Can You Smoke Meat on a Gas Grill?

Haven't tried this method yet? The short answer is, YES! You can definitely smoke meat on a gas grill using wood chips.

This is good news for those who want to achieve that smoke flavor but doesn't really have an access to a charcoal grill. So whether you have a gas or propane grill, this method will work for you.

Two Different Types of Smoking You Can Do

Before we get started, it is important to know that there are two types of smoking. These are hot and cold smoking.

Cold Smoking

Colding smoking is the process of smoking that targets a grill temperature that is less than 80 degrees. This method is useful, especially for smoking cheese, bacon, or salt. This can also be done to anything that doesn't really need to be entirely cooked such as making cold smoke salmon.

To get started with your cold smoking, you will be needing a pellet tube. Now, what is a pellet tube?

This kitchen tool is used to create smoke, which is then circulated around the meat or cheese that you are smoking.

1. To get started, fill the tube with wood pellets. Wood pellets are those little pieces of compressed sawdust that come in a variety of flavors.

2. You can use these pellets to create smoke for any type of smoking, so make sure that you choose one that works well with what you are trying to smoke.

Make sure to purchase the "cooking pellets" and not the "heating pellets" as the latter is not designed for food use.

3. Light up the pellets and let them burn for 3 to 5 minutes before putting them in your gas grill

Hot Smoking

Hot smoking on the other hand is method where your target grill temperature should range between 180 to 275 degrees. If you a smoker box, then you can place your meat inside it and let it smoke for at least 3 hours. If you don’t have a smoker box, then you can use aluminum foil to wrap up the meat and place it on top of some wood chips or sawdust.

Let us teach you how to do a DIY smoke pouch.

1. First, you need an aluminum foil and wrap it up like a pouch.

2. Next, you’ll need to put some wood chips in the pouch.

Now, here's the catch. You can opt for either dry wood chip or soaked wood chip. What's the difference? Soaked wood chips are ideal if you want to add your the wood chips directly to fire. This is because they have absorbed the water and turned into steam, which will help produce smoke.

On the other hand, dry wood chips are ideal if you want to place your pouch on top of a cooking grill or smoker for indirect heat. This is because dry wood chips need some time to burn before they can give off any smoke.

3. After putting your wood chips in the pouch, you can then seal them up with heat-resistant tape. This will help keep your wood chips fresh until you're ready to use them.

4. Poke some holes in the top of the pouch with a skewer or toothpick. This will help air flow through your pouch and keep it from getting too smoky.

5. Place your pouch on one side of your gas grill that doesn’t have a flame.

6. Close the lid of your gas grill and leave the smoke pouch for some time until you see smoke coming from the holes you made.

7. Once the smoke pouch provides you with enough smoke, you can now place your meat on the other side of the grill and get it cooked.

What Is a Smoker Box for Gas Grill?

When you smoke food, regardless whether It is a brisket or chicken barbecue, it is important to understand how every part of the gas grill works.

The smoker box is a small metal box that is placed on top of the grill grate. The smoker box helps you control the temperature and smoke that comes in contact with meat or vegetables. It also acts as a container for wood chips or other smoking ingredients, such as spices and garlic.

There are different types of smoker boxes available in the market today, but the most popular are:

Cast Iron Smoker Boxes

These are made of cast iron, making them sturdy and durable enough to withstand high temperatures without melting or cracking. Down side is, you cant really wash them in the dishwasher as they rust quickly, only wash by hand.

Stainless Steel Smoker Tubes for Pellets

As mentioned, smoker tubes are those tubes where you can put pellets and smoke them. They come in different sizes and shapes, but the best ones are those that have a lid on top and a hole at the bottom where you can put your pellets. The lid prevents any moisture from escaping while smoking, keeping everything nice and dry inside. As for smoker tubes made of stainless steel, they are very easy to clean—just wash with soap and water.

Stainless Steel Smoker Boxes

These are made out of stainless steel and are more expensive than cast iron smoker boxes. They’re also easier to clean because they can be washed in the dishwasher. You can use stainless steel smoker boxes for smoking basically anything you can think of.

How to Smoke on a Gas Grill: Step-by-Step Instructions

Smoking on a gas grill is an excellent way to add a smoky flavor to your food without having to invest in a dedicated smoker. With the right technique and equipment, you can turn your gas grill into a smoker and enjoy delicious, smoky meats and veggies. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to smoke on a gas grill:

Get Your Grill Setup

To turn your gas grill into a smoker, you'll need to create a smoking area separate from the rest. The simplest way to do this is to use only one burner on your gas grill. Choose a burner on one side of the grill and turn it on to the lowest setting. This will create indirect heat that will smoke your food without burning it.

