Things You Will Need
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Arrange the mesquite chips or chunks in a pyramid in the center of your grill. Use dried wood to avoid the bitter taste sometimes associated with green mesquite. Spray the pile with a small amount of lighter fluid, approximately three half-second squirts.
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Light the chips with matches or a kitchen lighter. Set the rack on top of the grill. Leave the lid off.
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Wait approximately half an hour for the fire to die and the mesquite chips to reduce to charcoal. Knock the pyramid over with a stick or grilling utensil to spread it out.
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Keep quick-cooking food such as chicken or fish to the outer edge of the grill, as mesquite burns hot. Add more wood chips as needed.
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Replace the lid on the grill and leave the air vents open to speed up the cooking process.