Contents
- 1 Smoked Beef Cheeks
- 1.1 What Are Beef Cheeks?
- 1.2 What Makes Smoked Beef Cheeks A Unique Cut Of Meat?
- 1.3 How to Prepare Smoked Beef Cheeks?
- 1.4 How To Smoke Beef Cheeks?
- 1.5 How To Cook Smoked Beef Cheeks
- 1.6 What To Serve With Smoked Beef Cheeks?
- 1.7 How To Buy Beef Cheeks?
- 1.8 Smoked Beef Cheeks Recipes
- 1.9 FAQs About Smoked Beef Cheeks
- 1.10 Are Smoked Beef Cheeks Actually Cheeks?
- 1.11 Conclusion On Smoked Beef Cheeks
Smoked Beef Cheeks
Smoked beef cheeks are a delicious and unique cut of meat that can be smoked or grilled. They are low in fat and calories, but high in protein and flavor. This makes them a healthy and satisfying meal choice for any time of day. Smoked beef cheeks can be served as part of a main dish or appetizer. They are also great for leftovers, so make sure to cook plenty!
Looking for a unique and flavorful dish to add to your next dinner party? Smoked beef cheeks may be just the thing. This cut of meat is typically inexpensive and can be tough if not cooked properly, but when smoked it becomes tender and juicy. Check out this recipe to learn how to make Smoked beef cheeks at home.
What Are Beef Cheeks?
Before knowing how to cook smoked beef cheeks, it is important to know what they are. Beef cheek meat is a little-known cut that is taken from the muscles near the jawbone. It is a lean and flavorful cut of meat that is becoming more popular in restaurants and butcher shops.
While most people are familiar with brisket, flank steak, and ribeye, beef cheek meat is not as well-known. This may be because it is not always easy to find at the grocery store. However, it can typically be ordered online or through a specialty butcher shop.
What Makes Smoked Beef Cheeks A Unique Cut Of Meat?
Smoked beef cheeks are a unique cut of meat because they are very fatty and have a lot of connective tissue. This makes them tough to chew, but also gives them a lot of flavor. They are best cooked low and slow, which allows the fat and connective tissue to break down and create a tender and juicy dish. Smoked beef cheeks can be used in tacos, burritos, or even just eaten on their own. If you’re looking for a new and unique way to enjoy beef, smoked beef cheeks are definitely worth trying!
They are also a leaner cut of meat, which means they are less likely to dry out when cooked. Smoked beef cheeks are also a flavorful and unique cut of meat. The smoky flavor pairs well with many different dishes and can be used as an appetizer or main course.
How to Prepare Smoked Beef Cheeks?
Before smoking beef cheeks, it’s important to prepare them properly. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Step 1. Choose the right beef cheeks.
When choosing beef cheeks, make sure to select a cut that is fatty and has a lot of connective tissue. This will ensure that the dish is juicy and tender.
Step 2. Trim away any excess fat or connective tissue.
If there is any excess fat or connective tissue on the beef cheeks, trim it away before cooking. This will help them to cook evenly and prevent them from becoming tough or dry.
Step 3. Marinate the beef cheeks.
Marinating the beef cheeks in a blend of spices and herbs will add flavor and help them to stay moist while cooking.
Now that the beef cheeks are prepared, it’s time to start smoking them.
How To Smoke Beef Cheeks?
After preparing the beef cheeks, it’s time to start smoking them. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Step 1. Choose the right wood chips.
When smoking beef cheeks, it’s important to use the right type of wood chips. The best woods for smoking beef are hickory, mesquite, or oak.
Step 2. Soak the wood chips in water for 30 minutes.
Soaking the wood chips in water for 30 minutes will prevent them from burning up too quickly and creating too much smoke.
Step 3. Prepare the smoker.
Set the temperature of the smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit and add the wet wood chips to the smoker box.
Step 4. Place the beef cheeks in the smoker.
Once the smoker is at the correct temperature, place the beef cheeks on the racks and close the lid.
Step 5. Smoke the beef cheeks for 3-4 hours.
Smoke the beef cheeks until they are tender and cooked through. The exact cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of the meat.
Step 6: Remove from smoker and let rest for 5-10 minutes serving.
