What You Need to Know About Smoking Feral Hogs and Boar

For those of you who love smoked pork, exotic swine is something to try. Next to regular pork, feral hog, Russian boars, Razerbacks, and even Javalena are completely different in terms of taste and quality. Smoking wild swine in the smoker will render some of the most tender, succulent pork you’ve ever had! Continue reading to learn some helpful recommendations for acquiring and smoking exotic hog and boar.

Smoked Pork Dinners

Smoked Pork Dinners Carmel Indiana 317-688-7290

Where to Get Feral Hog

The challenge to wild hog is not smoking it, but rather, finding it. Although not everyone has the luxury of hunting feral hog and boar right outside their front door, if you are ever given the chance to go hog hunting, leap at the opportunity and save your bounty! For those of you who do not hunt, you have the option of purchasing feral hog at an exotic butcher shop, or you can order it online.

Taste

As versatile omnivores, wild swine primarily eat vegetation, fruit, and insects that are rich in nutrients, giving it a complex and layered flavor that is simply unparalleled to standard pork at the local grocer. Most people describe wild pork as having slight sweet notes with several indistinguishable flavor nuances. It is a darker meat, often resembling cuts closer to deer or veal, but it is not greasy like most other dark meats. Instead, it is marginally stringy, very tender and moist, with slight sweet notes.

Smoking Wild Pork

When it comes to cooking feral hog in the smoker, it is recommended to use a good quality wood. Most pitmasters suggest using hickory mesquite wood chips since they will not overpower the natural flavor of the meat. The best cuts of wild hog to smoke include the ribs, shoulder, lower legs, and loins. This includes Boston Butts, picnic cuts, front legs, and spare ribs.

If you have a large smoker, you can simply smoke the whole hog! Hocks, side meat, and jowl can be cured into bacon, while rear hams can be cured into the best tasting ham you’ve ever had. The key to smoking any meat is low and slow. For your wild swine, set your smoker to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not exceed 200 degrees Fahrenheit or you risk drying out your cuts. Then allow your pork to quietly cook for at least 14 hours, but no longer than 36 hours.

Enjoy the Outstanding Smoked Pork at Rackz BBQ!

Rackz BBQ Carmel, IN 317-688-7290

Rackz BBQ
317-688-7290

Rackz BBQ offers a wide selection of delicious smoked pork, brisket, and chicken, as well as, southern comfort foods and desserts that are sure to please the entire family. If you don’t have time to sit down at our Carmel BBQ restaurant, place a takeout order for a hot and fresh meal on the go! Contact us at 317-688-7290 to place a call ahead order, or to learn more about our menu selections, prices, and specials.

Rackz BBQ Has the Smoked Meats and Homemade Cuisines You CRAVE!

At Rackz BBQ, you can certainly tell the difference in quality when you taste our cuisine! Our meticulous emphasis on fresh ingredients and authentic flavors is just the start of what sets us apart from other barbecue restaurants in town. From smoked meats and grilled classics, to homemade sides, popular desserts, and more, you will find everything you crave at a price you can afford!

For Great Smoked Meats and BBQ, Call 317-688-7290!

For Great Smoked Meats and BBQ, Call
317-688-7290!

Your Friendly Neighborhood BBQ Joint

Rackz BBQ cooks up delicious home style barbecue right here in Carmel, Indiana. Choose from our wide selection of smoked meats, savory sides, and delectable starters to enjoy an authentic barbecue dinner you’ll not soon forget. From loaded BBQ chips and burnt ends, to smoked brisket, ribs, chicken, sausage, salads, pies, and more, there is something for everyone on our made-from-scratch barbecue menus! We also offer children’s selections, call ahead takeout orders, and local catering services!

That’s Right. We Cater!

Here at Rackz BBQ, we offer professional and affordable barbecue catering services for all events, occasions, and industries throughout the Indianapolis areas. Our catering managers provide free consultations to discuss your upcoming event and catering needs, and to review our various menu selections. We can also customize a catering menu specific to your party’s theme, personal preferences, dietary restrictions, and more!

