Delicious smoked beef cheeks recipe | how to smoke beef cheeks

Beef cheeks are a delicious and tender cut of meat that can be prepared in many different ways. One popular method is smoking, which imparts a rich and smoky flavor to the meat. In this article, we will discuss how to prepare smoked beef cheeks and provide you with a delicious recipe to try at home.

Preparing the Beef Cheeks

Before you can begin smoking the beef cheeks, it is important to properly prepare them. Start by cleaning the meat and removing any excess fat or silver skin. Then, season the cheeks with a dry rub of your choice. Some popular options include a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Once the beef cheeks are seasoned, you can let them sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and enhances the overall taste.

Smoking the Beef Cheeks

When it comes to smoking beef cheeks, you have a couple of options. You can use a traditional smoker or a grill with a smoker attachment. Either way, the key is to maintain a low and steady temperature throughout the cooking process.

Start by preheating your smoker or grill to a temperature of around 225°F (107°C). This low heat helps to slowly cook the beef cheeks and allows the collagen in the meat to break down, resulting in a tender and succulent texture.

Next, place the seasoned beef cheeks on the smoker or grill grates. If you are using a smoker, you can add some wood chips or chunks to create smoke. Popular wood options for smoking beef include hickory, mesquite, and oak.

Cover the smoker or grill and let the beef cheeks smoke for several hours. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the cheeks and the temperature of your smoker or grill. As a general guideline, you can expect the cheeks to take around 4-6 hours to reach the desired level of tenderness.

During the smoking process, it is important to periodically check the temperature and add more wood chips or chunks as needed. You want to maintain a consistent smoke and temperature to ensure even cooking.

Recipe: Smoked Beef Cheeks with BBQ Sauce

Now that you know how to smoke beef cheeks, let's dive into a delicious recipe to enjoy them with homemade BBQ sauce.

Ingredients:

• 2 beef cheeks (cleaned and seasoned)
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the beef cheeks as described above, and preheat your smoker or grill to 225°F (107°C).
2. In a saucepan, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat over medium heat until the sauce comes to a simmer. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.
3. Place the seasoned beef cheeks on the smoker or grill grates, and smoke for 4-6 hours, maintaining a consistent temperature and smoke.
4. During the last hour of smoking, brush the beef cheeks with the homemade BBQ sauce every 15 minutes.
5. Once the beef cheeks are tender and have reached an internal temperature of 195°F (90°C), remove them from the smoker or grill.
6. Let the beef cheeks rest for 10 minutes, then slice or shred them as desired.
7. Serve the smoked beef cheeks with extra BBQ sauce on the side, and enjoy!

Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe?

While beef cheeks are the traditional choice for this recipe, you can experiment with other cuts of meat such as beef brisket or short ribs. Just keep in mind that the cooking times may vary.

Can I make the BBQ sauce in advance?

Yes, you can make the BBQ sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure to reheat it before using.

Can I smoke the beef cheeks without a smoker or grill?

If you don't have access to a smoker or grill, you can still achieve a similar smoky flavor by using a stovetop smoker or adding liquid smoke to your cooking method.

Smoked beef cheeks are a delicious and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed on their own or as part of a larger meal. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a mouthwatering smoked beef cheeks recipe that will impress your family and friends. Don't forget to serve them with a side of homemade BBQ sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

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