Before making skewers, the soaking time of bamboo skewers can be adjusted according to the specific situation and personal preference. Generally speaking, soaking bamboo skewers in water for a period of time can make them softer and less likely to burn or break during the grilling process. Here are some recommended soaking times:
While 30 minutes is the minimum, it's best to plan ahead and soak your bamboo skewers overnight in water. It takes a long time for the skewers to soak up the water, but well-soaked skewers, which are slow to give up their moisture, will last longer on the grill without burning up.
Short soaking:
If you just want to soften the bamboo skewers slightly so that they can be skewered more easily, soak the bamboo skewers in water for about 30 minutes to half an hour. This short soaking time allows the bamboo skewers to absorb some water but does not make them too soft.
Long soaking:
If you want to ensure that the bamboo skewers are more durable and less likely to burn during the grilling process, you can soak the bamboo skewers in water for several hours or even overnight. Long soaking allows the bamboo skewers to fully absorb water, become softer and more resistant to grilling. However, it should be noted that bamboo skewers that have been soaked for too long may take longer to dry when grilling, so make sure to dry them or wipe them dry before grilling.
In addition, there are some additional suggestions:
Salt water soaking: In addition to soaking in water, you can also soak the bamboo skewers in salt water. The salt water not only softens the skewers, but also increases their grill resistance and may add some extra flavor to the skewers.
Drying: Before grilling, always make sure that the skewers are thoroughly dried or wiped dry. Wet skewers may produce smoke when grilling, affecting the taste and grilling results.