Tag: recipe

Smoked Cheeses

I was so happy with how great these smoked cheeses tasted. I mean, they were fantastic. And definitely so much better than any so-called smoked cheese you buy in the store (which are usually flavored with a liquid smoke or chemical and not real wood smoke).

Smoked Cheeses

I made one of the best grilled cheese sandwiches I’ve ever had with the smoked sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheeses. I served it with some of my smoked potato chips.

Grilled Smoked Cheese Sandwich with Smoked Chips

The smoked buffalo mozzarella made for the best pizzas I’ve had. It takes pizza to a whole new happy place.

The Keys To Success

Cold smoking can be a tricky endeavor. The key is to not get above 90 F. The cheese can of course melt if you get your temperatures too high. You also want to not over-smoke the cheese as too much smoke flavor can be a bad thing. The first time attempting it you might want to sample one of the cheeses every 5 or so minutes to see how much smoke flavor you have.

My Setup

My cold smoke setup is easy: 4 lit charcoal briquettes topped with a piece of apple wood. Once the wood starts to smoke I put on the cheeses or whatever I am cold smoking. I monitor the temperature in the smoker closely, making any damper adjustments needed to maintain 90 F. It’s easier to do on a cloudy, cool day.

You can also use a smoke tube for this process.

Pellet Smoker Tube -12" Stainless Steel Wood Tube Smoke for Cold/Hot Smoking for All Electric, Gas, Charcoal Grills or Smokers - Ideal for Smoking Cheese, Fish, Pork, Beef, Nuts, Bonus Brush
Pellet Smoker Tube -12″ Stainless Steel Wood Tube Smoke for Cold/Hot Smoking for All Electric, Gas, Charcoal Grills or Smokers – Ideal for Smoking Cheese, Fish, Pork, Beef, Nuts, Bonus Brush

Also try smoking Velveeta. It’s seriously crazy good stuff.

Cold Smoke Setup
Smoked Cheeses
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Smoked Cheeses

I was so happy with how great these smoked cheeses tasted. I mean, they were fantastic. And definitely so much better than any so-called smoked cheese you buy in the store.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword cheese, smoked
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 blocks
Calories 4kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

For cold smoking

  • 4 lit charcoal briquettes
  • 1 small chunk apple wood

For the smoked cheeses

  • 4 blocks cheese use your favorites. I used Tillamook sharp cheddar, Tillamook pepper jack, and a log of fresh buffalo mozzarella.

Instructions

For cold smoking

  • Place the 4 lit briquettes in the bottom of your smoker.
  • Add the wood chunk.
  • Once the wood is smoking, you can add the cheeses.

For the smoked cheeses

  • Place the cheeses onto a disposable grill topper or in a vegetable or fish basket.
  • Smoke 15 or so minutes until the desired smokiness is achieved. For us, 20 minutes was just perfect. Sample as you cook to find the amount of smoke you prefer.

Notes

For more pronounced flavor, wrap the cheese tightly and refrigerate for at least 20 days before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 4kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 1mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 10IU | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker, 12'' Smoker Tube for Pellet Grill - Hot or Cold Smoker Accessories for Electric Gas Charcoal Grilling, Premium Stainless Steel Portable Barbecue Smoking Tube, Bonus Brush
Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker, 12” Smoker Tube for Pellet Grill – Hot or Cold Smoker Accessories for Electric Gas Charcoal Grilling, Premium Stainless Steel Portable Barbecue Smoking Tube, Bonus Brush

Cleveland Fried Bologna Sandwich

Eat Street is just about the only food-related show I still watch on TV. I love food trucks. We’re fortunate to have several great ones here in Indianapolis. A recent episode, Monster Menus, highlighted the Nosh Box truck from Cleveland, Ohio. The Cleveland fried bologna sandwich they made looked fantastic. I had to make it. So I did.

This is one great fried bologna sandwich. Like eating a burger, with creamy mayo, mixed greens and nice cold tomato slices. Then there’s the just-brown fried bologna. All on grilled cheese-like Texas toast. Really good. And very easy to make too.

Cleveland Fried Bologna Sandwich

Add A Bit Of Crunch

The second time I made these Cleveland fried bologna sandwiches I substituted a couple of nice chunks of iceberg lettuce for the mixed greens. I like the sandwich even better with the extra crunch of the iceberg. And I wouldn’t pass on the idea of maybe adding some thinly sliced onion, either. I prefer to soak my onion in cold water for at least 5 minutes before adding it to my sandwich. That helps remove some of the ‘bite’ from the onion.