Once the beef cheeks are cooked, remove them from the smoker and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make them easier to slice.
Now you know how to smoke beef cheeks! Give this recipe a try the next time you’re looking for a unique and flavorful way to enjoy beef.
How To Cook Smoked Beef Cheeks
Now that you know what beef cheeks are, it’s time to learn how to cook them! Smoked beef cheeks can be cooked on the grill, or in the oven. Here are some tips for cooking them:
Using Grill
Step 1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
The first step is to preheat your grill. For most grills, this means setting the temperature to somewhere between 375°F and 450°F. If you have a gas grill, simply turn on all the burners and set them to medium-high heat. If you have a charcoal grill, light the coals and wait until they’re covered in gray ash before spreading them out evenly over the bottom of the grill.
Step 2. Clean the grates.
Once the grill is preheated, it’s time to clean the grates. This step is important because it helps ensure that your food will cook evenly and prevents it from sticking to the grates.
If you have a gas grill, turn off all the burners and wait for the grill to cool down. Then use a wire brush to clean the grates. If you have a charcoal grill, wait until the coals have died down and then use a wire brush to clean the grates.
Step 3. Place the beef cheeks on the grill.
Once the grates are clean, place the beef cheeks on them. Make sure they are in a single layer so they can cook evenly.
Step 4. Grill for 3-4 hours.
Grill the beef cheeks for 3-4 hours, or until they are cooked through. Make sure to keep an eye on them and adjust the temperature as needed.
Using Oven
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
The first step is to preheat your oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help them to cook evenly and produce a consistent smoke flavor.
Step 2. Place the beef cheeks in a baking dish.
Place the beef cheeks in a baking dish and make sure they are in a single layer. This will ensure that they cook evenly.
Step 3. Bake for 3-4 hours.
Bake the beef cheeks for 3-4 hours, or until they are cooked through. Make sure to keep an eye on them and adjust the temperature as needed.
Now that you know how to cook smoked beef cheeks, it’s time to give it a try! They can be used as an appetizer or main course, and are sure to impress your guests. Enjoy!
What To Serve With Smoked Beef Cheeks?
There are many things you can serve with smoked beef cheeks. Here are some ideas:
- Roasted potatoes: Cut potatoes into small pieces and roast them in the oven with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roasted vegetables: Chop up your favorite vegetables and roast them in the oven with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grilled vegetables: Grill your favorite vegetables on the grill until they are tender.
- Macaroni and cheese: Make a classic macaroni and cheese dish with cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and bread crumbs.
- Salad: Serve a simple salad with greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing.
- Bread: Serve fresh bread or rolls to soak up the delicious juices from the beef cheeks.
- Mashed potatoes: Make mashed potatoes and top with gravy made from the cooking juices.
- Rice: Cook rice in the beef cheek juices for a flavorful side dish.
- Corn on the cob: Grill or boil corn on the cob and serve with butter, salt, and pepper.
- Green beans: Cook green beans in a pot of boiling water with salt and butter.
- Soup: Serve a bowl of your favorite soup for a hearty meal.
- Steamed broccoli: Steam broccoli in a pot of water until it is tender.
- Baked beans: Make baked beans from scratch or use a can of pre-made beans.
- Fruit salad: Make a fruit salad with your favorite fruits and serve as a side dish or dessert.
- Cauliflower: Grill or roast cauliflower in the oven with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Asparagus: Grill or roast asparagus in the oven with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Zucchini: Grill or roast zucchini in the oven with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Squash: Grill or roast squash in the oven with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Carrots: Cook carrots in a pot of boiling water with salt and butter.
These are just some ideas for what to serve with smoked beef cheeks. Get creative and experiment with different flavors to find what you like best! No matter what you choose to serve with your smoked beef cheeks, they are sure to be a hit! Enjoy!
How To Buy Beef Cheeks?
If you’re thinking about making smoked beef cheeks, the first step is to purchase the beef cheeks. They can be found at most butcher shops or specialty stores. However, if you’re having trouble finding them, you can also purchase them online.
When buying beef cheeks, there are 10 things you should keep in mind.
