A Traeger grill is one of the best tools for achieving that rich, smoky flavor we all crave. From meats and seafood to vegetables and sides, the possibilities for what you can smoke are endless. With Traeger’s precise temperature control and wide variety of wood pellets, you can experiment with different flavors and textures. This guide will take you through the best things to smoke on a Traeger, breaking it down into meats, vegetables, sides, and answering common FAQs.
Why Smoke on a Traeger?
Smoking on a Traeger grill offers several advantages over traditional gas or charcoal grills. First and foremost, the wood pellets used in Traeger grills provide a steady, controlled burn, which ensures consistent heat throughout the smoking process. Not only does this make smoking easier, but it also infuses food with the distinct, deep flavors of the wood smoke.
Moreover, Traeger grills allow for a wide selection of wood pellet flavors such as hickory, mesquite, apple, and cherry. As a result, you can pair different woods with various foods, creating unique flavor profiles. If you’re new to smoking or need guidance on which pellets to use, this guide to wood pellet smoking provides excellent insight into pairing pellets with food.
In addition to flavor flexibility, Traeger grills are incredibly user-friendly. Their precise temperature control lets you set the grill and forget it, giving you more time to focus on other aspects of the meal. If you want to learn more about the versatility of Traeger smoking, check out this complete Traeger smoking guide to get started.
Best Meats to Smoke on a Traeger
When it comes to smoking meats, a Traeger grill excels at bringing out deep, smoky flavors. If you’re wondering what is best to smoke on a Traeger, here are some of the top meats, along with tips for achieving the best results and flavor pairings.
1. Beef
- Brisket
Brisket is often considered one of the best meats to smoke on a Traeger. Its tough texture benefits from long, slow cooking times, making it incredibly tender. Smoke the brisket at 225°F for up to 12 hours, using hickory or oak pellets to add a deep, rich flavor. Brisket is a favorite for anyone looking to master the art of smoking on a Traeger. - Ribs
Another favorite when thinking about what’s best to smoke on a Traeger is ribs. Whether you prefer St. Louis-style or baby back ribs, they are ideal for low and slow smoking. Apply a dry rub, and smoke at 225°F for 4-6 hours. For a slightly sweet, smoky flavor, use apple or cherry wood pellets. If you’re looking for a more robust taste, hickory or mesquite works wonders. - Tri-Tip
Tri-tip is gaining popularity as one of the best cuts to smoke on a Traeger. This triangular cut of beef turns out flavorful and juicy when smoked at 225°F until it reaches an internal temperature of around 130°F for medium-rare. Use mesquite or oak wood pellets to bring out bold, smoky flavors that complement the natural richness of the tri-tip.
2. Pork
- Pulled Pork
If you’re looking for an easy and delicious option, pulled pork is among the best foods to smoke on a Traeger. Using a pork shoulder or Boston butt, smoke at 225°F for 10-12 hours. Apple or cherry wood pellets are ideal for adding a sweet, smoky flavor to the pork. The slow-cooking method ensures the meat becomes tender, flavorful, and easy to shred. - Pork Loin
A leaner option that’s also great to smoke on a Traeger is pork loin. Since it’s a lean cut, it doesn’t require as long of a smoke as other meats. Set your Traeger to 225°F and use pecan or maple wood pellets. This helps keep the pork moist while adding subtle smoky notes that enhance the natural flavors.
3. Poultry
- Whole Chicken
When considering what’s best to smoke on a Traeger, whole chicken is a fantastic choice. Smoke at 225°F for 4-5 hours, using apple or cherry wood pellets to infuse a mild sweetness. To get crispy skin, increase the temperature to 350°F during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Whole chicken on a Traeger is always juicy and flavorful. - Turkey
A smoked turkey is perfect for holiday meals or large gatherings, making it one of the best meats to smoke on a Traeger. The slow smoking process at 225°F allows the turkey to absorb the smoke fully while remaining moist. Use pecan or apple wood pellets to enhance the natural flavor of the turkey without overpowering it.
Best Seafood to Smoke on a Traeger
In addition to meats, smoking seafood on a Traeger adds a layer of richness that you can’t get with other cooking methods. Here are two of the best seafood options to smoke.
1. Salmon
Salmon is ideal for smoking because its natural oils help it stay moist throughout the process. Smoke it at 180°F to 200°F for about 2 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. For the best flavor, use alder or cherry wood pellets. These woods provide a mild, slightly sweet smoke that complements the salmon’s flavor without overpowering it.