Add Wood Chunks or Chips

A cup of wood chips or chunks is essential for adding a smoky flavor to your food. You can use any type of wood chips or chunks, but some popular options include applewood, hickory, mesquite, and cherrywood. Soak the wood chunks or chips in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning too quickly.

Prepare Your Meat or Veggies

Before placing your meat or veggies on the grill surface, you should season them with your favorite dry rub or marinade. This will enhance the flavor of the food and help it absorb the smoky flavor. Make sure your meat or veggies are at room temperature before placing them on the grill.

Place the Wood Chunks or Chips

Place the wood chunks or chips directly on the burner that's turned on. If you're using wood chunks, you can place them directly on the grill surface. If you're using wood chips, you can wrap them in aluminum foil with holes poked in it, or place them in a smoker box.

Turn on the Burner and Monitor the Smoking Temperature

Once the wood chunks or chips are in place, turn on the burner and close the lid. Monitor the temperature inside the grill using a thermometer. Ideally, the smoking temperature should be around 225°F. Adjust the burner as necessary to maintain the smoking temperature.

Place Your Meat or Veggies on the Grill Surface

Once the smoking temperature has been reached, place your meat or veggies on the grill surface opposite the burner that's turned on. This will ensure that the food receives indirect heat and a smoky flavor. Close the lid and let the food smoke for the desired time.

Check the Food for Doneness

Check the food periodically to ensure that it's cooking evenly and not burning. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat. Once the food is cooked to the desired doneness, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving

Tips for Smoking on a Gas Grill

Smoking meat on a gas grill can be a bit tricky since gas grills don't have the same kind of firebox as charcoal grills. But with the right technique, you can still achieve a delicious, smoky flavor. Here are some tips to help you smoke meat on a gas grill:

• Create a smoker pouch - If your gas grill doesn't have one, you'll need to create one. Take a handful of the soaked wood chips and wrap them in a piece of aluminum foil. Poke a few holes in the top to allow the smoke to escape.
• Preheat your grill - Preheat your gas grill to around 225 - 250°F. You want a low and slow heat to allow the meat to cook slowly and absorb the smoky flavor.
• Place the smoker pouch on the grill - After the grill is preheated, place the smoker pouch on the grates. You can also place it directly on the flames if you have a gas grill with an infrared burner.
• Baste with a flavorful liquid - Baste your meat with a flavorful liquid like apple cider vinegar or beer to add some extra flavor. This will also help keep the meat moist.
• Allow the smoke to escape - Make sure to leave your gas grill lid slightly open to allow the smoke to escape. If the smoke gets trapped in the grill, it can make the meat taste bitter.
• Let it rest - Once your meat is cooked to perfection, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This will help the juices redistribute and make the meat more tender.

Why Use a Remote Digital Thermometer?

A remote digital thermometer is a kitchen tool that makes it easy to monitor the internal temperature of the meat while it’s still on the grill. It can also be used in other types of cooking, like baking and frying.

To use a remote digital thermometer, you simply insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat and close the lid of your grill. You can set a temperature alert to let you know when it’s time to flip or remove your meat from heat.

This is a very common method when smoking ribs or any other meat that requires low temperatures for a long period of time. You can also use a thermometer when grilling steaks, burgers or chicken breasts to make sure they’re cooked to your liking. A digital thermometer is especially useful if you have multiple pieces of meat on the grill at once, as it allows you to monitor each one without having to open and close the lid repeatedly

FAQs

What is Cold Smoking?

Cold smoking is a technique used to smoke food without cooking it. The process involves smoking at a temperature below 85°F for several hours, which allows the smoke to flavor the food without cooking it. This technique is often used for delicate foods like fish or cheese, which can be easily overcooked if exposed to high temperatures. Cold smoking requires a special setup, such as a smokehouse or a cold smoker, and should only be attempted by experienced smokers familiar with the process.

How long do I have to smoke the meat?

The length of time you should smoke meat depends on several factors, including the type of meat, its thickness, and the desired level of smokiness. As a general rule of thumb, most meats require several hours of smoking to absorb the smoky flavor fully. For example, whole may while could take 12-14 hours. It's important to monitor the temperature of the meat throughout the smoking process to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature. Additionally, you may need to add more wood chips or adjust the temperature of your smoker to maintain a consistent level of smoke.

Conclusion

Did we answer your question if can you smoke meat on a gas grill? If yes, why not try it now? First, prepare your kitchen tools, such as your knife for trimming, a wooden cutting board with enough size to accommodate your meat, your favorite rub and/or spices, and a meat thermometer if you have one. Then, prepare your gas grill by ensuring it is clean and ready for use. Once everything is in place, it’s time to start smoking!