- The size of the beef cheeks. Make sure to get a good idea of the size of the beef cheeks before you buy them. This will help you determine how much meat you’ll be able to get from them.
- The quality of the beef cheeks. Not all beef cheeks are created equal. Make sure to ask the butcher about the quality of the meat before you buy it.
- The color of the beef cheeks. Beef cheeks should be a reddish-pink color, not too dark or too light.
- The marbling of the beef cheeks. Marbling is important for smoked beef cheeks because it helps give them flavor and keep them moist during cooking.
- The fat content of the beef cheeks. You’ll want to get beef cheeks with a good amount of fat on them, as this will also help with flavor and moisture.
- The price of the beef cheeks. Beef cheek prices can vary depending on the quality of the meat and where you purchase them. Make sure to compare prices before you buy.
- The preparation of the beef cheeks. If you’re buying smoked beef cheeks, make sure to ask the butcher how they should be prepared. Some butchers may recommend that you soak them in water overnight, while others may say that’s not necessary.
- The cooking time of the beef cheeks. Depending on how you want your beef cheeks cooked, the cooking time will vary. Make sure to ask the butcher how long they should be cooked for.
- The type of smoker you’ll be using. Not all smokers are created equal. If you’re using a charcoal smoker, make sure to get beef cheeks that can withstand the heat.
- The size of the smoker. Again, this will depend on the size of your smoker. Make sure to get beef cheeks that will fit in your smoker without taking up too much space.
With these 10 things in mind, you should be able to find the perfect beef cheeks for your next smoking project.
Smoked Beef Cheeks Recipes
Once you’ve got your beef cheeks, the sky’s the limit on what you can do with them. Here are a few recipes to get you started:
Slow-Cooker Smoked Beef Cheeks Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large onions, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups chicken stock or beef broth
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1½ kilograms beef cheeks, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Method:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil until hot. Add the onions, garlic, and smoked paprika and cook until the onions are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the chicken stock or beef broth and bring to a boil.
- Add the thyme and bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the beef cheeks and simmer for 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
- Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs before serving. Serve with mashed potatoes or rice.
Smoked Beef Cheeks with Barbecue Sauce Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large onions, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups chicken stock or beef broth
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1½ kilograms beef cheeks, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the barbecue sauce:
- сup ketchup сup apple cider vinegar cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Method:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil until hot. Add the onions, garlic, and smoked paprika and cook until the onions are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the chicken stock or beef broth and bring to a boil.
- Add the thyme and bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the beef cheeks and simmer for 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
- Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs before serving. For the barbecue sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together all of the ingredients until smooth. Cook for 15 minutes, or until thickened.
- Serve the beef cheeks with rice or mashed potatoes and top with the barbecue sauce.
Smoked Beef Cheeks with Mushroom Gravy Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large onions, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups chicken stock or beef broth
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1½ kilograms beef cheeks, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the mushroom gravy:
- сup dried shiitake mushrooms cup boiling water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ cup milk сup white wine or beef broth
Method:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil until hot. Add the onions, garlic, and smoked paprika and cook until the onions are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the chicken stock or beef broth and bring to a boil.
- Add the thyme and bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the beef cheeks and simmer for 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
- Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs before serving. For the mushroom gravy: In a small bowl, soak the mushrooms in boiling water for 20 minutes. Drain and chop the mushrooms.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion, garlic, and thyme and cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk and wine or beef broth and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until thickened.
- Stir in the mushrooms and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over mashed potatoes or rice.
Smoked Beef Cheeks with Red Wine Sauce Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large onions, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups chicken stock or beef broth
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1½ kilograms beef cheeks, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the red wine sauce:
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Method:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil until hot. Add the onions, garlic, and smoked paprika and cook until the onions are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the chicken stock or beef broth and bring to a boil.
- Add the thyme and bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the beef cheeks and simmer for 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
- Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs before serving. For the red wine sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine all of the ingredients and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15 minutes, or until thickened.
- Serve the beef cheeks with mashed potatoes or rice and top with the red wine sauce.
Now that you know how to cook beef cheeks, it’s time to get started! These recipes are sure to leave you feeling full and satisfied. Enjoy!
