Tips on How to Get Barbecue Flavors Indoors

It’s hard to enjoy the sun outside to the fullest when you can’t predict the chances of it being washed away by dark clouds and rain. By enjoying the sun to the fullest… we mean the satisfying sound of meat and veggies being grilled above the burning coal, the flavors perfuming your lawn, and the juicy first bite from that skewer. Tempted yet? Get similar, aromatic flavors indoors using these tips we’re about to share with you. Don’t worry, you won’t be barbecuing in the rain. It will all be in the kitchen, we promise.

Smoked oil

Smoked oil will give any meat or vegetable a subtle yet distinctive barbecue flavor. An easy way to achieve that is by burning some wood chips. Pour some olive oil into a large glass jar and tilt it around so that the oil smears the whole surface inside. In a heat-proof ceramic bowl, place some wood chips over tinfoil and burn them using a blowtorch. Direct the smoke into the jar. Repeat this process several times to strengthen the flavor. Add more oil to the jar and shake vigorously. 

Charred vegetables

Adding vegetables to a dish can really help brighten it up. Elevate your vegetables by charring them directly on the stovetop. Some vegetables that work well with smoky flavors include eggplant,  peppers, onions, and carrots. To do this, slowly rotate them over a naked flame until the surface is evenly blackened. Leave to cool and carefully remove the charred skin to reveal an irresistible smoky flavor.

Smoking chips

Wood smoking chips come in a wide variety, each giving a different smoky character for your protein. Before trying this, make sure all of your windows and doors are open for optimum ventilation. Sprinkle some wood chips around (not over or under) your meat in the baking dish. Place it in the broiler to let the meat soak the smoke and flavors. This technique will fill your kitchen with smoke too, so be wary.

Burnt herb 

Burnt herbs will add a deep, complex, and sharper smoky profile to your dish. Burn fresh sprigs over your stove top before putting them in the oven or grill. You can also add them to butter in the pan to baste your protein with. 

These are just some easy ways to get that delicious smoky flavors without having to fire up the grill outside. There are several alternatives in grocers that can give your meals smoky flavors too, such as smoked seasoning powders and smoked pancetta.