
9
If a recipe calls for a higher temperature, increase the time. It is a
good idea to use a temperature probe to measure the internal temper-
ature of the product you’re cooking the first time. Temperature
probes are available from SmokinTex.
Never leave the smoker unattended with the door open and the
smoker on. When closing down, always unplug your smoker. Be
careful when emptying the wood box, it could still be very hot. Also
be careful with the ashes, they could still be very hot and cause a
fire. It is a good idea to remove the wood box from the oven and
douse the contents with water. NEVER put the hot ashes in your
trash can.
Your SmokinTex smoker, like your oven, must be kept clean. Loose
grease and scale should be removed regularly to prevent build-up.
You never want to take the smoker back to a like new state. For best
results, leave the seasoning on the walls of the smoker. You can
keep the shelves and side rails clean in your dishwasher or by your
dish washer whichever is the case.
Internal Temperature Chart
(all temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit)
Beef
Rare: 120°F, Medium-Rare: 130°F - 135°F, Medium: 140°F - 145°F, Well
-Done: 160°F +
Lamb
Rare: 135°F, Medium-Rare: 140°F - 145°F, Medium: 160°F, Well-Done
165°F +
Poultry
All poultry smoke cook to 170°F, until juices run clear
Pork
Medium 160° Well done 170°
10
Wood, Wood, Everywhere
Which to Use for What?
Alder: The hickory of the West Coast. Alder's delicate sweet flavor
enriches all fish, seafood, and meats.
Apple: Slightly sweet, fruity smoke that's mild enough for chicken
or turkey. Great with all pork.
Cherry:
Cherry produces a similar taste to apple - it produces a very mild
and fruity flavor. Great with chicken, turkey, and fish or flavoring
ham.
Hickory:
In the southern barbecue belt, a lot of folks think this is the only
wood to use. For everything. Most BBQ places use nothing else.
The strong, hearty taste is perfect for brisket, ribs, and pork shoul-
der. Also great with any red meat or poultry.
Maple: Mildly smoky and sweet, maple goes well with poultry,
ham, and vegetables. Try with brisket.
Mesquite: The wood of Texas, it's great for grilling but not great for
smoking. It burns very hot and can make your food taste bitter. Get
your smoker smoking really well, turn it off, and put in a few steaks.
Smoke for 10 minutes, then finish on a hot grill. Great flavor!
Oak: It's the most versatile of the hardwoods, blending well with a
wide range of foods. Gives a great flavor to brisket.
Pecan: Preferred wood by a lot of non-BBQ restaurants
.
Pecan burns cooler and offers a subtle richness of character.
Often referred to as a mellow version of hickory.
Most of these woods can be purchased from SmokinTex.