Liquid Smoke... What is it?

If you’re a fan of that rich, smokey flavour in food you’ve probably encountered liquid smoke. It's a very common ingredient across the food industry because it's able to give any food a smokey flavour.

Use 1 drop to get a little smokey taste. Use a lot and you'll be overpowered by how strong the smoke flavour can become.

You’ll see it used as an ingredient in many sauces or beef jerky for example.

But what exactly is liquid smoke, how do we make it and is it safe to eat?

Let’s dive into the smokey details.

How Smoke is Turned into a Liquid

The key to turning smoke into liquid lies in the principle of condensation. Smoke, which is composed of vaporized water and other organic compounds, behaves like any other gas when cooled—it condenses into a liquid. This is similar to how water vapor in the air condenses on a cold surface to form droplets.

For liquid smoke, the condensation process is carefully controlled to capture the flavor compounds that make smoke so aromatic and flavorful. These compounds include:

Phenols: Contribute to the smokey aroma.
Acids: Add a tangy flavor that’s often associated with smoked foods.
Carbonyl Compounds: Provide the characteristic brown color and enhance the overall flavor.

How Does Smoke CONDENSATION Work?

Burning Wood to Produce Smoke

Wood chips, such as hickory, mesquite, applewood, or oak are burned under control. As the wood burns, it produces smoke—a mix of tiny particles, gases, and vaporized compounds released from the wood.

Capturing the Smoke

The smoke is captured in a chamber or condenser. This chamber cools the hot smoke quickly, which is the key step in turning smoke into liquid.

Condensation

As the hot smoke cools, the vaporized compounds in the smoke start to condense. Condensation is the process by which a gas (in this case, smoke) turns into a liquid when it is cooled. The cooling causes the water vapor and other volatile compounds within the smoke to form tiny droplets of liquid.

Collection of Liquid Smoke

This liquid contains all the aromatic compounds and flavor molecules that were in the smoke, but in a concentrated, liquid form. This liquid is filtered to remove any impurities, like ash or larger particles, leaving behind a clean, flavorful liquid.

Bottling

This concentrated liquid is then bottled and sold as liquid smoke, ready to be used in cooking to impart that rich, smokey flavor people love.

Is Liquid Smoke Safe to Eat?

Yes, liquid smoke is safe to eat when used in moderation. Because it is a concentrated product, it should be used sparingly—usually just a few drops are needed to achieve the desired smokey flavor.

Health Considerations:

Low in Calories: Liquid smoke adds flavor without adding significant calories, making it a great option for those watching their caloric intake.
Minimal Additives: Quality liquid smoke brands typically contain minimal additives, and many are gluten-free, keto and carnivore friendly, and free from artificial preservatives.
Moderation is Key: As with any concentrated flavoring, moderation is important. Overuse of liquid smoke can make a dish taste overly bitter or artificial.

How to Use Liquid Smoke

Here are some tips on how to use liquid smoke effectively:

In Marinades: Add a few drops of liquid smoke to your marinade for meats to impart a deep, smokey flavor.
In Sauces: Enhance your BBQ sauce, ketchup, or hot sauce with a hint of liquid smoke for that outdoor grill taste.
In Soups and Stews: A little liquid smoke can add complexity to soups, stews, and curries, giving them a slow-cooked, smoked flavor.
In Snacks: Use liquid smoke to elevate your homemade beef jerky, roasted nuts, or even popcorn for a unique flavor twist.

UP IN SMOKE

Liquid smoke is a powerful and versatile ingredient that brings the authentic taste of wood smoke to your kitchen with minimal effort. Made from real wood smoke, it’s a natural product that can enhance a wide range of dishes. While it should be used sparingly, liquid smoke is safe to eat and can add a delicious smokey depth to your culinary creations.

Whether you’re making jerky, grilling meats, or simply want to add a smokey note to your favorite sauce, liquid smoke is your secret weapon for achieving that rich, smokey flavor without the hassle of traditional smoking.

Keep on Chewin',
The Beef Chief Team

Liquid Smoke - What Is It?