I used my Cuisinart Griddler to make these sandwiches. It’s a sandwich-making beast.

Cuisinart Panini Press, Stainless Steel Griddler, Sandwich Maker & More, 5-IN-1, GR-4NP1
Cuisinart Panini Press, Stainless Steel Griddler, Sandwich Maker & More, 5-IN-1, GR-4NP1

Also try my southern bologna burgers.

Cleveland Fried Bologna Sandwich
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Cleveland Fried Bologna Sandwich

This is one great fried bologna sandwich. Like eating a burger, with creamy mayo, mixed greens and nice cold tomato slices. Then there’s the just-brown fried bologna. All on grilled cheese-like Texas toast. Really good. And very easy to make too.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword bologna, sandwich
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 1 sandwich
Calories 675kcal
Author Based on a recipe from The Nosh Box food truck

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 slices bologna thick is best
  • 2 tablespoons butter softened
  • 2 slices Texas toast
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • ½ cup greens green leaf, iceberg, whichever you prefer
  • 2 slices tomato

Instructions

  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the bologna and brown lightly on both sides. Remove.
  • Spread butter on one side of each slice of the bread.
  • Put butter-side down into the skillet and cook until golden and crisp. Remove.
  • Slather non-buttered sides of the bread with mayonnaise.
  • Top bottom bread slice with bologna, greens, and tomato and other piece of bread.
  • Serve.

Notes

These are also great with mustard or BBQ sauce instead of mayonnaise!

Nutrition

Calories: 675kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 50g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 1174mg | Potassium: 385mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 792IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 92mg | Iron: 13mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

OXO Good Grips Electric Grill and Panini Press Brush, Black
OXO Good Grips Electric Grill and Panini Press Brush, Black

Deluxe Smoked Habanero Meatloaf

This deluxe smoked habanero meatloaf is by far my favorite version of any smoked meatloaf that I’ve made. The meat comes out unbelievably tender, with a nice smoky flavor. And of course, there’s a kick – a big kick from spicy BBQ sauce mixed with habanero salsa and mixed into the meat and used as a glaze.

Deluxe Smoked Habanero Meatloaf

Perfect For Sandwiches Too!

The leftover deluxe smoked habanero meatloaf (if you have any) is just as good as the day you made it. Perfect for sandwiches. For sandwiches we just topped crisped French bread with a slab of warmed meatloaf followed by mayonnaise and red onion. The onion adds a nice crunch to the tender meatloaf.

You can make this dish in the oven and still have a fantastic dish, too.

I prefer to use fruit or nut woods when I smoke unless I want a heavier smoke flavor. Pecan, apple or cherry are my favorites. I used apple for this meatloaf.

Pecan Wood Chunks 4lb
Pecan Wood Chunks 4lb

If you prefer a more savory meatloaf try my smoked Italian meatloaf. It’s a bit more work, but worth it.

I smoked the meatloaf on my Weber Smokey Mountain smoker. You can also make it in the oven, or over indirect heat on a gas or charcoal grill.

Smoked Habanero Meatloaf Version 2.0
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Deluxe Smoked Habanero Meatloaf

This smoked habanero meatloaf is by far my favorite. The meat comes out tender, with a nice smoky flavor (though you can make it in the oven and still have a fantastic dish). And of course, there’s a kick.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword meatloaf, smoked, spicy
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 445kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

For the smoker

  • Fire up your smoker for cooking at 225 – 250 F with a light wood, such as apple.

For the oven

  • Preheat oven to 450 F.

Assembly

  • Place the onion, celery and green pepper into a blender. Pulse until chopped, but not quite pureed. Squeeze out any excess moisture. It is important to get as much moisture out as you can. I put the vegetable mixture in a cheesecloth and wrung them like a wet towel.
  • Place beef and pork into a large bowl. Add onion mixture.
  • Whisk egg with milk and add to beef mixture, along with the bread crumbs and steak seasoning.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, salsa, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour half of the sauce onto the meat mixture and combine all ingredients well. Reserve the remaining sauce.
  • Spray a 9×13 aluminum (or glass if using the oven) pan with non-stick spray.
  • Add the beef/pork mixture and form into a roll. Spoon remaining sauce over top.
  • If cooking in the oven, bake 45-60 minutes or until center is done. You may want to drain some of the accumulating fat before serving.
  • If cooking in the smoker, poke a few holes along the edges of the aluminum pan so that any accumulating fat drips out. Smoke 2-3 hours at 250 F or until the center is done.
  • Let meatloaf rest for 10 minutes and then slice into thick pieces.

