IF I USE A GREEN MESQUITE LIMB IN A GAS BARBECUE

rexlion wrote:
On a gas grill, since the wood isn't in direct contact with the heat source, how long does it take for the gas flame to get the chips smoking, prior to putting the meat on the gas grill? Do you experienced folks soak the wood chips, or not?

That would depend on how far from the flame the foil packet is. My previous gas grill, a Charbroil brand grill had the burners covered by flavorizer tents, then the grate was a few inches above that. With a foil packet on the grate it would take a few minutes to start smoking. I haven't smoked on a gas grill in a long time, but it is effective. I've smoked ribs and boston butts on a gas grill. Not a flavorful as when cooked on a smoker, but still good.

-Michael

Chips of mesquite wrapped in a foil envelope on the grill will work better than a whole branch -- more surface area. Poke holes in the foil. You can soak the chips. I don't soak them -- I like a strong smoke taste. (I cook on a Big Green Egg grill/smoker, but I used to cook on a gas BBQ.)

I like tilapia over hickory chips, but I've always done it by throwing soaked wood chips on hot charcoal briquettes. On a gas grill, since the wood isn't in direct contact with the heat source, how long does it take for the gas flame to get the chips smoking, prior to putting the meat on the gas grill? Do you experienced folks soak the wood chips, or not?

Wrap in aluminum foil....cut a few 2" slits in top of foil then place onver burner
Aluminum foil keeps ashes from falling out and clogging burner......slits allow the smaoke out

When done.......drop aluminum foil package in trash (after it has cooled down)

If the unit has 2 burners, put the wood in an old pan on one side, with only that burner going, on low.
You will slow cook then on the other side if you can keep the overall temp down to 300 or less.

SUPER IDEA, SIR!

Thank you.

Sure, use a box with holes to put the wood in. That keeps the crud out of the burner orifices. You can do that and put the box under the grate and free up more space for cooking.