Smoking has been one of the oldest and most popular methods of cooking meat.
However, over time, this method has evolved a lot. Earlier, people used to smoke meat and cheese using some old-fashioned smokers.
But nowadays, people use the modern kinds of smokers. For example, check out these best pellet smokers. These are the modern form of smokers. They also ensure to cook your food in a way that should not be dangerous for your health.
Many BBQ lovers tend to be health-conscious also. Hence, we have brought this ultimate guide that will tell you ‘Is BBQ smoking good for health or not?’. Moreover, we have also included some tips on how to smoke meat and cheese in a more healthy way.
What is BBQ Smoking and Why do People Like It?
Barbecue smoking is the process in which you cook your pre-marinade food in a smoker usually powered by burning fuel such as wood, charcoal, or pellets.
Many people are die-hard fans of smoked BBQ and smoked food in general. The reason behind it is that, when you cook food in smoke, it cooks the meat in its own fat and evaporates all the water contents of the meat. Eventually, presenting you with a crunchy and tender form of meat.
Moreover, it also adds a delicious smoky BBQ flavor to your food that cannot come without using a smoker.
BBQ smoking falls under the category of Smoke Roasting. Although you can use any method of smoking food. Eventually, you will end up cooking some finger-licking food.
Pros and Cons of Smoked Food
If you are still confused about whether you should cook your food in a pellet smoker or a regular one. Then, here are some pros and cons of smoked food. Check these out.
Pros
Below, you will find a list of the benefits of smoking your meat.
- First, and the best advantage of smoking your food is that you do not need to use extra oil or fat. If you had to fry your meat and vegetables, you would have to use some butter, sunflower oil, canola oil, etc. Many of these processed oils are unhealthy for human beings and may cause cardiac diseases as well as other diseases. In smoking, you do not need to use any oil, you just cook the meat in its natural fat.
- If you cook your food at a low temperature and higher time, there will be less oxidation and degradation of the vitamins and minerals present in the meat. That’s why smoking can retain the nutrition of your food while giving it a flavor at the same time.
- As the process of smoking is a low and slow process, hence there is not any chance of burning your food as compared to regular frying or cooking in a saucepan.
Cons
Although the smoking process cooks some delicious and smoky flavored food. However, if you are careless and make mistakes you might end up having health problems. Have a look at the possible health problems with smoked food.
- There are some kinds of fuels that contain potentially carcinogenic substances. Some of the woods and pellets contain carcinogenic compounds such as formaldehyde and benzopyrenes which may lead to serious health issues. However, this happens only when you overcook.
- There is also a factor that smoking damages the environment. Hence, always buy premium-grade wood and pellets.
How to Smoke Meat and Cheese in a Healthy Style? – 4 Steps
- Don’t Brine your food before smoking it. If you brine your meat a lot before smoking, it will contain a huge amount of sodium which is unhealthy.
- Always go for a low slow approach. Make sure to smoke your food at a consistent temperature for a long time.
- Always purchase lean cuts. Never go for the pieces of meat that have much fat.
- Marinate your meat properly every time. If you want the best taste in your meat, then marinate it properly in the first place.
Conclusion
Do you still think “Is BBQ smoking good for health?” Well, it is good, but only if you do it properly!
