Is it possible to get smokey flavor on a Propane grill?

Question

I know some people balk when people call propane grills a BBQ because you don't get the charcoal flavor.

But are there any tricks to get that flavor on a gas grill? I live in an apartment so I can only use propane.

Answer 1

From what I see you have 2 options.

1. you can Add liquid smoke to your bbq sauce you use (if you use). Warning, a little bit is alot.
2. you could create a 'smoke packet' soak a handful of hickey wood chips, wrap in aluminum foil and poke some holes. Place this packet underneath the grill, once you get some smoke coming out, start cooking your meat

Answer 2

I think that you will have a hard time getting charcoal flavor without charcoal. Smoked flavor, however, is obtainable. If you have an outside grill, fill a small disposable aluminum pan with water-soaked wood chips (hickory or apple wood are nice), and stick it in your grill with the meat with the lid down.

If you're talking about a gas grill that's on the range top of a kitchen appliance, this is probably a bad idea (smoke alarms, fire department...). However: America's Test Kitchen did a wonderful episode of smoked/barbecued ribs achieved in the oven. Can't find a link that's not behind a pay-wall right now, but I believe the method involved a roasting pan with a rack set in it, soaked wood chips, and covering the whole contraption with foil in an oven for many hours. Maybe other posters can help out my foggy memory.

Answer 3

Avoid the liquid smoke stuff. It tastes horrible in my opinion. I bought a small "smoke box" at Lowes. It's just a cast iron box with slits in the lid. By some wood chips, I like apple wood, and soak them in water for a while. Then put the smoke box under the grill but over the flame. It works well.

Answer 4

Yep, you can. The first step would be to buy some lava rocks or similar additive to your gas grill (if it's cheap). This will even out the flames and get you a better cooking situation, more similar to the charcoal barbecue.

Second would be throwing some wood on the fire; you can do this in an aluminum foil box, with a metal 'smoking box', or just throwing some wood on the grill as you prefer.

If you do that, use hardwood only; probably it's best to start by buying a bag of hardwood chips for grilling. Softwood produces nasty smoke which tastes terrible.

Answer 5

You can even put a lump of charcoal on the grill. I like to use a tuna can that's been well washed as a tray for it.

Have a bucket of water handy for dousing.

Answer 6

You can use smoke flavoured BBQ sauce to either marinate your meat, or applying it while it is on the grill.