Texas BBQ
Many regions in the United States boast about their great barbecue, but when it comes to brisket, sausage, and pork ribs, Texas reigns supreme. We take it slow and low here, making Texas barbecue not just a cooking style, but a way of life. From tailgates to holidays to casual Sunday cookouts, Texas favorites like Brisket and Beef (how long does beef last?) Ribs are perfect for any occasion. We're so devoted to experiencing the best barbecue in Texas that we'll even road-trip across the state to try the most sought-after spots.
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Barbecue Bliss: Why Texas Reigns Supreme in Slow and Low Cooking
No matter where you're from or what your cultural background is, you've likely heard about the longstanding love affair Texans have with their barbecue. From juicy brisket to fall-off-the-bone ribs, Texas slow and low cooking is both a cooking style and a way of life. During tailgates, holidays, and casual Sunday cookouts, this method of cooking is guaranteed to add an extra dose of flavor and excitement to any occasion.
Texas boasts one of the most diverse and dynamic food cultures in the country. However, when it comes to barbecue, the state is especially well-known for its mouth-watering brisket, sausage, and pork ribs. What makes Texas barbecue so special? It’s the passion, dedication, and love for barbecue that is ingrained in every Texan.
The secret behind the perfect Texas barbecue is in the slow-cooking process. Unlike other styles of barbecue, Texas barbecue is cooked “low and slow” which means that meats are smoked for hours on end over low heat. This process not only ensures that the meat is cooked evenly but also infuses it with a subtle smokiness that tantalizes the taste buds.
When it comes to Texas barbecue, one essential dish that you cannot leave out is brisket. Found and perfected in central Texas, this flavorful dish is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in tender and juicy meat. Whether it’s sliced or chopped, there's nothing that beats a Texas-style brisket.
Apart from brisket, Texas barbecue is also known for its delicious beef ribs. These meaty morsels are covered in a savory rub, smoked to perfection, and basted with a finger-licking sauce that is an absolute treat for any carnivore. Plus, they are so juicy and tender that they fall right off the bone.
Another thing that makes Texas barbecue so exceptional is the quality and variety of meats used in the dishes. At many upscale barbecue joints, you'll find a wide range of meats to choose from, including beef brisket, pork ribs, jalapeno sausage, turkey breast, and even kangaroo. The options are endless, and each one is cooked to perfection.
If you're craving a food adventure, there's no better place to find a smoked meat paradise than in Texas. From the legendary Franklin Barbecue in Austin to Louie Mueller Barbecue in Taylor, you won't be disappointed with the variety of barbecue joints throughout the state. And, of course, no Texas barbecue story is complete without mentioning the countless roadside shacks that dot the highways. You just can't beat a juicy, smoky rib from a small-town hole-in-the-wall.
So it’s true: there's no denying the love that Texans have for their barbecue. With its slow and low cooking techniques, mouth-watering meats, and irresistible flavors, Texas-style barbecue is the gift that keeps on giving. From casual cookouts to fancy dinners, it’s perfect for any occasion. So, if you're ever in the Lone Star State, make sure to stop by your local barbecue joint and experience the true taste of Texas for yourself!
Get Ready for BBQ Heaven! Explore the Best Texas Barbecue Cook Offs this Spring
It's time to explore some of the best Texas barbecue cook offs this spring! Get ready to ignite your taste buds and explore plates of smoky, savory, and delicious Lone Star State dishes.
Ultimate Guide to Texas BBQ Sauces
BBQ fanatics, get ready! Here's your complete guide to the different types of barbecue sauces used in Texas-style barbecues. Learn which one is best for your next backyard cookout.
22 for 2023 - The Best Brisket Restaurants in Texas
(Updated for 2024) Through our collective knowledge here at TexasRealFood, we found these 22 barbecued brisket restaurants to stand out amongst the rest.
Historic Texas BBQ Joints - Texas Tradition at its Finest
Explore the historic Texas BBQ joints that have kept alive the rich, smokey flavors of traditional Lone Star State pitmasters. Learn why they remain such an important part of Texan culture and identity!
BBQ Myths: Debunked!