2. Shrimp
For a quick and delicious seafood dish, smoking shrimp is an excellent choice. Set the Traeger to 225°F and smoke the shrimp for about 30 minutes. Mesquite or hickory wood pellets work well for shrimp, bringing out their natural sweetness while adding a bold, smoky flavor. Be sure to season the shrimp with lemon, garlic, and herbs before smoking for an extra burst of flavor.
Best Vegetables to Smoke on a Traeger
Vegetables may not be the first thing you think of when using a Traeger, but smoking them enhances their natural sweetness and adds a unique depth of flavor.
- Bell Peppers
Smoking bell peppers at 225°F for 30-45 minutes brings out their sweetness and adds a smoky depth. Use apple or cherry wood pellets for a fruity note that pairs beautifully with the peppers’ natural flavors. - Zucchini and Asparagus
Both zucchini and asparagus are ideal vegetables for smoking. Smoke at 225°F for about 30 minutes using cherry wood pellets. The smoke adds a subtle sweetness to these mild vegetables, turning them into a flavorful side dish. - Corn on the Cob
Smoking corn on the cob at 225°F for 45 minutes results in a sweet, smoky side that’s perfect for any BBQ. Use apple wood pellets to add a hint of fruitiness to the corn.
Best Side Dishes to Smoke on a Traeger
If you’re already smoking meats on your Traeger grill, why not complement your meal with some delicious smoked sides? Smoking side dishes can add depth and richness to your BBQ spread, making them some of the best to smoke on a Traeger. Here are a few options that pair perfectly with any smoked meat.
1. Mac and Cheese
One of the best side dishes to smoke on a Traeger is mac and cheese. The smoky flavor from the Traeger transforms this comfort food into a savory delight. Prepare your mac and cheese as usual, then place it in a cast-iron skillet and smoke at 225°F for about an hour. Use cherry or apple wood pellets to add a subtle sweetness that balances out the richness of the cheese. Smoked mac and cheese pairs beautifully with brisket or ribs, making it an ideal side for any BBQ.
2. Baked Beans
Baked beans are another classic that ranks among the best side dishes to smoke on a Traeger. Smoking baked beans at 225°F for about 2 hours using pecan or maple wood pellets will enhance their natural sweetness and add a smoky depth. This hearty side pairs well with pork, making it a perfect accompaniment for pulled pork or smoked ribs.
3. Corn on the Cob
Smoking corn on the cob is an easy and delicious way to elevate this simple vegetable. It’s one of the best things to smoke on a Traeger if you’re looking for a side dish that’s quick to prepare. Set your Traeger to 225°F and smoke the corn for about 45 minutes. Apple or cherry wood pellets will add a light sweetness to the corn, creating a side dish that’s great with any smoked meat.
4. Smoked Potatoes
Potatoes are versatile and definitely belong on the list of the best side dishes to smoke on a Traeger. You can smoke them whole or cut them into wedges. Season them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and smoke at 225°F for about 2 hours. Use hickory or mesquite wood pellets for a bolder, smoky flavor. Smoked potatoes are a great side to serve with smoked chicken or brisket.
FAQs: What Is Best to Smoke on a Traeger?
What meat is best for smoking on a Traeger?
- Some of the top meats to smoke on a Traeger include brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and chicken. These cuts absorb smoke incredibly well and benefit from the low and slow cooking process, becoming tender and full of flavor.
What is the easiest thing to smoke on a Traeger?
- For beginners, pulled pork and chicken are among the easiest options. Both cuts are forgiving and can handle longer cook times without drying out, making them perfect for those just starting out with smoking.
temperature should I smoke at on a Traeger?
- Generally, a smoking temperature of 225°F works well for most meats. However, seafood often requires a lower range, around 180°F to 200°F, while vegetables and sides can also be smoked at 225°F for optimal flavor.
wood pellets should I use for smoking?
- The choice of wood pellets depends on the flavor you’re aiming for. Stronger woods like hickory and mesquite pair wonderfully with beef, whereas apple and cherry are better suited for poultry and vegetables due to their milder, sweeter profile.
Conclusion
In summary, what is best to smoke on a Traeger depends on your taste and the occasion. Whether you’re smoking brisket, pulled pork, salmon, or even vegetables, a Traeger grill can handle it all. With so many wood pellet options and cuts of meat to choose from, you’ll never run out of delicious combinations to try. By mastering the basics of temperature control and experimenting with different flavors, you’ll be able to create mouthwatering, smoky dishes every time. So fire up your Traeger, select your favorite meats or veggies, and enjoy the deep, smoky flavors that only a Traeger can deliver!