Recipe Station

You may not think too much about all of the factors involved in cooking meat, thinking that you simply need to throw it on the grill and wait. This list, however, proves that cooking meat is a more complex process than many of us ever imagined!

Type of wood

To sum it up: mild wood creates a lighter flavor, fruitwoods create a slightly sweet flavor, and mesquite adds richness.

Heat source

You can use charcoal, pellets or wood chips, and each adds its own unique quality to the flavor of your meat. Many people prefer charcoal because it burns longer than the others, but it also creates a less woody smell. If you want an especially smoky flavor, opt for wood chips. Pellets, on the other hand, offer the most control over creating a strong mesquite flavor or a subtle hint of oak.

The heat/time ratio

If you're cooking a thick piece of meat, opt for the “low and slow” method in which you cook it over low heat for a long time. Thinner meats, however, may fare better with a hot and fast approach that ensures the meat stays moist and enhances the flavor.

The rub

A crucial component of BBQ is what's called the rub, the mix of seasonings applied to the meat to create a crispy and flavorful exterior, or bark, that contrasts with the more tender interior. Many people use their own personal combination, and how much sugar, salt and other seasonings you add can make a dramatic difference in the flavor of your meat.

Cut quality

For the best possible flavor, stay away from factory-farmed meat, especially when you're using less expensive meat such as chicken. You may think you need to buy the most expensive cut of meat you can, but actually other components like the rub and how you smoke the meat have a significant impact on its flavor.

Sauce or no

Some people prefer to focus solely on the smoke flavor of the meat, instead of adding sauce. However, sauce can add a regional flavor to BBQ that distinguishes it from other meat. Plus, you can keep it simple by using a bottle sauce, or add your personal flair by making your own.

The smoker

There are several varieties of smoker, and the one that's right for you will depend on everything from how easy it is to use to what kind of flavor it produces. You can buy expensive, top-of-the-line models, but all you really need is a simple offset smoker.

We're really glad we came across this list! Now that we understand how precise cooking meat can be, we're looking forward to implementing these changes and cooking up the best tasting meat we (and our guests) have ever had!

Article Source: Thrillist

https://www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/everything-that-affects-the-flavor-of-your-bbq/food-and-drink