How to Use Wood Chips in a Propane BBQ
Propane barbeques are popular for their ease of use, but don’t offer the flavor benefits that come from cooking with a charcoal barbeque. Wood chips can be added to a propane barbeque to add a delicious, smoky flavor, without the mess of charcoal. Proper preparation of the wood chips is essential in safely creating the desired smoky flavor.
What You’ll Need
- Propane BBQ
- Wood chips
- Large bowl or pan
- Water, red wine, cider or other liquid
- Metal smoker box or aluminum pan with holes drilled in the bottom
- Place the wood chips in a large bowl or pan.
- Pour your liquid of choice over the wood chips to soak them. Water will work fine, but other liquids will add a whole new level of flavor.
- Soak the wood chips for at least an hour. Soaking them longer will allow the flavor of your liquid to infuse into the chips.
- Put your wood chips into a smoker box or aluminum pan and place it on the grill. A metal smoker box can be put down near the flame or up on the metal grate where the meat will go. If you use an aluminum pan, it is best to put it up on the grate so the smoke can not only rise up, but also go through the holes in the bottom of the pan and surround your meat.
- Turn your propane barbeque on and let it heat up for about 20 minutes. This preheat time will allow the wood chips to begin smoking without cooking the meat yet.
- Put your food on the grill and close the lid. Cook at a low to medium temperature to allow the smoke to completely permeate your meat.