Along with our catering options, we offer delivery services, drop off service, set up, breakdown, and cleanup for all clients. Choose from a variety of catering packages, including ala carte service, delivery and drop off service, or full service catering. Aside from catering, we also accept call-ahead orders for pickup when you just don’t feel like cooking dinner! You simply can’t go wrong with great barbecue! Check out our popular catering menu, today!

Choose Rackz BBQ for Your Next Meal

Rackz BBQ Carmel, IN 317-688-7290

Rackz BBQ
317-688-7290

Rackz BBQ is eager to impress you with our delicious, made from scratch barbecue cuisines. As a Carmel BBQ restaurant dedicated to quality and value, you can trust us for exceptional customer service, neighborhood prices, and most importantly, authentic barbecue fare that you will love. Contact us at 317-688-7290 to place a call ahead order, or to learn more about our menu selections, prices, and specials.

Tips for Smoking Hard Boiled Eggs

For all you vegetarians out there, you too can enjoy tasty fares straight out of the smoker! There are several foods that fit the vegetarian diet plan, including cheese, nuts, fruit, and yes, even eggs. You may be asking yourself how it is possible to cook eggs in a smoker; but it is more than just possible, it’s actually quite delicious!

Continue reading to learn some easy tips for making smoked eggs like a pro!

For Great Smoked BBQ, Call 317-688-7290!

For Great Smoked BBQ, Call 317-688-7290!

Starting Note

Smoked eggs must go through a three-part process is important in order to get great results. They will be hard-boiled, then dehydrated, and finally, smoked. During the entire process, the egg shell will stay intact, even turning a dark color from the absorption of smoke. One of the most important parts of the whole smoked egg process is selecting a quality product.

Choosing the Eggs

Start the process off right by selecting the right carton of eggs. When buying eggs for the smoker, the general rule of thumb is to stick with small white eggs. Smaller eggs have stronger shells that will stand up to the smoking process. Another rule of thumb is to use eggs that are a few days old because they tend to peel better. If you must use fresh eggs, try steaming them for a few minutes before boiling them, which will make the shell come off easier.

Boiling the Eggs

The key to hard boiling the eggs is to not let the shells crack. Here’s some tips for preventing this from happening: First, add your eggs to the pot. Then add enough water to the pot so that the eggs are covered by 1 inch of water. Then add one tablespoon of white vinegar to the water and turn on the burner. Bring the water to a rapid boil, then cover the pot with a lid and turn the burner off. Let the eggs sit for 10 minutes without lifting the lid. After the 10 minutes are up, transfer your eggs to an ice bath to cool them down. Be sure not to crack the shells while handling the eggs.

Preparing the Eggs

Inspect the eggs to see if any shells are cracked. Set cracked eggs aside for something else; do not use them in the smoker. Place the remaining eggs that you will be using in the refrigerator to sit overnight. The next day, you will need to make a brine for the eggs. Simply mix together 1 cup of salt brine with 1 quart of water to make the brine. Place the eggs in the brine and let them sit for 72 hours.

Smoking the Eggs

Before you can smoke your eggs, you must dehydrate them first. Do this by setting your oven to 140 degrees Fahrenheit and baking the eggs for 4 hours. After you take them out of the oven, you can prepare your smoker. Set the smoker to 195 degrees Fahrenheit. You will smoke the eggs for 5 or 6 hours, turning them every couple of hours throughout. Be sure to monitor the internal temperature of your smoker during the cooking time. If it gets too hot, the eggs will explode.

Storing and Enjoying the Eggs

When the eggs are done smoking, let them cool completely, and then place them in the refrigerator for one day. After 24 hours are up, simply peel one back and enjoy all by itself! Pair your smoked eggs with a charcuterie of smoked cheese and nuts too!

Visit Rackz BBQ for Smoked Meals and More!

