13 best texas bbqs

Texas barbecue, often referred to simply as "Texas BBQ," is a style of barbecue that is renowned for its flavorful, slow-cooked meats and rich, smoky flavors. It's a significant culinary tradition in the state of Texas and has a devoted following worldwide. Here's what you should know about Texas BBQ:

  1. Meats: Texas BBQ primarily focuses on beef, and beef brisket is considered the king of Texas BBQ. Other popular meats include pork ribs, pork shoulder, and sausages. However, you can also find variations that include chicken, turkey, and more.

  2. Cooking Method: Texas BBQ is characterized by its low and slow cooking method. Meats are typically smoked over hardwood, with oak and mesquite being popular wood choices. The slow smoking process, often lasting 12 hours or more, results in tender, flavorful meat with a distinctive smoky taste.

  3. Dry Rubs: Many Texas BBQ establishments use dry rubs to season their meats before smoking.These rubs can vary in flavor but often include a combination of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, and other spices. The rub forms a flavorful crust on the meat during the cooking process.

  4. Sauce Variations: While some regions of Texas prefer their barbecue without sauce (especially in Central Texas), others use tomato or vinegar-based sauces. These sauces can range from sweet to tangy to spicy, and their usage varies depending on local traditions.

  5. Regional Styles: Texas BBQ is not uniform; it has distinct regional styles. The major styles include:

    • Central Texas: Known for its emphasis on simple, dry-rubbed meats and minimal sauce. Popular places like Austin and Lockhart are famous for Central Texas BBQ.
    • East Texas: Features a sweeter, tomato-based sauce and often includes chopped beef sandwiches.
    • West Texas: Primarily focused on indirect heat cooking and smoked meats like beef ribs.
    • South Texas: Known for barbacoa, traditionally made from cow's head or cheek, and often served in tacos.
  6. Accompaniments: Common side dishes at Texas BBQ joints include coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad, and white bread. Pickles and onions are often served as condiments.

  7. BBQ Joints: Texas is home to many legendary BBQ joints, some of which have been around for generations. These establishments often have their own unique techniques, recipes, and loyal customer bases.

  8. Barbecue Events: Texas hosts various barbecue events and competitions, such as the annual Texas Monthly BBQ Fest and the World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

  9. Cookbooks: There are numerous cookbooks dedicated to Texas BBQ, authored by pitmasters and chefs who share their recipes, techniques, and insights into this beloved culinary tradition.

In conclusion, Texas BBQ is a cherished culinary art form that varies by region but is united by a commitment to slow-cooked, smoked meats and rich flavors. Whether you're a BBQ enthusiast or just curious about Texas cuisine, exploring the diverse world of Texas BBQ is a delicious journey worth taking.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best texas bbqs on the market
  

Texas Style BBQ Made Easy

Barbecue, Paris Texas: Bouffons 27

Beyond Brisket Basics: A How-To Guide On Smoking Texas Style Competition Brisket

Based on 111 reviews Check latest price

Texas BBQ: Platefuls of Legendary Lone Star Flavor

Based on 22 reviews Check latest price

365 by Whole Foods Market, Kettle Cooked Potato Chips, Texas Style Barbecue, 1 Ounce

365 by WFM

Based on 255 reviews Check latest price

Product description

If you’ve never been to a raucous, brisket-worshipping Texas barbecue, you’re missing out, but it’s okay, because this is the next best thing. Smoky, sweet, tangy and crisp, these chips spice things up with just the right amount of black pepper and paprika.

  • Brought to you by Whole Foods Market.  The packaging for this product has a fresh new look. During this transition, you may get the original packaging or the new packaging in your order, but the product and quality is staying exactly the same. Enjoy!
  • If you’ve never been to a raucous, brisket-worshipping Texas barbecue, you’re missing out, but it’s okay, because this is the next best thing. Smoky, sweet, tangy and crisp, these chips spice things up with just the right amount of black pepper and paprika.
  • Beyond Celiac Gluten-Free Certified
  • Certified Kosher
  • Non-GMO Project Verified

Franklin Barbecue Sauce 12.5oz Bottle (Pack of 3) (Sampler Pack 1 of Each Flavor)

Franlin BBQ

Based on 199 reviews Check latest price

Product description

An Austin tradition.