Notes

Also great served on toasted Texas toast as sandwiches! 

Nutrition

Calories: 445kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 104mg | Sodium: 692mg | Potassium: 606mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 326IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker, 12'' Smoker Tube for Pellet Grill - Hot or Cold Smoker Accessories for Electric Gas Charcoal Grilling, Premium Stainless Steel Portable Barbecue Smoking Tube, Bonus Brush
Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker, 12” Smoker Tube for Pellet Grill – Hot or Cold Smoker Accessories for Electric Gas Charcoal Grilling, Premium Stainless Steel Portable Barbecue Smoking Tube, Bonus Brush

Mongolian Grill Stir-Fry Sauce

My favorite thing to make with a wok (and of course you can make it indoors with a wok on the stovetop) is stir-fry, and in particular, stir-fry with a Mongolian Grill stir-fry sauce. Just cook anything you want, like beef, chicken, shrimp, pork. Add some veggies. And just as everything is about done, add some of this magical sauce. Let it get warm then serve. That’s it!

Mongolian Grill Stir-Fry Sauce

The Perfect Sauce For A Stir-Fry

I love making a stir-fry on my Weber charcoal grill using this Mongolian Grill stir-fry sauce. The grill is big and easy to light. Weber has come out with their Gourmet BBQ System, which fits several of Weber’s grills, but mainly the 22 1/2″ charcoal grills. The system lets you cook with anything from a wok to a pizza stone. I love it.

Kitchen Bottle Condiment Set 3 Hole Dispenser Lid Plastic Squeeze for Sauce Mustard Ketchup 12 oz. / 340 ML.
Kitchen Bottle Condiment Set 3 Hole Dispenser Lid Plastic Squeeze for Sauce Mustard Ketchup 12 oz. / 340 ML.

I make a double (or even more) batch of this sauce and keep it in the fridge. If you prep all the meats ahead of time, you can have an easy-to-make dinner in no time. Or I can use it to make a crazy good side dish in minutes.

Also try my Thai peanut chicken with Ramen.

Mongolian Grill Stir-Fry Sauce
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Mongolian Grill Stir-Fry Sauce

My favorite thing to make with a wok (and of course you can make it indoors with a wok on the stovetop) is stir-fry, and in particular, stir-fry with a Mongolian Grill stir-fry sauce.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword Asian, sauce
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 1 cup
Calories 301kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  • Stir in the ginger powder and garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the remaining ingredients.
  • Bring to a boil, stirring until the brown sugar dissolves.
  • Reduce the heat and let simmer until slightly thickened.
  • Add sauce to cooked stir fry just before serving. I use about 1/4 cup per serving.

Notes

Store leftover sauce in the fridge.

Nutrition

Calories: 301kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 6579mg | Potassium: 366mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 55g | Vitamin A: 20IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 91mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Weber 6493 21-Inch 3-Sided Grill Brush
Weber 6493 21-Inch 3-Sided Grill Brush

Cajun Filet-o-Fish Sandwiches

I needed something pretty quick and easy for lunch. I’m not sure why, but I was hankerin’ for a McDonald’s filet-o-fish sandwich. And wouldn’t you know I had everything on hand to make one? Well, it’s not quite the same version as you get at the fast food joint. My version of the filet-o-fish sandwich has a bit of a Cajun kick to it.

Cajun Filet-o-Fish Sandwiches

Quick. Easy. And Great.

This Cajun filet-o-fish sandwich came out great. A quick and easy lunch in a pinch. You could substitute ‘normal’ tartar sauce, but I really like the extra flavor in the Frog Bone Bayou Tartar sauce. A bottle of it doesn’t last long around here.

NutriChef Food Vacuum Sealer Machine - Automatic Air Sealing System for Dry & Moist Foods, LED Touch Controls, Includes Vacuum Bags, Hose & Wine Stopper, High Suction Power, 14"x6"x3", Black
NutriChef Food Vacuum Sealer Machine – Automatic Air Sealing System for Dry & Moist Foods, LED Touch Controls, Includes Vacuum Bags, Hose & Wine Stopper, High Suction Power, 14″x6″x3″, Black

Kick up your sandwich even more with my homemade chipotle tartar sauce.

