Liquid smoke is seasoning that can be used to impart a smoky flavour into fish, meat, vegetables, as well as desserts. In the kitchen, it is an effective way to replace traditional wood smoking methods that require a smokehouse and can take hours to get similar results. If you have run out of liquid smoke or if you do not consider it a healthy option, there are other alternatives you can consider in place of it. Below are some of the best substitutes for liquid smoke you can consider.
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Smoke Gun
One of the best alternatives you can use in place of liquid smoke is a smoke gun. If you want to serve up a delicious smoke-infused meal without other flavours being added a smoke gun will be ideal when it comes to adding a delicious flavour to meat, vegetables, ice cream, puddings, as well as chocolate. A smoke gun is an innovative piece of equipment that allows you to add wood chips to the gun then burns it and causes smoke to pipe out on the other end. It is also a popular appliance for a lot of chefs and it can also be used at home. There is a wide selection of smoke guns on the market that will do a great job in your kitchen. You can consider a light, and easy to use smoke gun for adding smoke flavour and aroma to your food without using heat. A smoke gun is also a perfect appliance for any mixologist as well.
Smoked Paprika
Also on our list of best substitutes for liquid smoke is smoked paprika. Smoked paprika, is also known as Spanish paprika or pimento. It is one of your best alternatives for replacing liquid smoke. Smoke paprika has a rich, smoky flavour and it has a vibrant red shade. In order to make smoked paprika, the peppers are smoked and dried for several weeks over fire fuelled by oak wood. You can simply replace a teaspoon of liquid smoke with half a teaspoon of paprika. Smoke paprika will give a subtle smoky undertone without overpowering your dish. It is important to note that smoked paprika can range in heat from mild through to very hot. You can select any variety that can suit you. Whether you require additional heat or not will depend on your personal preferences.
Chipotle Powder
Another alternative to liquid smoke is Chipotle powder. Chipotle powder is a spice that is made by grinding jalapeno peppers and smoking them slowly over a wood fire. Chipotle powder is an ingredient that is revered in Mexican cuisine but it is well known around the world. This spice is much-loved because it has the ability to add a delicious earthy, smoky flavour to meat, salsa, chili as well as eggs. In order to use chipotle powder in place of liquid smoke you only need half a teaspoon to replace a teaspoon of liquid smoke. You can also use some extra chipotle powder, but keep in mind that chipotle is considerably spicier than liquid smoke. As such chipotle powder is not suitable for people that do not like hot food.
Charcoal
Many people do not realise how easy it is to make your food smoky. Simply take a piece of charcoal and burn it over a flame on a stovetop (hob). Transfer it to a small bowl the moment it gets to the stage of smoking and then place that bowl inside a large container that holds the food you want to become smoky. Thereafter, cover with a lid or wrap everything in a plastic bag and allow the delicious smoky taste and aroma to work its way into your meal. Using charcoal is your best option as a substitute if you want to add a smoky taste to your food without adding any additional taste that comes from using a spice substitute. Similarly with a smoking gun, charcoal is a versatile replacement because you can also use it to add a smoky flavour to your cocktails and sweet desserts like ice cream, puddings, and pies unlike with other alternative such as paprika that may not work so well with desserts.
Smoked Salt
Smoked salt is another good alternative for liquid smoke. It is an aromatic spice that is made by smoking regular salt with one or more bark-free woods. Smoked salt can be sprinkled over vegetables, sweet desserts, and it can also be used as a dry rub for chicken, fish, or steak. It carries a range of flavours that vary depending on the type of wood that is used to make it. Popular fuels include mesquite, alder, hickory, oak, or applewood. If you decide to use smoked salt in your cooking, then keep in mind that it is mostly salt. You may want to cut out the regular salt your recipe may require otherwise, it may become unpleasantly too salty.
Smoked Meats
Another alternative that can be used in place of liquid smoke is smoked meats. However, smoked meat may not be the most versatile option on our list of liquid smoke substitutes but smoked meats can be used effectively. If a recipe for homemade baked beans may call for liquid smoke, then you can simply add smoked bacon or ham hock to your meal. You can consider other smoked meats that are commonly found in the supermarket such as smoked fish, turkey, or chicken. Remember that smoked meat will increase the fat content of your dish and will also impart extra flavours that may not always be ideal for your meal.
Smoked Tea
You can consider smoked tea as an alternative to liquid smoke. Also known as lapsang souchong, smoked tea is a type of Chinese black tea that is made by smoke-drying tea leaves over a pinewood fire. The result is a smoky pine taste that is accompanied by a strong smoky aroma. Smoked tea is also different from other varieties due to its lack of bitterness and it is also used for rubbing on meat or infusing into liquid dishes such as stew or soup. To make use of smoked tea as a replacement for liquid smoke, place the leaves in boiling water for a few minutes, and allow the flavours to infuse. You can also use smoked tea as a meat rub by grinding the dried leaves into a fine powder and mix them with other spices before applying to your meat.