  • Pack of 3 different Franklin BBQ Sauces

User questions & answers

Question: is this gluten free
Answer: I don’t know. I doubt it. It’s gross if that helps. Maybe the worst sauce I’ve ever tasted.
Question: Do these bbq sauces have high fructose corn syrup in them
Answer: Hi, mine have "No high fructose corn syrup" on the bottle labels.
Question: Is this a 3 pack
Answer: It is clearly labelled as a 3 pack but when I ordered this item listed as a 3 pack and received only 1. This happened on 2 orders.
Question: What are the ingredients? Good to for those that can't have gluten! Any Wheat
Answer: 1½ cups ketchup½ cup white vinegar½ cup cider vinegar¼ cup dark soy sauce1 tablespoon garlic powder1 tablespoon onion powder¼ cup brown sugar3 tablespoons (1 ½ ounces) freshly pulled espressoBrisket drippings, for flavoring

Salt Lick Favorites Assortment, one each of Original Dry Rub, Original Sauce, Spicy Sauce and Garlic Dry Rub

Salt Lick

Based on 195 reviews Check latest price

Product description

In 1967, my parents opened their restaurant on the Driftwood ranch where my father was born and raised. It was a popular gathering place for locals, but it was also an attraction for deer who would come to lick the salt and minerals in exposed rocks scattered throughout the property. That’s how Thurman Robert, Sir & Hisako T. Roberts gave the Salt Lick Bar-B-Que its famous name. They did everything by hand. They credited the quality of their food to cooking with love and care, and they were only satisfied when the job was done right. We’re proud to continue that tradition. Please enjoy this recipe, I know it would make them very happy. Sincerely, M. Scott Roberts. Whether they are made in Texas, take on a familiar Texas shape or are inspired by local tastes, Totally Texas products remind us of everything we love about the Lone Star State.

  • 4 pack of the Famous Salt Lick BBQ Joint Rubs and Sauces
  • Made to enhance the renowned beef of Texas as served in the Driftwood, Texas restaurant
  • 12 ounces each of Original Dry Rub, Garlic Dry Rub, Original BBQ Sauce and Spicy BBQ Sauce
  • Perfect for seasoning meats for your next dinner, barbecue, or other meals!
  • Originated in 1967 at a restaurant in Driftwood, Texas named The Salt Lick by Thurman and Hisako Roberts.

User questions & answers

Question: Is this 4-pack sent in nice packaging
Answer: Yes a gift box but not fancy
Question: Is this bbq sauce their original mustard base? picture makes it look awfully red
Answer: This assortment comes with one bottle of original one of Laurens Spicy sauce, one original rub a b d one garlic rub.
Question: do these have msg
Answer: No MSG these are the best rubs I've found. They do have a bit of peppery kick to them. So, if you don't like heat. don't put as much on the meat
Question: What is the sodium content
Answer: I have the 12 ounce bottles of the Garlic Dry Rub and the Original Dry Rub. Their labels state that sodium is 980 mg and 1030mg respectively per serving which is 1 tsp.

Texas BBQ, Small Town to Downtown (Jack and Doris Smothers Series in Texas History, Life, and Culture)

University of Texas Press

Based on 53 reviews Check latest price

Wildsam Field Guides: Texas Barbecue (Photo Almanac Series)

Pink Butcher Paper - For Meat Smoking and Barbecue - Heavy Duty Unwaxed Food Grade Paper - Smoker Safe - Use Wrap While Cooking For Tender Meat - Unbleached 17.25" x 175' Roll With Dispenser

