So, you’re making some type of meaty dish…chances are it could use a little bit of something extra.

But what can you add to improve the taste?

Liquid smoke is an ideal way to add some of that smoky flavor without having to fire up the grill or smoker. It’s like adding BBQ flavor without having to use your BBQ!

In this blog post, I’m sharing my 20 best foods you can add liquid smoke to and achieve amazing flavors. So, keep reading to find out!

What is liquid smoke?

Liquid smoke is an aqueous solution derived from the condensation of wood smoke.

It has a smoky flavor, making it ideal for use in cooking or flavoring foods. Liquid smoke can be used to add a deeper, smokier flavor to many dishes.

There are different flavored liquid smokes, such as hickory and mesquite.

Liquid smoke is made by condensing wood smoke into a liquid form, which has all the flavor of smoked food without the long cook times, and without charcoal or wood chips.

Some of the most popular foods that taste better with a little bit of liquid smoke added are marinades, barbecue sauces, smoked meats and fish, soups and stews, chili, tacos and burritos, macaroni and cheese, vegetable dishes like eggplant or squash and even some desserts like ice cream.

Adding a few drops of liquid smoke to any dish can instantly transform its flavor.

So, let’s take a look at foods that taste better instantly with a little bit of liquid smoke. Just remember, a little liquid smoke goes a long way!

20 Foods That Taste Better With Liquid Smoke

Liquid smoke is a great way to add a smoky flavor to your dishes without having to actually smoke them.

Here are 20 foods that taste better with a little bit of liquid smoke added to them:

1. Barbecue sauce: Add a few drops of liquid smoke to your favorite barbecue sauce for an extra smoky flavor.
2. Grilled meats: Add liquid smoke to your marinade or rub for grilled meats like chicken, pork, and beef.
3. Chili: A few drops of liquid smoke can add depth and complexity to your chili.
4. Bacon: Brush a little liquid smoke onto your bacon before cooking for a smoky, savory flavor.
5. Roasted vegetables: Add a few drops of liquid smoke to your roasted vegetables, like Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes, for a unique smoky flavor.
6. Burgers: Add a drop or two of liquid smoke to your burger patties before grilling for a smoky flavor that pairs well with cheese and bacon.
7. Dips and spreads: Add a few drops of liquid smoke to your favorite dip or spread, like hummus or ranch, for a smoky twist.
8. Soups and stews: A few drops of liquid smoke can add a smoky flavor to your soups and stews, especially those made with beans, lentils, or ham.
9. Deviled eggs: Add a drop or two of liquid smoke to your deviled egg filling for a smoky twist on this classic appetizer.
10. Popcorn: Drizzle a little melted butter mixed with liquid smoke over your popcorn for a smoky, savory snack.
11. Mac and cheese: Mix a few drops of liquid smoke into your cheese sauce for a smoky, comforting dish.
12. Brisket: Rub a generous amount of liquid smoke onto your brisket before smoking or slow-cooking it for a deeply smoky flavor.
13. Baked beans: Add a few drops of liquid smoke to your baked beans for a smoky, barbecue-like taste.
14. Potato salad: Mix a little liquid smoke into your potato salad dressing for a smoky twist on this classic dish.
15. Tofu: Marinate your tofu in a mixture of soy sauce, liquid smoke, and other seasonings for a smoky, savory flavor.
16. Jerky: Mix liquid smoke into your jerky marinade for a smoky flavor that’s perfect for snacking.
17. Cornbread: Add a few drops of liquid smoke to your cornbread batter for a smoky, savory side dish.
18. Guacamole: Mix a little liquid smoke into your guacamole for a unique, smoky flavor that pairs well with tortilla chips.
19. Sausages: Mix liquid smoke into your sausage mixture before cooking for a smoky, savory flavor.
20. Barbecue pulled pork: Rub a generous amount of liquid smoke onto your pork before slow-cooking it for a smoky, tender dish that’s perfect for sandwiches or tacos.

How to use liquid smoke

Liquid smoke is a concentrated flavoring that can be added to dishes in small amounts. It’s one of the cooking ingredients I like to use sparingly.

Start with just a few drops and add more as desired. You can also use liquid smoke in marinades, sauces, or brines to add a smoky flavor.

Just remember that a little goes a long way in terms of flavor. It can be very smoke and it’s easy to overwhelm the food.

For example, for guacamole, I might start with two to three drops of liquid smoke and adjust as needed. If I’m making a small quantity I’ll only add 1 drop and then adjust the seasoning to make sure it’s not too much.

And if you’re using liquid smoke in a marinade, I suggest adding a few drops at the beginning and then adjusting after tasting.

Again, you can always add more but it’s hard to take it away once it’s added. So start with a small amount and adjust to taste.

What is the advantage of using liquid smoke instead of wood smoke?

The advantage of using liquid smoke instead of wood smoke is that you can achieve the same smoky flavor much more quickly, without having to wait for the wood to catch fire and smoke to be produced.

Liquid smoke is also more concentrated and it’s easier to control the amount of smoky flavor. You can easily adjust the amount of liquid smoke to reach the desired smokiness without having to worry about overdoing it.

Finally, you can add liquid smoke to foods that you can’t add wood smoke to, like ketchup or guacamole, for example! This way, you can add a smoky flavor to dishes that don’t traditionally have it.

Overall, liquid smoke is an easy and convenient way to get a smoky flavor in dishes, without having to wait or worry about overdoing it.

Conclusion

Liquid smoke is a great way to add a smoky, barbecue-like flavor to your dishes. It’s concentrated and easy to control, so you can achieve the perfect level of smokiness without overdoing it.

Plus, you can use it in dishes that don’t typically feature a smoky flavor, like mac and cheese or guacamole. With a little bit of liquid smoke you can create unique dishes with an unexpected hint of woody smokiness!