How To Get the Best Smoke Flavor on a Propane Grill

The FireDisc is perfect for those who want to avoid the mess of charcoal, woodchips, and ashes while enjoying fast, controlled heat. Plus, it can match the rich, smoky flavor of traditional grilling! Learn how to get the best smoke flavor on a propane grill.

Use Smoked Salt or Smoked Spices

Smoked salt infuses your dishes with a subtle smokiness, elevating the flavors of meats and vegetables. Simply sprinkle it over your food before grilling or use it in marinades for added depth.

Smoked spices are seasonings that have been infused with a smoky flavor by exposure to smoke from burning wood chips or sawdust. The smoking process involves placing the spices in a smoker, where they absorb the smoke over several hours. They can be cold-smoked to retain their original texture or hot-smoked for a deeper flavor.

Try these smoked spices:

  • Smoked paprika
  • Smoked chili powder
  • Smoked cumin
  • Smoked black pepper
  • Smoked garlic powder
  • Smoked onion powder

Cover With the FlatTop™ Lid

The FlatTop™ lid is a game-changer for anyone using a FireDisc. It traps heat and smoke, allowing flavors to penetrate your dishes more thoroughly. By keeping the lid on during cooking, you create an oven-like environment that enhances smokiness.

The FlatTop™ Lid with Flavor Seal™ is designed for the FireDisc. Its tight-fitting design ensures efficient cooking, and you can control the heat and smoke levels by adjusting the lid’s air vent. Additionally, the lid captures steam, reintegrating it into the dish to maintain moisture and enhance flavors, preventing them from escaping as they would in open-air cooking.

Infuse with Liquid Smoke

Liquid smoke is a handy ingredient for those craving a classic BBQ taste. A few drops can transform a dish, giving it a wood-smoked aroma and flavor. Add it to marinades, sauces, or even directly onto your food.

Liquid smoke is a concentrated seasoning that captures the essence of wood smoke in liquid form. The ingredient is typically made by burning hardwood chips or sawdust, capturing the resulting smoke, and then condensing it into a liquid. The liquid is infused with the rich, smoky flavors commonly associated with traditional barbecue smoking.

Liquid smoke is particularly effective for quick-cooking items, such as fish or thin cuts of meat. It provides a burst of flavor without the need for long cooking times. Be cautious, though, as a little goes a long way; start with small amounts and adjust to taste.

How To Get the Best Smoke Flavor on a Propane Grill

Cook Smoked Meats

Pre-smoked meats are meats that have been cooked or partially cooked using smoke from burning wood or other materials, imparting a smoky flavor before they are packaged and sold. These meats are prepared in a smoker at controlled temperatures. They often absorb flavors from specific types of wood, such as hickory or mesquite. Smoked meats are convenient for quick preparation, allowing you to enjoy smoky flavors without needing extensive smoking equipment or time.

For the best quality smoked meats, visit your local butcher or specialty grocery store, where you’ll find a variety of flavors and options. Additionally, many online retailers offer smoked meats for delivery, providing convenient access to these savory delights.

Try these meats for convenient cooking and full flavor:

  • Smoked sausages
  • Smoked bacon
  • Smoked brisket
  • Smoked pork ribs
  • Smoked chicken wings
  • Smoked turkey breast
  • Smoked salmon
  • Smoked duck breast

When cooking smoked meats on the FireDisc, use medium heat to gradually warm the meats through, preserving their smoky flavor without overcooking them. To add a crispy texture, increase the heat towards the end of cooking and sear the meats for a few minutes on each side. Consider pairing these meats with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables to complement their rich, smoky taste and create a balanced meal.

Use a Foil Smoke Pouch

A foil smoke pouch is a simple trick that can work wonders on a propane grill. Create a foil pouch and fill it with wood chips, then fold the pouch closed. Poke a few holes in the foil for ventilation. Place the foil smoke pouch on the grill, allowing the chips to smolder and release smoke.

You can use dry wood chips; however, they may burn too quickly, producing a harsher taste and less consistent smoke. Soaking the chips in water for about 30 minutes before using them can help create steady smoke, delivering a richer flavor to your grilled dishes. The pouch method works well with various types of wood chips. Hickory, mesquite, or applewood each offer distinct flavors, so experiment with different profiles.

How To Get the Best Smoke Flavor on a Propane Grill

Apply Marinades and Rubs

Marinades and rubs are key to getting the best smoke flavor on a propane grill. Marinades are best for tenderizing meat, while rubs create a flavorful crust. Both methods allow you to introduce complementary flavors and textures.

To create smoky marinades, incorporate liquid smoke or smoked paprika to add depth and complexity. Combine these with your choice of oil, vinegar, or citrus juice for a balanced flavor. For rubs, mix smoked spices, such as smoked cumin or garlic powder, with brown sugar, salt, and pepper for a tasty blend that complements the natural flavors of the meat.

When using marinades, marinate meats for at least an hour, or even overnight, so that the flavors can fully penetrate. Balance your marinades with acid, such as lemon juice or vinegar, to help tenderize the meat while adding complexity. As for rubs, apply them generously and evenly across the surface of the meat to create a rich, flavorful crust during grilling.

Season the Cooktop

The seasoned cooktop is one of the features that make the FireDisc a unique outdoor grill. The well-seasoned cooking disc helps food retain moisture and absorb flavors. Use oil with a high smoke point, like grapeseed or canola, to coat your grill.

This simple practice not only enhances taste but also helps maintain your FireDisc. A seasoned surface prevents sticking and extends the lifespan of your grill. Make seasoning a regular part of your routine to ensure consistently delicious results.

Smoked seasonings, liquid smoke, and pre-smoked meats are practical options that infuse rich aromas and tastes, while the FlatTop™ lid and foil smoke pouches skillfully capture and circulate heavenly smoke. Marinades and rubs create deep, flavorful profiles, and a well-seasoned cooktop elevates the cooking experience and results. Together, these techniques ensure your FireDisc produces meals bursting with smoky flavor.