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price
  • TENDER MEAT: Say goodbye to tough meat! Wrap your brisket, steaks, ribs, and more while smoking in our pink butcher paper to help meats reach their optimum temps faster, remain juicy, and get that deliciously smoky and crunchy, Texas crutch-style bark.
  • FOOD GRADE, SMOKER SAFE: Non-toxic and smoker safe! Approved for direct food contact, our pink butcher paper holds juices in while still letting steam escape, making it the perfect choice for smoking meats.
  • HEAVY-DUTY: No more wimpy paper! Our high-grade butcher paper fibers provide superior strength that won't fall apart when soaked in oil or food juices, making it ideal for Texas Style BBQ.
  • UNWAXED: Wax coatings meant to strengthen paper can seep into meats and effect their flavor. Don't compromise! Our pink butcher paper is 100% uncoated, able to withstand moisture and heat while preserving the taste of your meat.
  • ROLL WITH DISPENSER: Simplify the smoking process! Our large butcher paper roll with easy-tear dispenser makes wrapping meats while smoking faster and more convenient while giving you better value.

User questions & answers

Question: Does this have a cutting edge? If so, what’s the edge made from
Answer: On Amazon it has always been higher than 7.99. That was on a person site you got that.
Question: Will it come with a box or not? Says it does but multiple reviews saying no box came with paper
Answer: It has 18 month date from manufature. What we have setting in our warehouse has 12-20 date on it. If you have purchased it recently you wouls be close to that.
Question: Does butch paper comes with this product
Answer: It is about 1 pound per ounce so this one will be good for twelve pounds. This is twelve pounds of trimmed meat. I used this on a 14 pound brisket that I trimmed about 2 pounds of fat off.
Question: Is this brown or pink butcher paper? Some reviews say it wasn’t pink and it is waxed
Answer: A little bit. But you want it a little salty. The best way I found to use it is to mix 1/4 cup of brisket injection to 1 cup of liquid beef bouillon.

Product features

The best quality butcher paper for all your BBQ needs

Our Pink Butcher Paper is great for smoking meat and is pioneered for keeping in juices. The paper allows meat to breathe which contributes to greater flavor and texture of the meat. The Meat Hugger is not only built tough to last, but also comes with a super convenient dispenser that is easy to use.

BBQ Texas State Flag Barbecue T-Shirt

BBQ Grill Barbecue Texas Designs

Based on 20 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Break out your BBQ Grilling Texas Barbecue design whenever you slow cook meat on your grill or smoker. Wear this design whenever you barbecue on your grill. A perfect grilling gift for Dad or anyone who enjoys smoking great brisket, ribs, pork or chicken.

  • Solid colors: 100% Cotton; Heather Grey: 90% Cotton, 10% Polyester; All Other Heathers: 50% Cotton, 50% Polyester
  • Imported
  • Machine wash cold with like colors, dry low heat
  • Break out your BBQ Grilling Texas Barbecue design whenever you slow cook meat on your grill or smoker.
  • Wear this design whenever you barbecue on your grill. A perfect grilling gift for Dad or anyone who enjoys smoking great brisket, ribs, pork or chicken.
  • Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem

Rudy's Texas Bar-B-Q Sause

RUDY'S COUNTRY STORE AND BAR-B-Q

Based on 320 reviews Check latest price
  • 38 ounce

User questions & answers

Question: The bottle came shattered. Can I get a new one please
Answer: Mine came in a basic bottle and it was wrapped up in bubble wrap. So, it probably wouldn’t crack but you need to ask the seller this question.
Question: I have s 2yrs old bottle is it still good
Answer: If unopened probably. I keep mine in the fridge after opening.
Question: How spicy is this sauce
Answer: Rudy’s is about medium spicy for barbecue sauces - this one isn’t sweet. Their “Sissy Sause” is milder and sweeter (but not too sweet).

Product features

About Rudy's

Our pits are 100% wood fired with oak — a slower burning wood than the mesquite used by others. Along with time and oak, we cook with a dry spice that ensures each plate of Rudy's Bar-B-Q is perfectly ready for you. Apply some of our famous " Sause" and dinner is served.