Cajun Filet-o-Fish Sandwiches
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Cajun Filet-o-Fish Sandwiches

It’s not quite the same version as you get at the fast food joint. My version of the filet-o-fish sandwich has a bit of a Cajun kick to it.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Cajun, fish, sandwich
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 197kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Toast the buns, if desired.
  • Cook the patties per package instructions. Halfway through the cooking process, when you have to flip the patties, sprinkle them with as much Cajun seasoning as you desire. No point in being shy about it.
  • To assemble sandwiches, top bun bottoms with the fish. Add a piece of cheese followed by a generous amount of tartar sauce. Add the top bun and enjoy!

Notes

Nutritional values do not include the fish patties.

Nutrition

Calories: 197kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 566mg | Potassium: 82mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 199IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 294mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Lomo Saltado

I cannot say enough about just how great this lomo saltado tasted. It was absolutely fantastic, and surprisingly took only minutes to prepare. The incredible flavors reminded me so much of my years living in Peru. And although there are a lot of variations on this dish, it comes down to great beef stir-fried with onions and tomatoes, served with fries or potato wedges and occasionally rice. It’s a wonderful example of the Asian influences on Peruvian cuisine.

Lomo Saltado

Pepper Perfection

One of these keys to a great lomo saltado is the Peruvian aji amarillo pepper. It has a distinct flavor that is almost fruity, with just a bit of heat. If you cannot find aji amarillo peppers you can use aji amarillo paste, which is easier to find in specialty stores. And in a pinch, use a habanero pepper instead.

I cooked this wonderful lomo saltado on the Weber Performer grill using the wok insert. It is an amazing way to do stir-fry. Easy clean up, and super high heat. If you don’t have a wok and would prefer to cook in-doors, I recommend using a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven.

Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue
Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue

Some choclo al cumino would be great with this dish, too!

Lomo Saltado
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5 from 1 vote

Lomo Saltado

I cannot say enough about just how great this lomo saltado tasted. It was absolutely fantastic, and surprisingly took only minutes to prepare. 
Course Main
Cuisine Peru
Keyword Peruvian, steak
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 1487kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Peru Delights

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

Note: Aji amarillo paste is a paste of the Peruvian aji pepper. It can be found jarred in most South American specialty stores. If you cannot find it substitute a large, seeded and minced habanero pepper.

  • Slice the steak very thin. I find it easier to do this if you first put the steak into the freezer for 30 minutes to an hour before slicing.
  • Heat a wok over high heat.
  • Toss steak slices with 1 tablespoon of oil and season with salt and pepper.
  • Add to the wok and stir fry for 10 minutes, getting the meat almost done completely through and nicely golden in color.
  • Add garlic, onion and tomato slices, and aji pepper. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes.
  • Drizzle the soy sauce and vinegar along the side of the wok and stir all ingredients well, stir frying.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve hot along with fries and rice.

Notes

Cook time does not include the time to heat the fries or make the rice.

Nutrition

Calories: 1487kcal | Carbohydrates: 160g | Protein: 68g | Fat: 64g | Saturated Fat: 27g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 2811mg | Potassium: 2427mg | Fiber: 15g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1312IU | Vitamin C: 39mg | Calcium: 139mg | Iron: 9mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Weber 6493 21-Inch 3-Sided Grill Brush
Weber 6493 21-Inch 3-Sided Grill Brush

Smoked Sausage Potato Salad

As much I love making traditional side salads, I love making newer versions even more. New tastes can be exciting. Like this totally different take on a picnic classic. This smoked sausage potato salad will really surprise everyone. Smoked sausage in a potato salad? Brilliant. Olives? Great. But my favorite part? Chopped radishes. I came away from this salad thinking more and more about substituting radishes for onions in other dishes. They really made this salad something great and unique. Who ever thought of putting radishes into a potato salad before? Not me, that’s for sure!

Smoked Sausage Potato Salad

A Little Heat Adds A Lot Of Flavor

I found this recipe in a recent edition of Chile Pepper magazine. That explains the addition of cayenne pepper. Don’t leave it out. It’s not that spicy and it adds a really great kicked-up flavor. Sadly Chile Pepper magazine is no longer in print. It was packed with great recipes like this one. I’m gonna miss it!

