10 Best Books on Curing and Smoking Meat to Master Meat Preservation

From America’s charcuterie to Italian dry curing, these top 10 meat curing and smoking books offer expert guidance for all levels of experience.

Books

The fine arts of curing and smoking meat have shown up in nearly every culinary tradition. From the refined charcuterie of France to the simple beef jerky of early Americans to low and slow barbecue smoked pork butts, your options for curing meat are close to limitless.

Learning how to make cured meat products on your own can be tricky, though — unless you have access to some of the best books on curing and smoking meat, that is!

I’ve had the pleasure of working in famous barbecue cities across the United States, from Kansas City to Asheville, North Carolina, and now Memphis, Tennessee. Along the way, I’ve picked up plenty of tips and tricks for curing and smoking meat — and lots of book recommendations from prominent chefs.

Today, I’m happy to share the results of my studies with you in this guide to the best books on curing and smoking meat, so let’s get right into it!

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1. The Art of Charcuterie, by The Culinary Institute of America

What better source for your curing and smoking information than America’s leading trainer of professional chefs? In this massive manual from the Culinary Institute of America, you’ll learn the ins and outs of every type of cured meat, as well as a few smoked preparations and serving suggestions.

It’s a dense book that’s best suited for experienced cooks, but the explanatory sections make it approachable for beginners as well.

The Art of Charcuterie: A Guide to Creating Beautiful Boards
$46.95
Elevate your gatherings with "The Art of Charcuterie"—a delightful guide to creating stunning and delicious charcuterie boards!
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08/29/2024 05:55 pm GMT

2. Charcuterie: The Craft of Salting, Smoking, and Curing, by Michael Ruhlman and Brian Polcyn

Authors Michael Ruhlman and Brian Polcyn revolutionized the home meat curing scene with the release of this book in 2005.

Geared specifically towards home cooks, but with enough depth to appeal to experienced chefs, it’s a joyous ode to the flavor potentials of cured and smoked meats. They’ve since revised it, making the instructions even easier and clearer to follow.

In my mind, it’s the best introduction to charcuterie for anyone cooking at home. It details so many amazing cured meats from salami to bresaola to cecina (including tips on warming) and more.

Charcuterie by Jason Sobocinski: Salting, Smoking & Curing Guide
$29.46
Master the art of charcuterie with this essential guide to salting, smoking, and curing delicious meats at home. Perfect for food lovers!
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08/28/2024 02:38 pm GMT

3. Salumi: The Craft of Italian Dry Curing, by Michael Ruhlman and Brian Polcyn

3. Salumi: The Craft of Italian Dry Curing, by Michael Ruhlman and Brian Polcyn

Following up on their wildly successful Charcuterie, Ruhlman, and Polcyn next set out to explore traditional Italian dry-curing meat techniques.

Full of simplified recipe options that even the most amateur of cooks can follow, it will equip you with the knowledge you need to dry cure and make Italy’s most revered cured meats (like prosciutto!).

You’ll find copious illustrations and history anecdotes alongside 100 unique recipes, making this read as entertaining as it is informative.

Salumi: Mastering the Art of Italian Dry Curing
$25.43
Discover the art of Italian dry curing with "Salumi." Unlock delicious recipes and techniques for perfect cured meats at home!
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08/29/2024 12:02 pm GMT

4. Meat Smoking And Smokehouse Design, by Robert Marianski

4. Meat Smoking And Smokehouse Design, by Robert Marianski
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Many books on smoking meat give a basic overview with recipes designed to be followed by anyone. Robert Marianski’s Meat Smoking and Smokehouse Design is not that kind of book.

Taking a deep dive into the construction of smokehouses and the science behind precise smoking and curing, Marianski has created an expert’s manual that will take a lot of time to digest.

Get this book if you’re ready to get really nerdy about smoking meat and food preservation!

Meat Smoking & Smokehouse Design Guide
$16.01
Discover the art of smoking with our Meat Smoking and Smokehouse Design guide—your essential companion for flavorful, perfectly smoked meats!
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08/28/2024 04:48 pm GMT

5. Franklin Barbecue: A Meat-Smoking Manifesto, by Aaron Franklin and Jordan Mackay

5. Franklin Barbecue: A Meat-Smoking Manifesto, by Aaron Franklin and Jordan Mackay

Franklin Barbecue is an Austin, Texas legend whose barbecue is revered nationwide. After winning just about every major barbecue award there is, Aaron Franklin decided to share some of his secret techniques in this book.

