If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself torn between these two methods of cooking meat: smoking vs grilling.

Should you fire up the Argentine parrilla for a full asado or commit to a smoker’s slow process? While these two options may seem similar, they are not. 

Let’s explore the pros and cons of each method, and I’ll even throw in some recipes that’ll make your neighbors peek over the fence. Ready?

What’s the Difference Between Smoking and Grilling?

Grilling usually means cooking food over direct heat, using a gas grill or charcoal, with heat often medium to high. Argentine asados are a type of grilling, but don’t you think this means fast cooking! 

Proper Asado takes time, patience, preparation, and skill. We slowly cook our meat over hot coals or embers, carefully managing the fire’s intensity. This method gives us the perfect crust for different cuts of meat while keeping the inside juicy.

Smoking is all about cooking low and slow. Using wood smoke, you cook the food with indirect heat at lower temperatures, usually between 225-275°F (107-135°C). This smoke cooks the food and adds flavor, working great for bigger, tougher cuts of meat that need time to get tender.

Some grills can do both jobs, letting you switch between grilling and smoking. It’s handy if you want to try different cooking styles.

smoking or grilling

Smoking: Pros and Cons

People have been smoking food for thousands of years. At first, it was a way to preserve meat but now it’s a popular cooking style in many cultures. In the US, barbecue smokehouses are famous, while in Argentina, we have our own smoking traditions, especially in Patagonia, where smoking fish and meat is common.

Types of smokers 

There are a few types of smokers:

  • Electric smokers: Easy to use, great for beginners
  • Charcoal smokers: Give food a nice smoky flavor
  • Wood smokers: The most traditional, offers the strongest smoke taste

You can smoke all sorts of food! Meats like brisket, pork shoulder, and ribs are classics. But don’t stop there – try smoking fish, cheese, or even vegetables.

Pros:

  • Amazing flavor: The smoke gives food a unique taste
  • Tender meat: Long, slow cooking makes tough cuts super soft
  • Fun to experiment: You can try different wood types for various flavors

Cons:

  • Takes time: Smoking isn’t quick – it can take hours
  • Needs attention: You have to watch the temperature and add wood chips
  • Weather dependent: Wind and rain can affect your smoke and ruin the experience.

Grilling: Pros and Cons

Grilling is as old as fire itself! In Argentina, asado is more than cooking – a social event. Families and friends gather around the grill, sharing food and stories and celebrating big events like the World Cup or birthdays. It’s a big part of our culture!

Types of grills 

We have a few types:

  • Gas grills: Quick to heat up, easy to control
  • Charcoal grills: Give food a smoky flavor, loved by many asado fans
  • Wood-fired grills: Traditional method, great for authentic taste

If you’re looking for grilling meat ideas, here’s some good news: You can grill almost anything! Steaks, chorizos, and vegetables are popular. In Argentina, we love grilling different cuts of beef, from bife de chorizo to tira de asado.

Pros:

  • Great flavor: Meat grilling gives food a delicious charred taste
  • Versatile: You can grill many types of food
  • Social: Perfect for gatherings and parties

Cons:

  • Can dry out food: It’s easy to overcook if you’re not careful
  • Needs attention: You have to watch the food to prevent burning
  • Weather dependent: Rain can put a damper on your grilling plans
smoking grilling

Is Smoking Meat Healthier Than Grilling?

This is a question I get a lot, but it’s not a simple yes or no answer. Let’s look at the details:

  • Both methods can be part of a healthy diet if done right.
  • Smoking and grilling don’t add calories, which is good news for us asado lovers.
  • Grilling can help meat release some fat, making it a bit leaner.
  • Smoking meat doesn’t cause fat loss similarly, but it doesn’t add fat either.

But we also need to pay attention when deciding between smoking and grilling:

  • When meat is charred or cooked at very high temperatures, both smoking and grilling can create chemicals called PAHs and HCAs.
  • These chemicals might potentially increase cancer risk if you eat a lot of charred meat often.
  • Smoked foods can be high in salt, which can be considered, according to some medical sources, not healthy.