Rackz BBQ Carmel, IN 317-688-7290

Rackz BBQ
317-688-7290

Rackz BBQ is eager to impress you with our delicious barbecue meals and smoked meat cuisines. As a Carmel BBQ restaurant dedicated to quality and value, you can trust us for exceptional customer service, neighborhood prices, and most importantly, authentic barbecue fare that you will love. Contact us at 317-688-7290 to place a call ahead order, or to learn more about our menu selections, prices, and specials.

FAQS About Smoking Meat

If you are new to using a smoker, the best place to start your learning curve is with the basics. Continue reading to review some frequently asked questions about smoking meats, including wood chip options, recommended temps, and more.

For Great Smoked Meats and BBQ, Call 317-688-7290!

For Great Smoked Meats and BBQ, Call
317-688-7290!

Which Foods Are Best To Smoke?

You have various options to choose from when it comes to selecting a food to smoke. AS for meat, the most popular cuts include ham, pork ribs, pork shoulder (Boston butt or picnic), and beef brisket. Aside from your typical cuts of meat, you can also smoke cheese, vegetables, seafood, shellfish, nuts, fruits, spices, hard boiled eggs, and more!

Which Cut of Meat is Best for Pulled Pork?

By far, the most popular cut of meat to use for smoking pulled pork is pork shoulder. This is for a few good reasons. Not only is it pretty affordable compared to other cuts, it is also readily available at most grocery stores, butcher shops, and artisanal meat shops. It is also very forgiving since it does not dry out as quickly as other types of meat.

What are the Benefits of Smoking Meat?

Smoking meat, compared to other traditional methods of cooking, provides a unique set of benefits. First, the best cuts of meat for smoking are also some of the cheapest; so you can feed a large crowd on a tight budget. Furthermore, a smoker delivers exceptional flavors and tenderizes even the toughest cuts of meat. In addition to tenderness, flavor, and cost-efficiency, smoking meat is also beneficial because it can prolong the quality of meat through preservation and curing.

Which Wood Chips Should I Use for Smoking Meat?

There are several wood chip options you can use with your smoker, all of which offer a range of smoke and flavor levels. The type you use will largely depend on the cut of meat you are cooking with. Once you are more familiar with smoking meats, you can go by personal preference. Common wood chip flavors for smoking include any fruit or nut variety, such as apple, pear, cherry, peach, and mulberry, as well as the classics, like maple, hickory, pecan, and oak. Avoid using Eastern cedar, cypress, elm, eucalyptus, liquid amber, pine, redwood, fir, spruce, and sycamore. These trees are high in resin and oils that cause a thick smoke when lit.

What Temperature Do I Smoke Meat? And For How Long?

The temperature and time you use for smoking your meats will depend on the size and type of meat, as well as, personal preference. Traditionally, smokers are meant to cook “low and slow”, so you can expect to smoke meats between 250 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit, for as long as 6 to 12 hours, give or take. For instance, if you are smoking a whole chicken, you would set your smoker at 250 degrees Fahrenheit and smoke it for 45 minutes per pound of meat.

What Tools Do I Need to Smoke Meat?

You cannot create smoked meat masterpieces with the proper tools and provisions. Aside from your meat and smoker, a basic meat smoking kit will contain a quality meat thermometer (preferably digital), water pans, wireless dual probe transmitters, flavor injectors, a charcoal chimney, and misting bottle.

Now You’re in the Mood for Some Delicious Smoked Meats?

Rackz BBQ Carmel, IN 317-688-7290

Rackz BBQ
317-688-7290

Come to Rackz BBQ! We are conveniently in Carmel, you can stop by anytime for lunch or dinner. Enjoy our made-from-scratch menu filled with traditional barbecue classics, like ribs, brisket, chicken, mac-n-cheese, corn bread, and more! If you don’t have time to sit down at our restaurant, place a takeout order for a hot and fresh meal on the go! Contact us at 317-688-7290 to place a call ahead order, or to learn more about our menu selections, prices, and specials.