It’s a masterclass in barbecue and smoking meat, with invaluable instructions on choosing and curing your wood, customizing your smoker, and tending fires.

Barbecue enthusiasts should put this book on their wish list right away.

Franklin Barbecue: A Meat-Smoking Cookbook and Guide
$12.54
Unlock the secrets of mouthwatering barbecue with this essential cookbook from Franklin Barbecue, perfect for smoke lovers and grill masters!
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08/28/2024 02:58 pm GMT

6. The Joy of Smoking and Salt Curing, by Monte Burch

6. The Joy of Smoking and Salt Curing, by Monte Burch

Of all the books featured here, Monte Burch’s The Joy of Smoking and Salt Curing is by far the easiest to read and implement.

Filled with no-nonsense advice that’s as applicable on a homestead as it is in an inner-city apartment, the book is ideal for beginners. In it, you’ll learn how to smoke, salt cure, and air dry fish and game.

It’s full of beginner techniques like country ham, salami, and great smoked sausage recipes along with exotic references to Scandinavian salt fish, cold smoking, and ancient culinary craft. The beautiful illustrations throughout make the directions supremely easy to follow.

Franklin Barbecue: A Meat-Smoking Cookbook and Guide
$12.54
Unlock the secrets of mouthwatering barbecue with this essential cookbook from Franklin Barbecue, perfect for smoke lovers and grill masters!
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08/28/2024 02:58 pm GMT

7. The River Cottage Curing and Smoking Handbook, by Steven Lamb

7. The River Cottage Curing and Smoking Handbook, by Steven Lamb

Geared towards the sustainably-minded consumer, Steven Lamb’s curing and smoking handbook may inspire you towards a simpler life in harmony with the land.

It’s a much shorter guide than many on this list, with straight-to-the-point recipes and techniques that will let you get started curing and smoking meat today!

The tools section is a welcome addition and a perfect place for beginners to start their smoking and curing journey.

River Cottage Curing and Smoking Handbook: A Cookbook
$18.77
Master the art of curing and smoking with this essential guide, packed with delicious recipes and expert tips for flavorful results!
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08/29/2024 05:55 pm GMT

8. The Ethical Meat Handbook, by Meredith Leigh

8. The Ethical Meat Handbook, by Meredith Leigh

By covering butchery, pure charcuterie, and cooking from an ethical standpoint, Meredith Leigh has created a truly unique cookbook. In The Ethical Meat Handbook, she breaks down not only the ingredient choices, recipes, and techniques you’ll need to know, but also explains the nutrition, ethics, and environmental impact associated with what you eat.

By the end of the road, you’ll be well-informed on the complexities of meat production — and capable of minimizing your carbon footprint while keeping your favorite foods on the table.

The Ethical Meat Handbook: Home Butchery & Cooking for Omnivores
$10.74
Master the art of ethical meat preparation with this guide to butchery, charcuterie, and conscious cooking for mindful eaters.
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08/28/2024 10:36 am GMT

9. The Jerky Bible, by Kate Fiduccia

9. The Jerky Bible, by Kate Fiduccia

Jerky is one of the easiest ways to get into curing meats for your consumption, and Kate Fiduccia is the perfect guide to the jerky world.

In The Jerky Bible, she beautifully illustrates each step of the jerky-making process with detailed full-color photos, making it exceptionally easy to follow along with.

She covers jerky from every variety of meat and gives tried and true seasoning recipes along with each one along with using (or not using) tools.

The Jerky Bible: A Guide to Drying and Preserving Meats and Fish
$15.67
Unlock the art of jerky-making with expert tips and delicious recipes for beef, venison, fish, and fowl in this ultimate guide!
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08/29/2024 05:55 pm GMT

10. Rodney Scott’s World of BBQ: Every Day Is a Good Day, by Rodney Scott and Lolis Eric Elie

Rodney Scotts World of BBQ 10 Best Books on Curing and Smoking Meat to Master Meat Preservation

Part memoir, part cookbook, and all inspiration, Rodney Scott’s World of BBQ chronicles the upbringing of James Beard Award-winning chef Rodney Scott.

You’ll find keen pointers alongside family stories, making this book the most entertaining and unique choice on this list. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll not just be inspired to make great smoked meats — you may even be entertained opening a barbecue joint of your very own.

Rodney Scott's BBQ: Every Day Is a Good Day Cookbook
$14.99
Discover mouthwatering BBQ recipes and tips from pitmaster Rodney Scott. Perfect for every grill enthusiast, every day is a good day to BBQ!
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08/29/2024 12:02 pm GMT

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