Tips for healthier smoking and grilling 

Don’t worry – we can still enjoy our asados and keep things healthy. Try these tips when considering whether to use a smoker vs grill:

  1. Trim the excess fat or membranes. Less fat means less dripping and less smoke.
  2. Marinate your meat to reduce harmful chemical formation.
  3. Remove your meat from packaging 2-6 hours before putting it on the grill (especially if it’s vacuum-packed). This will allow it to breathe before hitting the hot grill.
  4. Don’t char your food. A little crust is good, but avoid burning.
  5. Make sure to put your meat on the grill when its at room temperature vs putting it on the grill directly from the fridge when the meat is cold. 
  6. Use a drip pan to catch fat and reduce flare-ups.
  7. Grill more veggies. They don’t form as many harmful chemicals as meat.
  8. Keep portions reasonable. Enjoy your asado, but don’t overdo it!

Remember, it’s all about balance. A good asado now and then, with plenty of veggies and some lean cuts like bife de chorizo, can be part of a healthy lifestyle. Most importantly, enjoy your Argentine asado and the company you share it with!

Ready to Experiment with the Best Cooking Method?

Smoking and grilling both give us amazing flavors, but they work differently. Smoking is all about patience – low heat, lots of time, and incredible wood smoke flavor. Grilling, or as we say, asado, is about managing the fire, getting that perfect crust, and enjoying the process with friends and family.

So, which one’s better? Honestly, that’s like asking me to choose between chimichurri and salsa criolla – they’re both great! It depends on what you’re cooking, your time, and what flavors you’re after.

My advice? Don’t limit yourself to smoking vs barbecue! Try both methods. Experiment with different woods for smoking and play around with coal arrangements for your asado. The more you try, the better you’ll get at both.

Hey there, Argentine asado lovers! Today, we’re diving into the world of Choripanes – simple yet delicious Argentine street food you’ll surely love. And they are the perfect complement for your Argentine Asado

But hold up, what exactly is a Choripan?

What is a “Choripan”, Exactly?

Choripan is a sandwich invented in Argentina, though Uruguaians claim it was their invention, too. Regardless of this dispute 😂, choripan a simple yet satisfying combo of chorizo (a flavorful Argentine sausage) nestled inside a crusty bread roll. And let’s not forget about chimichurri! It sounds very simple and maybe nothing special, but I can assure you, it’s much more than just a sausage with bread. 

How Are Argentine Chorizos Made

Creating chorizos is not something that can be done at home (it can be dangerous, in fact, as pigs should be tested for trichinosis), but don’t worry: you can buy yours at Argentine butchers and online stores. 

The process begins with selecting high-quality cuts of meat, typically pork or beef, which are trimmed of excess fat and sinew and then finely ground to achieve a great texture. Finally, a precise balance of spices such as paprika, garlic, and cumin is added to the mix, carefully measured to achieve the signature flavor of Argentine chorizos. Once seasoned, professionals stuff the meat into natural casings, often made from cleaned and prepared animal intestines, and then left to cure and mature. 

grill the best choripan

As you can see, Argentine chorizo stands apart from common sausages. It has a unique blend of spices that gives it a smoky taste and is prepared with high-quality cuts of meat. No wonder it was it was rated the best type of hot dog in the world in 2023!

Types of Chorizo

Also, keep in mind that Argentina produces different types of chorizo, with different sizes and flavors. For example, you can buy Chorizo Criollo, made with a blend of pork and beef, and seasoned with garlic, paprika, and other spices. On the other hand, you can also find Chorizo Parrillero, specifically crafted for grilling and made with a higher fat content to ensure juicy results.