FAQs About Smoked Beef Cheeks
Are Smoked Beef Cheeks Healthy For Me To Eat?
Smoked beef cheeks are a type of smoked meat that is made from the cheek muscle of a cow. This type of meat is typically very lean and has a lot of flavor. When you smoke beef cheeks, you are able to get all of the benefits of eating lean meat while also enjoying the flavor that smoking can provide.
One of the main benefits of eating smoked beef cheeks is that they are a good source of protein. Protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass and helping your body to repair itself after an injury. It is also necessary for keeping your bones strong and healthy. If you do not consume enough protein, your body will start to break down muscle tissue in order to get the amino acids it needs. This can lead to muscle weakness and an inability to recover from injuries.
Smoked beef cheeks are also a good source of iron. Iron is important for maintaining energy levels and preventing fatigue. It is also necessary for transporting oxygen throughout the body. If you do not have enough iron in your diet, you may start to feel tired and sluggish all the time.
Overall, smoked beef cheeks are a healthy and tasty way to get protein and iron into your diet. They are a great choice if you are looking for a low-fat, high-protein meal that is easy to prepare.
How Long Will Smoked Beef Cheeks Last In The Fridge Or Freezer Before Going Bad??
Smoked beef cheeks are a delicious, and healthy, meat that can be enjoyed by the whole family. But how long will they last in the fridge or freezer before going bad? Let’s take a look.
Smoked beef cheeks will last in the fridge for around three days before they go bad. If you freeze them, they will last for around two months. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing. This will help to prevent freezer burn.
So, if you’re looking for a quick and healthy meal, smoked beef cheeks are a great option!
Can You Overcook Smoked Beef Cheeks?
It is possible to overcook smoked beef cheeks, as with any other cut of meat. When smoking meat, it is important to maintain a consistent temperature to avoid overcooking. If the temperature gets too high, the meat will begin to dry out and become tough. To avoid this, it is best to cook smoked beef cheeks at a lower temperature for a longer period of time. This will help to keep the meat moist and juicy.
Are Smoked Beef Cheeks Actually Cheeks?
When you think of beef cheeks, what comes to mind? Likely, the first thing that comes to mind is not smoked beef cheeks. However, smoked beef cheeks are a delicious and unique dish that can be enjoyed by all. But are they actually made from beef cheeks?
The answer to this question is a bit complicated. The truth is that beef cheeks can be used to make smoked beef cheeks, but they are not always the main ingredient. In fact, smoked beef cheeks can be made from a variety of different cuts of meat, including the shoulder, brisket, and even the ribeye.
Why Are They Called Smoked Beef Cheeks?
The name is actually derived from the cut of meat that is used to make them. Beef cheeks are a very fatty cut of meat that is located near the jawbone. When this fat is smoked, it gives the finished product a distinct flavor that many people enjoy.
If you are looking for a delicious and unique way to enjoy beef, then you should definitely try smoked beef cheeks. They are a great option for those who do not eat red meat or for those who want to try something new. Either way, you are sure to enjoy this delicious dish.
Conclusion On Smoked Beef Cheeks
If you’re looking for a delicious and unique dish to add to your repertoire, smoked beef cheeks are a great option. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, so you can tailor the recipe to your own taste. And since they’re not as commonly found in grocery stores, Smoked beef cheeks will definitely impress your guests.
Smoked beef cheeks are a delicious and tender cut of meat that can be used in a variety of dishes. If you’re looking for an easy way to add some flavor and complexity to your meals, Smoked beef cheeks may be the perfect ingredient for you. So if you’re looking for an interesting new dish to try, or just want to learn more about smoked beef cheeks, be sure to read our blog post. We hope you’ll give them a try!

I’m Aubrey Golden, and I love barbecue. There’s nothing that brings people together quite like a good meal, and I take pride in being able to cook for friends and family. Whether it’s smoking meat on the pit, firing up the grill, or cooking up a storm in the kitchen, I enjoy trying new things and experimenting with flavors.
I’ve been working in operations management for a while now, and I love it. It’s challenging and ever-changing, which keeps me on my toes. But my true passion is creating content – whether it’s writing articles, filming videos, or taking photos – I love sharing my knowledge and experiences with others.