Get ready for a real sizzler and discover the truth behind these common myths about BBQ. Let's unravel fact from fiction and bring you all the facts that you need to know about this beloved cuisine.
A Meat Lover's Guide to the Best BBQ in Houston
Juicy briskets rolling on and off the blocks, links upon links of sausages, racks of ribs for days, and a colorful collection of sides is what I call a great afternoon in Houston, Texas! If you didn’t know already, Houston is a barbecue hotspot in the State of Texas. Here, pitmasters continuously hone their craft in the smoke and flames to bring customers the most delicious meats.
Best BBQ in Austin
Austin, Texas is buzzing with excitement for all local barbecue lovers or for those who are on a Texas barbecue pilgrimage. Austin is bursting with flavor that speaks a lot about how history and the pit go hand-in-hand at this bussing Texas barbecue destination.
The Best BBQ Dallas and Fort Worth Have to Offer
Dallas and Fort Worth may be Texas’ two biggest cities, but when it comes to barbecue, they’re worlds apart. Dallas is all about brisket, while Forth Worth tends to prefer pork ribs. But whether you’re in the mood for beef or pork, there’s one thing that both cities can agree on: these barbecue joints are some of the best of the best.
Best BBQ in El Paso
El Paso is one of those places that offers a bit of everything when it comes to Texas barbecue. There, you’ll find a variety of spots that can cater to different tastes. There are traditional spots that have stood the test of time with their great barbecue recipes that have been passed down through generations. While there are newer barbecue joints that dabble in the concept of craft beers paired with some pretty adventurous takes on the good old Texas BBQ that we all know and love.
Our Top 5 Best BBQ in San Antonio (With Pictures!)
San Antonio is home to some of the best barbecues in Texas. This is because there are plenty of great places to get your barbecue fix! But looking beyond the barbecue hype, there are the joints that really stand out from the rest. Barbecue spots that speak truly with what locals from San Antonio are all about - some good-ass barbecue.
The Best BBQ in Dallas
Texas is home to – I dare say it – the best BBQ in the country, thanks to its long history of cattle farming and ranching. The most delicious BBQ joint can be found in Texas
An In-Depth Look at Beef Brisket
Take a savory journey with us as we explore the world's most iconic cut of meat - beef brisket! Learn about its history, why it has become so popular, and classic cooking methods for this flavorful dish.
High-Quality Juicy Barbecue at the Cattleack Barbeque
Todd David started smoking meats as a hobby and eventually established Cattleack Barbeque. With his passion for grilled and smoked meats, Todd has grown his hobby to one of the best barbecue joints in the Lone Star State and even made it to the top 10 on Texas Monthly’s The 50 Best BBQ Joints of 2021.
The Saucy History of BBQ Ribs in Texas
Experience the rich history, flavor and tradition that comes with barbecued ribs in Texas! Join us on this delicious food adventure as we explore the saucy history behind these smoky delicacies.
Texas BBQ: What It Is and Where It Came From
Join us on a journey to explore one of the most beloved cuisines in Texas - BBQ! We will take an in-depth look into its history, modern twists, and delicious variations.
Six Road Trip Worthy BBQ Joints in Houston
Looking for some road trip worthy BBQ joints in the greater Houston area? Here's your ultimate guide to all the best spots, complete with a map so you never lose your way!
9th Annual BBQ Festival Returns to Houston
Get ready to fire up the grills! The 9th annual Houston BBQ Festival is back with a lineup full of barbeque from Central, East and Southwest Texas. Don't miss the opportunity to experience delicious Texas-style cooking and sample some unique Asian techniques at the Humble Civic Center Arena - Sunday April 3rd!
The 10 Best Texas BBQ Joints (With Photos!)
Satisfy your craving for the best BBQ in Texas! Let us show you the ten best spots to get classic, delicious Texas barbecue. Plus, check out some mouthwatering photos while you’re at it.
7 Restaurants for Farm-Fresh Smoked BBQ in Texas
If you're craving the best slow-cooked meats and smoked barbecue, look no further! Here's our list of 7 restaurants that offer top-quality meat and cooking technique for that melt-in-your mouth experience.