If you're searching for a substitute for liquid smoke to replicate that deep smoky flavor, you're in luck! There are several vegan options. From smoked paprika and chipotle peppers to smoked salt, my guide helps you find perfect liquid smoke substitutes for all your favorite dishes and teaches you how to use them.
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What Is Liquid Smoke?
Liquid smoke is an amazing natural product that brings that rich smoky flavor we all love to dishes without needing a grill, smoker, or smoke gun. Made by burning wood chips and then condensing the hot smoke into a liquid form, the process was popularized by Ernest H. Wright in the early 20th century, who discovered the method while working in a print shop.
It's a great way to get that open flame wood fire flavor without a food smoker. With just a few drops of liquid smoke, you can add pure smoke flavor to any dish.
You can find small bottles of liquid smoke at most grocery stores in the United States, usually near the barbecue sauces or spice rack. Wright's liquid smoke probably being the most popular brand.
Liquid Smoke In Vegan Recipes
You don't have to be a meat eater to use this flavor boosting ingredient! Vegans like to keep a bottle of liquid smoke on hand because it's an excellent way to impart a deep, savory taste without using animal products. It adds rich, smoky goodness to vegan versions of recipes like vegan pulled pork jackfruit carnitas and coconut bacon.
It's a very versatile ingredient and one of my favorite ways to take a vegan dish from basic to mind-blowing. Liquid smoke gives foods a hearty, umami flavor that mimics the taste of smoked meat. You can add it to homemade barbecue sauce, smoked tofu, tempeh, shiitake mushrooms, and marinades to infuse them with a rich, smoky taste.
I even use it in my vegan red beans and rice to add an amazing layer of umami flavor. However, you can easily substitute liquid smoke.
Best Liquid Smoke Substitutes
If you run out of liquid smoke or prefer not to use it, you can still add the taste of liquid smoke to your dishes. Here are some great vegan substitutes that work like a charm.
1. Smoked Paprika
Smoked paprika, also known as Spanish paprika or pimenton de la vera, is made from red peppers that are smoked, dried, and ground into a fine powder. Unlike regular paprika that most of us have in our spice cabinet, smoked paprika adds deep smokey flavor to dishes.
It's an excellent choice for marinades, rubs, soups, and stews. I use it in my Spanish lentil stew and black bean burger recipes. Spanish smoked paprika is one of the best substitutes for liquid smoke.
How to Use: Start with ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika for every teaspoon of liquid smoke.
2. Chipotle Powder
Made from ground chipotle peppers, chipotle powder provides a concentrated smoky and spicy flavor. This type of chili powder is a good substitute for liquid smoke that adds depth to various dishes and is especially great in chili, rubs, and marinades.
How to Use: Substitute ½ teaspoon of brown chipotle powder for every teaspoon of liquid smoke.
3. Chipotle Peppers
Commonly used in Mexican cuisine, chipotle chili peppers are smoked and dried jalapeno peppers. They have a robust smoky flavor with a bit of heat. You will typically find them canned in adobo sauce.
They add a smoky, spicy kick to Mexican dishes, chili, salsas, and marinades as well as soups and stews. My chipotle black bean soup is the perfect example of how to use chipotle peppers to add smokey flavor.
How to Use: Use 1 teaspoon of adobo sauce per teaspoon of liquid smoke. If you don't like spice use a little less for a more subtle flavor.
4. Smoked Tea
Lapsang Souchong, a smoked Chinese black tea, offers a distinct smoky aroma and flavor that enhances stews, broths, soups, and even desserts. Its unique flavor profile adds plenty of depth and versatility to various dishes.
How to Use: Steep the tea and use the liquid in place of liquid smoke, or grind the leaves to mix with spices. Use 1 teaspoon of brewed tea per teaspoon of liquid smoke.
5. Smoked Salt
Smoked salt, made by smoking sea salt over wood fires, infuses a smoky flavor into the salt. It's a versatile seasoning that can enhance both savory and sweet dishes.
It works well as a finishing salt for grilled vegetables and even cocktails. Smoked salt can also be used as a substitute for liquid smoke in soups and stews just like regular salt. Its smoky taste pairs beautifully with roasted nuts and seeds, making it a great addition to snack mixes and appetizers.
How to Use: Use ½ teaspoon of smoked salt per teaspoon of liquid smoke.
6. Hickory Smoke Powder
Often used in barbeque recipes, hickory smoke powder is a concentrated form of smoke flavor. It has an intense smoky flavor similar to traditional hickory-smoked foods and is a convenient way to add a robust smoky flavor to your dishes.
This powder is an excellent substitute for marinades and sauces. Hickory smoke powder can also be used to add depth to vegan smoked meats. Mesquite smoke powder is another option, but it has a slightly different flavor profile.
How to Use: Start with a little bit, such as ¼ teaspoon, and adjust to taste.
FAQs
Liquid smoke products are more than just smoked water. They are a liquid substance produced by condensing the smoke of wood to capture its flavor in a concentrated form. This process results in a potent liquid that adds rich smoky taste to foods.
Yes, because liquid smoke is highly concentrated, a little goes a long way. Overusing it can result in an overpowering, bitter taste that can ruin your dish. It's best to start with small amounts and adjust to taste.
Yes, you can make your own liquid smoke by capturing the condensation from burning wood chips. While this method is labor-intensive, it allows you to create a pure and authentic smoky flavor for your dishes. There are various tutorials available online to guide you through the process.
Wrapping It Up
The good news is that finding a substitute for liquid smoke doesn't mean you have to compromise on flavor, even in vegan cooking. From smoked paprika to hickory smoke powder and canned chipotle peppers, there are plenty of vegan options to infuse your dishes with that rich, smoky taste.
Whether you’re grilling, making a stew, or preparing a marinade, these liquid smoke replacements offer different flavors and intensities to match your cooking needs. Experiment with these alternatives to find what works best for your recipes.
How To Use Liquid Smoke
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How To Substitute For Liquid Smoke
Ingredients
Overall Best Liquid Smoke Substitute
- Smoked Paprika
Instructions
- Use ½ teaspoon for every teaspoon of liquid smoke.
Notes
- Chipotle Peppers: Use 1 teaspoon of adobo sauce or chipotle puree per teaspoon of liquid smoke.
- Chipotle Powder: Use ½ teaspoon for every teaspoon of liquid smoke.
- Smoked Tea (Lapsang Souchong): Use 1 teaspoon of brewed tea per teaspoon of liquid smoke.
- Smoked Salt: Use: ½ teaspoon for every teaspoon of liquid smoke.
- Hickory Smoke Powder Use ¼ teaspoon for every teaspoon of liquid smoke.
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