Grill the Best Choripan Step by Step

Alright, time to fire up the grill! Here’s your step-by-step guide to grilling the best Choripan:

Preheat the Grill

Once you’ve lit up your fire, ensure your grill is preheated to the right temperature. Aim for a medium-high heat, around 375-400°F (190-200°C), to properly cook chorizos without them bursting open!

Prepare the Chorizos

To further prevent your chorizos from bursting while grilling, lightly score them with a knife before placing them on the grill. In this way, steam will be able to escape the chorizo and ensure they cook evenly while staying intact. 

Grill the Chorizos

Once your grill is hot and your chorizos are prepped, it’s time to get grilling! Place the chorizos directly on the grill grates (but away from the embers!) and cook them for about 15-25 minutes, turning them occasionally with tongs. Don’t just leave them there: keep an eye on your chorizos to prevent burning and aim for that irresistible charred exterior and juicy interior.

Toast the Bread

While your chorizos are grilling, slice your bread rolls in half and toast them on the grill, too. This adds a delightful crunch!

grilling the best choripan

Assemble and Serve

Assembling your choripan is super easy: simply nestle your chorizos inside the toasted bread rolls, and remember to add your favorite condiments, such as salsa criolla or chimichurri.

Tips to Choose the Best Chorizos and Bread

  • Check for freshness: When selecting chorizos, look for ones that are firm to the touch and have a vibrant color. Avoid chorizos that appear discolored or have an unpleasant odor, as these may indicate spoilage.
  • Ask your butcher: If possible, purchase chorizos from a reputable butcher or specialty store where you can ask about the origin and ingredients of the sausage.
  • Look for the best bread: Choose rolls that are freshly baked with a crusty exterior and a soft, airy interior. From baguettes to ciabatta, there’s no shortage of options for your Choripan!
  • Size matters: Ensure that the size of the bread roll fits the size of your chorizos. You want a roll that can comfortably hold the sausage without overwhelming it or leaving too much empty space.

Enjoy Your Choripan With Friends!

Finally, the best part – share your Choripanes with friends and loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a casual picnic, Choripan is the best choice when it comes to street food. There you have it, now it’s up to you to choose and grill the best Choripan you’ve ever tasted. 

In Spanish, the word asado means “barbecue” or “roast,” which is how it is commonly used in Spain and Latin America today. Argentinians use the term to describe their nation’s unique cooking style, originating from the times of the gauchos – nomadic cowboys who cooked their meats over open fires. The distinct salty, smoky flavor of Argentine asado today is attributed to slow cooking over strong coals from a wood fire, a method not easily matched. 

Asado, including cuts of beef, pork, and chicken, is now renowned among gourmets worldwide, deeply ingrained in Argentine culture since ancient times.

Traditional asado customs are prevalent in many US and European restaurants.

The Asado as a Social Tradition

Each asador will have their methods for cooking meat over an open flame or coals, always accompanied by lively conversation and often a glass of Malbec Wine. The rituals associated with fire-cooked meat in Argentina date back thousands of years.

Traditionally, Argentine meat is roasted slowly over a parrilla (grill) and served once perfectly cooked, drawing from influences in Uruguayan and Brazilian barbecue styles. The appeal of asado reflects both the rich traditions and subtle techniques unique to Argentine cuisine. Today, local farmers are pursuing a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status for Argentine beef, a label that would emphasize its quality and distinct origin. The Blottin breed and Aberdeen Angus, amongst others, are highly prized for their refined flavor and are favored and recognized worldwide.Despite challenges like the mad cow disease crisis of the 1990s, Argentine beef has retained its reputation as a beloved staple, celebrated for its unique flavor imparted by wood-fire grilling. The slow-roasting method ensures the meat remains juicy and tender, making it a highly anticipated dish enjoyed by all. Beyond a meal, asado serves as a cultural event, bringing people together in shared appreciation. Increasingly, questions arise around authenticity and standards as Argentina seeks to secure its place in global culinary heritage.