I almost always use Blue Plate mayonnaise in the dishes I make. I think it is the best around. If you can’t find it locally you can pick it up online for a fair price.

Blue Plate Real Mayonnaise, Homestyle Mayo For Chicken Salad to Deviled Eggs, 30 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Blue Plate Real Mayonnaise, Homestyle Mayo For Chicken Salad to Deviled Eggs, 30 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

Also try my potato salad with peas.

Smoked Sausage Potato Salad
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Smoked Sausage Potato Salad

Smoked sausage in a potato salad? Brilliant. Olives? Great. But my favorite part? Chopped radishes.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword potato salad, sausage, smoked
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 113kcal
Author From the April 2015 Chile Pepper magazine

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook until just tender, about 10 minutes depending on how large you cubed them. Remove from heat and remove potatoes from the water and let cool. (I poured the potatoes into a colander, but kept an inch or two of water in the pot.)
  • Return the pot to the stove and bring to a boil again. Add the carrots and cook 3 minutes. Drain completely and let cool.
  • Heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the sausage slices and cook over medium high heat for 5 minutes until they get golden brown. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate and let cool.
  • In a large bowl mix the mayonnaise, mustard, cayenne, and parsley.
  • Add the potatoes, carrots, sausage, olives, and radishes. Season with salt and pepper and gently fold to combine.
  • Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes.
  • Serve garnished with more chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

Stir again before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 113kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 234mg | Potassium: 321mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 2828IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Smoked Chuck Roast

I love smoked beef brisket, but sometimes I’m looking for something a little quicker. And cheaper. Smoked chuck roast is a great way to make a lot of chopped or shredded beef in a short amount of time. Just inject the roasts, add a little rub, and onto the smoker (mine’s a Weber) we go!

Smoked Chuck Roast

I chopped most of the chuck for use in tacos, nachos, and BBQ beef sandwiches. Some I sliced for beef sandwiches. It freezes well so I can always defrost a serving for a quick lunch. Just heat with a little BBQ sauce, toss onto a bun and lunch is served!

Chopped Smoked Beef Nachos

A Great Substitute For Brisket

I was really happy with my results. I got brisket-like flavor and texture for a lot less money. That’s a big win for me!

For a spicier chuck roast, try my barbacoa-style smoked chuck roast. You’ll find it hard to believe you’re eating chuck roast! For the real thing, brisket, you have to try my best smoked beef brisket.

Pecan Wood Chunks 4lb
Pecan Wood Chunks 4lb

I prefer to use fruit or nut woods when I smoke unless I want a heavier smoke flavor. Pecan, apple or cherry are my favorites. I used pecan wood for this roast.

Smoked Chuck Roast
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5 from 1 vote

Smoked Chuck Roast

Smoked chuck roast is a great way to make a lot of chopped or shredded beef in a short amount of time. Just inject the roasts, add a little rub, and onto the smoker we go!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword beef, smoked
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 5 minutes
Servings 9
Calories 274kcal
Author Based on a recipe from the BBQ Pit Boys

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your smoker for 250 F cooking. Add whatever kind of wood you desire (I used pecan).
  • Warm the broth in a sauce pan. Whisk in the desired amount of garlic powder.
  • Inject half of the broth mixture into the chuck. Don’t be shy.
  • Lightly sprinkle all sides of the beef with the rub.
  • Put onto the smoker and smoke for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 145 F.
  • Transfer the beef to a double-thick large piece of aluminum foil.
  • Fold up the sides and pour in the remaining broth mixture.
  • Seal and put back onto the smoker until the internal temperature reaches 200 F.
  • Carefully (don’t spill any juices!) remove the beef from the smoker and let rest 20 minutes.
  • Chop, shred, or slice the beef as desired.

Notes

Great on sandwiches and nachos, and tacos!

Nutrition

Calories: 274kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 104mg | Sodium: 222mg | Potassium: 516mg | Vitamin A: 20IU | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker, 12'' Smoker Tube for Pellet Grill - Hot or Cold Smoker Accessories for Electric Gas Charcoal Grilling, Premium Stainless Steel Portable Barbecue Smoking Tube, Bonus Brush
Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker, 12” Smoker Tube for Pellet Grill – Hot or Cold Smoker Accessories for Electric Gas Charcoal Grilling, Premium Stainless Steel Portable Barbecue Smoking Tube, Bonus Brush

Cedar Planked Cajun Mashed Potatoes

I doubt I’ll ever make mashed potatoes the ‘old way’ again after making cedar planked Cajun mashed potatoes. Mashed potatoes on cedar planks on a hot grill are incredible. The cedar flavor (and aroma) is not overwhelming, but it adds a wonderful new dimension to mashed potatoes. Add some Cajun butter and you have what is unquestionably the tastiest side dish you can possibly imagine. Did I mention that these potatoes also pack a little kick from the pepper jack cheese, smoked pepper and Cajun seasoning? Just the right amount of kick. My goodness were these ever amazing!

