When you just learning how to smoke food, you want to make sure the type of wood you're using complements the food you're making. So, for example, when you are smoking fish, you don't want to choose wood chips that yield too strong and potent a smoke. Otherwise, the smoke will overpower the fish and mask all the other flavors. So, what types of wood chips work well for smoking fish? Here are some top options.

Applewood

Applewood chips are known for their mild, smoky flavor. They also impart just a hint of sweetness into the food, which is great for salmon, especially. You can use applewood chips when you have a larger piece of fish, or a whole fish, without worrying that it will make it taste too strongly of smoke. You should also consider using applewood if you're seasoning or heavily marinating your fish and want to make sure the smoke complements the other flavors without overpowering them.

Alder Wood

You don't hear about a lot of barbecue masters using alder wood chips. That's because they don't tend to release a strong enough smoke for all the barbecue classics, like ribs and pulled pork. However, alder wood chips are perfect for fish due to their milder smoke. They give the fish an earthy aroma and flavor, and they don't have the sweetness of applewood. Alder wood is good for most any fish, but especially really tender fish like haddock and cod.

Pecan Wood

Pecan wood chips generate a slightly more robust smoke than the other wood chips on this list, but the smoke is still relatively mild compared to barbecue favorites like mesquite and hickory. Pecan wood is a good choice when you're cooking smaller portions of fish, like filets. Since the fish won't be on the fire as long, it can withstand a stronger smoke. Pecan wood gives fish a slightly nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness.

Peach Wood

Peach wood chips are not always easy to find, but if you do come across them, they are definitely a top choice for smoking fish. They give your food a sweet, but mild smoky flavor. Peach wood is an especially good choice for any smoked whitefish.

When you're smoking fish, you need to pay close attention to the wood chips you choose. All of the above varieties create milder smoke that will complement your fish well and create delicious results. Keep these tips in mind when looking for smoking wood chips.