Have you ever seen a bottle of liquid smoke on the supermarket shelf? Most grocery stores in the United States stock liquid smoke. It delivers exactly what its name suggests: condensed wood fire smoke in liquid form.
What is it, though, and how should you go about using it when you’re grilling?
What Is It Like?
Often called Wright’s liquid smoke, this yellow to red liquid easily dissolves in water. Use it to give your food a smoky flavor profile without needing a smoker or wood chips to make authentic wood smoke.
You can use liquid smoke to flavor all kinds of meat and veggies.
Producers typically make this intriguing liquid by condensing smoke from burning wood. Beyond this, though, liquid smoke often contains a variety of food additives that add depth to your dishes.
The smoking of meat began way back in the Paleolithic era, when people started smoking food to preserve it. Smoked meat lasted much longer than dried meat.
Today, we have refrigerators and freezers to keep food fresh. However, many people still enjoy using smokers. Smokers add a rich, smoky flavor to meat and vegetables.
If you enjoy the taste of smoked food but lack the time or patience for traditional smoking, use liquid smoke. It gives a similar flavor.
Where Did Liquid Smoke Come From?
In the early 1800s, Ernest H. Wright worked in a print shop where he noticed liquid dripping from a stove pipe. This sparked his idea for liquid smoke. This phenomenon – caused by the rising smoke meeting cold air – stayed with him.
Many years later, Wright became a chemist. He was experimenting with burning wood chips through a condenser to replicate the dark drops of liquid he saw as a teen. He discovered that this liquid could flavor foods with a smoky taste without requiring actual smoking.
Is it Safe to Use Liquid Smoke?
Despite its wide availability in stores and online, liquid smoke remains a controversial ingredient.
Whether you use a smoker or liquid smoke, the smoky flavor comes from PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). This byproduct can be dangerous, possibly even cancer-causing.
Most liquid smoke contain a small amount of PAHs, making it considered safe.
What Can Substitute For Liquid Smoke?
If you like the concept of liquid smoke but your last bottle is empty, consider the following substitutes:
- Lapsang Souchong: Used this smoked tea as a dry rub on your favorite meats or use it to add a flavorful kick to your stews and soups
- Chipotle Peppers or Powder: Famous for its smoky flavor, add some chipotle powder, but exercise a light touch. This stuff is notably spicier than liquid smoke
- Smoked Salt: This can also deliver a similar taste profile, providing that rich smoky flavor
- Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika is made by drying peppers over oak fires for several weeks. This is a great alternative to liquid smoke for those who want to try something different.
- Spanish Paprika: Imagine a warm, inviting aroma with a hint of sweetness and a touch of fire. This versatile spice adds a beautiful red hue and incredible flavor to meats, chicken, seafood, eggs, and vegetables
How Can You Use Liquid Smoke?
The highly concentrated nature of liquid smoke means you don’t need much at all to pack quite a punch. Just half a teaspoon of liquid smoke will add depth to your soups and stews without overpowering the other flavors.
Liquid smoke works well on broiled, grilled, or sautéed meat, too. For best results, spread a thin layer all over your food before you cook it. For dishes made with ground meat, simply add a few drops when you’re adding the rest of your spices.
Even if you’ve never gone out of your way to use liquid smoke, you may well have encountered it anyway. Most liquid smoke sold worldwide is an ingredient in other products, not sold in its own dedicated bottles. More often, this stuff is found as a flavor additive in the following:
- Chili Pepper Marinades
- Homemade barbecue sauces
- Barbecue-flavored foods
- Smoked and dried meats
- Hot dogs
- Some cheeses
Aiding Vegetarians Too!
You can also make some neat substitute dishes using liquid smoke, ideal for vegetarians and vegans.
For a twist on bacon for breakfast, try cooking up some mushrooms or eggplants and imbuing them with a few drops of liquid smoke. Make a marinade using a few drops along with some paprika, soy sauce, and maple syrup. Coat this all over your preferred substitute and enjoy.
Liquid smoke and its substitutes let anyone enjoy a rich, smoky flavor in their cooking. This includes everything from traditional Mexican cuisine to comfort food classics. Add some to adobo sauce for extra flavor and richness!
You can also rustle up a replica hot dog that doesn’t contain any sausages! Whether you’re vegetarian or simply looking to ramp up your veggie intake, grab some carrots and liquid smoke.
Make a marinade using some liquid smoke – go sparingly as always – some apple cider vinegar, and some olive oil. Soak your carrots in this marinade for four hours and then roast them. Pop the result inside the bun of your choice and you can recreate your favorite childhood snack without the meat content.
How Can You Alter Flavor With Liquid Smoke?
If you don’t have access to a grill or a smoker, it’s still possible to produce smoked meat, fish, or veggies.
All you’ll need is a few drops of liquid smoke that you lightly brush over your food or use as a marinade.
If you find liquid smoke too strong, dilute it with water or vinegar for a milder flavor.
Besides using liquid smoke on meat and fish, you can add it to BBQ sauce or even cocktails!
Home cooks who want to add smoky flavors without special equipment can use a smoke gun. A smoke gun allows you to add smoky aromas directly to your food without the long smoking process.
Does that sound good? Would you like to know where we can we get this product?
Where Can You Buy Liquid Smoke?
You’ll find little bottles of liquid smoke near BBQ sauces on the shelves at most supermarkets.
When you’re comparing brands, look for those offering all-natural liquid smoke.
Wright’s – the creator of liquid smoke – and Colgin are two of the most reputable brands. These make use of natural additives like salt, vinegar, and molasses.
You can find liquid smoke in a wide range of flavors, including these types of wood:
- Hickory
- Mesquite
- Applewood
Hickory is arguably the most popular of all these flavors.
How to Store Liquid Smoke
You should keep your bottles of liquid smoke in the pantry, or in a cool, dark spot. As long as you keep the bottle tightly sealed, liquid smoke has a long shelf life.
Conclusion of What Is Liquid Smoke
If you came to Hempen Hill unsure about liquid smoke, you now have the knowledge to try it at your next barbecue!
The most important thing to remember when using liquid smoke is that this stuff is highly concentrated. You’ll only need a little splash to make a striking impression on your grilled snacks.
Bookmark our blog and come back soon for more grilling tips and information!