Cedar Planked Cajun Mashed Potatoes

The Perfect Side Dish

I served these cedar planked Cajun mashed potatoes alongside a delicious prime rib. I cooked it on my Char-Broil Big Easy oil-less fryer. It was the perfect meal.

I cooked the potatoes on my just-refurbished 15 year-old Weber gas grill, but any grill will do as long as you can fit the cedar plank onto it!

Cedar Grilling Planks - 12 Pack
Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack

Cooking on cedar planks can really change the ordinary into something special, which is why I do it often. Check out my other cedar plank recipes: creamy mashed potatoes, Twinkies, beef sliders, chorizo portabellos, hot dogs, sausage sandwiches, shrimp and grits, meatloaf and spicy grilled shrimp.

Cedar Planked Cajun Mashed Potatoes
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5 from 1 vote

Cedar Planked Cajun Mashed Potatoes

I doubt I’ll ever make mashed potatoes the ‘old way’ again after making cedar planked Cajun mashed potatoes.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword Cajun, cedar plank, mashed potatoes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 472kcal
Author Based on a recipe from the Kitchen Window

Equipment

Ingredients

For the mashed potatoes

For the Cajun butter

Instructions

For the mashed potatoes

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and boil until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain well then return the potatoes to the pot.
  • Add the remaining ingredients and mash the potatoes using a hand masher or mixer.
  • Place potatoes into a resealable container in the fridge for 1 hour to set.
  • Meanwhile, soak a cedar plank in water.
  • Fire up your smoker for indirect cooking.
  • When the potatoes have set, remove the plank from the water. Add the potatoes in a pile the full length of the plank.
  • Make small indentations in the top of the potatoes and add small spoonfuls of the Cajun butter.
  • Place plank onto the grill and grill 20 minutes or until the potatoes have turned golden brown and are heated through.
  • Serve hot.

For the Cajun butter

  • Combine all ingredients.

Notes

Substitute Monterey jack cheese for a low-heat version.

Nutrition

Calories: 472kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 96mg | Sodium: 189mg | Potassium: 764mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1287IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 248mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cedar Grilling Planks - 12 Pack
Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack

Sriracha Horseradish Sauce

I made a fantastic prime rib on my Char-Broil Big Easy the other day. I needed a rockin’ good horseradish sauce to go with it. One with some serious kick besides just a horseradish kick. And this Sriracha horseradish sauce is it. This is perfect for dipping prime rib. Or a French dip sandwich.

Sriracha Horseradish Sauce

Nicely Spicy

It has some ‘tang’ to it, for sure, and that great Sriracha heat. The horseradish is there for sure. But it’s not overpowering at all. That’s a good thing. For me, a little horseradish goes a long, long ways. I found the amount in this sriracha horseradish sauce to be perfect for my tastes.

Huy Fong Sriracha Chili Sauce, 28 Ounce Bottle
Huy Fong Sriracha Chili Sauce, 28 Ounce Bottle

I also made a great homemade au jus for the prime rib. The entire dinner was absolutely fantastic. I still dream about it.

This Sriracha horseradish sauce would also go absolutely great with my copycat Arby’s Beef-n-Cheddar sandwich.

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4.67 from 3 votes

Sriracha Horseradish Sauce

This sauce has some ‘tang’ to it, for sure, and that great Sriracha heat. Not overpowering at all, which was a good thing, since for me, a little horseradish goes a long, long ways.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword horseradish, sauce, spicy
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 cup
Calories 481kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Aaron McCargo Jr.

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Whisk together the horseradish, sour cream, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Stir in a few good squirts of Sriracha sauce. Don’t be shy.
  • Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Notes

You can also use your favorite hot sauce in place of the Sriracha.

Nutrition

Calories: 481kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 26g | Cholesterol: 118mg | Sodium: 475mg | Potassium: 606mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 1436IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 293mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)