Gaucho-Asado

Asados: Cowboy Rawness and Culinary Simpleness 

The history of Argentine asado can be traced back to the gauchos, those legendary cowboys of the Pampas in the early 19th century. During this time, they developed a way to cook meat using open-fire grilling that is as unique as it is tasty. They seasoned the meat with no little more than salt and fire; simplicity showed off the natural flavors of beef, which was then of exceptional quality in Argentina as it is now.

The gauchos became legendary figures in Argentine history and culture, somewhat like the cowboys of North America. They forged a strong sense of identity and pride in their lifestyle, nourished by their mixture of Spanish, native, and African roots. They also made a rich folklore of music, poetry, and dance, such as folklore. The Asado was a part of their culture, both in terms of food and get-togethers with other shepherds.

They used readily available materials: firewood and meat. Their seasoning was simple and consisted mainly of salt and cracked pepper, and perhaps some chimichurri for a bit of flavor, but only after the meat was cooked.

They used quebracho or piquillin wood. Before the gauchos had brick ovens or pans to cook their food, they draped their coiled-up lazos over the open fire and hung the meat to spit roast. The asado way of doing things became both a practical and tasty solution for gaucho meals in the open air.

The Evolution of Asado

In the 19th and 20th centuries, as Argentina became more urbanized and industrialized, the asado custom kept pace with the changing times. The cattle industry, in full flourish, made beef a staple of Argentine cuisine. At the same time,  the asado was a festive occasion for such national holidays as Independence Day and May Revolution Day or other family events like weekend get-togethers, birthdays and weddings. The Asado diversified even further, adding such items as pork, chicken, chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage), plus vegetables, fish, and cheese.

The asador has further grown sophisticated over time, employing diverse cuts of beef, for example, steaks like sirloin, ribeye, whole racks of ribs, and flank, as well as different grilling techniques, some direct and some indirect heat. The asador has also mastered timing and temperature. Every piece of meat will be turned and served just at the right moment to get maximum juiciness and flavor. The parrilla, or grill rack, was also developed. It can be made from diverse materials, such as iron or wood, with different structural settings like fireplaces (fireboxes ), trenches dug in the ground, or barrels. The parrilla can also be manipulated up and down to adjust the heat. The most important thing, however, is the use of hardwood embers from Quebracho or Piquillin trees which give meat its unique aroma.

grill

The Culture of Asado

Nowadays, for many Argentine families, asado is a weekly tradition. Typically held on Sundays when people have time to relax and savor the slow-cooking process, as well as the company of family and friends. Asado is also a way to show hospitality and friendliness. Everyone can take part in the feast. It is not just about eating, but also conversation, music, and laughter.

The Fire: All Asados Start With a Great Fire

The asado begins with lighting the fire and getting the coals ready. An asador (or grill man) is often someone who learned grilling from his father and or grandfather. He is responsible for everything about the meat: selecting it, cutting it, salting it, and cooking it. He has also mastered serving it with a stage-by-stage appearance before guests. Thus: first come achuras (offal), next comes provoleta (grilled cheese), and finally the multiple cuts of beef that make up the main course. Guests show their appreciation by applauding or shouting “un aplauso para el asador” (applause for the grillmaster).

The People, Food and Fire

Guests also take part in the asado by bringing salads, breads, wines, and desserts. They also lend a hand in setting the table, passing drinks, and cleaning up afterward. They also engage in lively discussions about politics, sports, art, and life in general. They may also listen to music or play games at moments when cooking requires long periods.

traditional argentine asado

More Than Merely a Meal

Asado itself is an experience that mirrors Argentina’s history and culture. It is a way to pay respect for the inheritance of the gauchos, who invented a special and delicious way of preparing meat over flame. It is likewise a method to rejoice in the diversity and abundance of Argentine cuisine, which fuses influences from different regions and peoples. Most importantly, it is a refined form of traditional life: good food, good wine, and good company.

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