Description
This smoked beef cheek recipe delivers fall-apart tenderness and a deep, smoky flavor. Whether you’re craving Texas-style smoked beef cheek, tacos, or BBQ sandwiches, this recipe will guide you on how to smoke beef cheek to perfection. With the best wood for smoking beef cheek, you’ll create a rich, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any BBQ lover!
Ingredients
For the Beef Cheeks:
- 2 beef cheeks (1.1–1.4 kg total)
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3 Tbsp Norfolk Smoke Pit – Brew & Briskets rub
- 1 chunk cherry wood for smoking
For the Braising Liquid:
- 500 ml beef stock
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
Prep the Beef Cheeks
Trim any excess fat and silver skin from the beef cheeks. Removing extra connective tissue ensures maximum tenderness.Season Generously
Coat the beef cheeks with Worcestershire sauce and apply the BBQ rub generously for deep, smoky flavor.Choose the Best Wood for Smoking Beef Cheek
Use cherry wood for a balanced, slightly sweet smoke. Mix with hickory or oak if you prefer a bolder flavor.Set Up Your Smoker
Preheat the smoker to 250°F (120°C). If using a pellet smoker, fill the hopper with cherry wood pellets to maintain consistent smoke.Smoke the Beef Cheeks
Place the beef cheeks on the smoker grates and smoke for 4-5 hours until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).Braise for Ultimate Tenderness
Transfer the beef cheeks to a pan with beef stock and brown sugar. Cover with foil and continue smoking until they reach 205°F (96°C).Rest and Shred
Let the smoked beef cheeks rest for 30 minutes, then shred using forks or meat claws for the ultimate juicy, flavorful texture.
Notes
- Spritzing the meat with beef broth or apple cider vinegar every hour enhances moisture and flavor.
- Let it rest! Cutting too soon will release the juices—30 minutes is key.
- Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for later.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours
- Category: BBQ, Smoked Meats
- Method: Smoking, Braising
- Cuisine: Texas-Style BBQ
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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