Photo: Daniel
Have you ever wondered why smoky flavors feel so satisfying? Well, no matter what the reasons are, smoky dishes have a way of capturing attention. Across different cultures, grilling and smoking food have become more than just a cooking technique. This has become a tradition that has been built over centuries.
Plus, the good news is that you don’t have to travel across the world to experience these bold, smoky flavors. Right here in places like Edmonton, you can find dishes that carry the same rich heritage and taste. Considering this, if bold flavors are your thing, here are eight dishes you’ll want to try at least once. So, what’s the wait for? Dive into the article to learn more!
- 1. Texas Smoked Brisket
Texas brisket is known for its long, slow cooking process. In this dish, the meat is seasoned simply with salt and pepper and then smoked for 12 to 18 hours over hardwood. And the result appears as a tender, juicy brisket with a smoky crust called the “bark” that pitmasters take great pride in.
*Fun fact to know: The pink "smoke ring" under the surface of a brisket isn’t just for looks. Instead, it’s a chemical reaction caused by smoke and meat proteins.
- 2. Turkish Lamb Kebabs
In Turkey, lamb kebabs are a staple. To cook this smoky-flavored dish, small cubes of lamb are marinated with olive oil, garlic, and spices and then grilled over open flames. The flavor is earthy and slightly tangy, and the smoke adds a subtle depth without overpowering the meat. This indulges simple ingredients and offers big results.
- 3. Tandoori Chicken Kababs
Tandoori chicken kebabs stand out because of their intense marinade and unique cooking style. In this dish, chicken is soaked in a mixture of yogurt, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder before being roasted in a hot tandoor oven. As a result of the process, the outer part gets slightly charred, while the inside stays tender and juicy.
And if you’re in Edmonton, there’s no need to fire up a clay oven yourself. You can easily Order Tandoori Chicken Kababs from some of the authentic shops. There, the actual Pakistani-style kababs are cooked fresh and delivered right to your door. It’s one of the easiest ways to bring bold, smoky flavors into your home without any hassle.
- 4. Argentine Grilled Asado
In Argentina, grilling meat is known as asado. It's not just about the food; the company of family and friends is equally important. To cook this dish, cuts like ribs and sausages are grilled slowly over wood fires. This way, they absorb smoky flavors without needing heavy marinades.
- 5. Jamaican Jerk Chicken
The signature flavor of jerk chicken comes from the intense heat of scotch bonnet peppers mingling with the comforting seasoning of allspice, cinnamon, and thyme. It’s cooked slowly over pimento wood, giving it a smoky flavor that lingers. The result is a dish that’s spicy, smoky, and slightly sweet all at once.
*Fun fact: The word "jerk" originally referred to a method of preserving meat using smoke and spices.
- 6. Korean Galbi (Grilled Short Ribs)
Korean BBQ is famous for its quick, high-heat grilling style. Galbi – marinated beef short ribs – are cooked until they caramelize on the grill. This gives them a smoky, sweet, and savory taste. You can pair them with side dishes like kimchi and rice, and ultimately, you will be having a complete, bold meal.
- 7. Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs
Kofta kebabs are made by blending ground meat with onions, parsley, and spices. Skewered and grilled over open flames, they deliver a juicy, smoky flavor that’s both hearty and comforting.
*Fun fact: Kofta recipes date back to some of the earliest known cookbooks from the 10th century.
- 8. Mexican Tacos al Pastor
Tacos al pastor feature pork marinated in chilies and pineapple, then roasted on a vertical spit similar to shawarma. As the meat cooks, it’s sliced off and served on tortillas, usually topped with onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. By the way, the spit used for cooking tacos al pastor is called a “trompo” in Spanish.
To Sum It All Up..
There’s a reason smoky flavors are loved around the world. They bring a richness and complexity that simple cooking can't always match. From Texas brisket to tandoori kababs, smoky dishes are packed with tradition, technique, and heart. And for food lovers in Edmonton, it’s never been easier to explore these bold flavors. Ultimately, the best flavors come with a little fire – and a lot of heart.
