuna is an ideal choice for smoking because its robust texture can hold up to high heat; coat it in a savory dry rub and then smoke at 225 degrees Fahrenheit. The process will take approximately 1-2 hours to create a delicious meal you want to make again and again.
16. Tilapia – The delicate flavor of tilapia fish is made even more delightful by the smoky taste, making it perfect for smoking. To start, coat with a dry rub and smoke at 225 degrees Fahrenheit for 1-2 hours to prepare an unforgettable meal.

Lamb

17. Lamb shoulder – Get your smoker ready. It’s time to get creative with lamb shoulder! With plentiful fat content that keeps the meat succulent during smoking, you can’t go wrong. Generously apply a dry rub and smoke at 225 degrees for 6-8 hours for a tasty treat that will impress your family and friends.
18. Lamb chops – Smoking lamb chops are ideal since they’re already juicy due to their substantial fat content. To make, coat the meat with your favorite dry rub and smoke at a low temperature of 225 degrees for 2-3 hours for succulent results every time.

Veggies

19. Corn on the cob – Smoking corn on the cob is a great way to add smoky flavor to this classic summertime treat. To prepare, husk the corn and coat it with a dry rub, butter, and herbs. Smoke at 225 degrees for 1-2 hours.
20. Eggplant – Smoking eggplant is a great way to add a smoky flavor to this versatile vegetable. To prepare, slice the eggplant and coat it with olive oil and salt. Smoke at 225 degrees for 1-2 hours.
21. Bell peppers – Smoking bell peppers is a great way to add a smoky flavor to this sweet and versatile vegetable. To prepare, slice the bell peppers and coat them with olive oil and salt. Smoke at 225 degrees for 1-2 hours.
22. Zucchini – Smoking zucchini is a great way to add a smoky flavor to this summertime favorite. To prepare, slice the zucchini and coat it with olive oil and salt. Smoke at 225 degrees for 1-2 hours.

Sausages

23. Bratwurst – Smoking bratwurst is a great way to add a smoky flavor to this classic sausage. To prepare, smoke at 225 degrees for 1-2 hours.
24. Andouille – Smoking andouille is a great way to add a smoky flavor to this spicy sausage. To prepare, smoke at 225 degrees for 1-2 hours.
25. Chorizo – Smoking is a perfect way to infuse a smoky flavor into your chorizo. All you need to do is smoke at 225 degrees for 1-2 hours and enjoy all the amazing taste that comes along with it.

Other Meats

26. Turkey breast – Smoking turkey breast is a great way to add a smoky flavor to this lean meat. To prepare, coat with a dry rub and smoke at 225 degrees for 2-3 hours.
27. Ham – Smoking ham is a great way to add a smoky flavor to this classic holiday meat. To prepare, coat with a dry rub and smoke at 225 degrees for 2-3 hours.

Conclusion

Smoking meats is a great way to add flavor and tenderness to various cuts. As a beginner, it is important to start with meats that have a good amount of fat to help keep them moist while smoking. Experiment with different dry rubs and smoking times to find the perfect flavor for your taste.

Always keep an eye on the temperature and ensure your meat is cooked to a safe internal temperature before eating. Happy smoking!