Rudy's Sause

We’ve been making Rudy’s Original Sause as long as we’ve been perfectly smokin’ our signature Real Texas Bar-B-Q—over thirty years now. We’re proud to share our signature house Sause with a taste as big as the Lone Star State itself. Sweet, Spicy, and Smokey—Rudy’s Original Sause pairs best with poultry, ribs, and of course brisket!

No High Fructose Corn Syrup

Anyone who knows Real Texas Bar-B-Q knows you never cut corners. That's why we never use high fructose corn syrup in our signature sauses. Because if you're going through the effort of getting up before dawn to smoke meat for hours and hours, you need a sause that's up to the task.

Rudy's Rub

Normally, when a bar-b-q rub’s this tasty and versatile, pitmasters keep it a secret. Not us. We’ve been working on our signature Rudy’s Rub since the 80s—and now you can get your hands on it. Of course Rudy’s Rub takes your poultry, ribs, and brisket to the next level—but we also keep it on hand to punch up burgers, chili, and even eggs! We especially love it in our bloody marys.

Texas Q: 100 Recipes for the Very Best Barbecue from the Lone Star State, All Smoke-Cooked to Perfection

Harvard Common Press

Based on 63 reviews Check latest price

Product features

Texas Q

The best way to barbecue is with a log fire, which is how it all began. In the early years, the only equipment needed was an ax and a shovel. Prospective barbecuers cleared trees along a stretch of open land, cut the branches into logs, and loaded the wood into a long pit several feet deep. They burned the logs down to smoldering coals and cooked their food over the smoky fire for a full night or longer, adding wood as necessary to maintain a steady, low temperature.

The rich smokiness you want in all barbecue should come from smoldering wood, not from fat or oil dripping on coals or hot metal. The difference is enormous, both in taste and in health risk. The smoke produced by burning fat contains benzopyrene, a carcinogen that sticks to food. The effect is almost unavoidable in grilling, but it isn’t a problem in barbecuing if you have a water reservoir or pan beneath the meat, an option with much of the equipment.

Barbecuing was the United States’ original and most popular form of outdoor cooking until grilling surged into the forefront after the Second World War. Equipment was a major reason for the shift. By the 1950s, factories were turning out basic, cheap grills faster than Formica, but those who wanted a barbecue smoker for home use had to make it for themselves.

That’s still a good option for some people, even with the solid commercial products available today. A lot of barbecue cook-off champions work on homemade equipment, sometimes expensively fabricated pits in special shapes ranging from armadillos to whiskey bottles.

LONE STAR RUBS AND SEASONINGS

When I first wrote about barbecue, lots of people didn’t understand what a dry rub was. I can remember demonstrating time and again how you would really rub a good quantity of these seasoning blends into the surface of your food, not just sprinkle a bit over like you might paprika on a deviled egg.

Seasoning mixtures can take the form of dry rubs, wet marinades, or a paste of herbs with garlic or onion and some oil, but for most serious Texas Q, you want to stay dry. A few more seasonings are included in the recipe section, ones that go best with a particular dish but without as broad an appeal as those here. While your barbecue cooks, you may want to use a liquid to help keep it moist. That’s where a mop comes in. Through judicious use of layers of flavor paired with smoke, you create the ultimate barbecue.

Slather It On

Lots of pitmasters and other barbecue cooks like to slather their meat or other protein in something that will stick firmly to the surface and also will help hold a dry rub on securely. The slather can help create a tender bark that still has a good chew to it. I don’t always find it a necessity, but I do like to use the technique on leaner cuts like bison or pork tenderloin.

Mustard, usually the yellow variety, is a popular choice, especially mixed with some dill pickle juice. Sometimes, I use soy sauce with a little Chinese oyster sauce mixed in for thickness and that deep umami quality. Mayonnaise can be used too, maybe with some chili powder mixed in.Or, mix up a combination that appeals to you.

PARTY STARTERS AND WHILE-YOU-WAIT SNACKS

When you’re barbecuing to kick off football season via TV or stadium tailgating, celebrating a day at the lake, or simply inviting the neighborhood over for your bigger barbecued treats, you need a solid collection of smoked little nibbles. Whether you prefer melting cheese, seafood, wings, or serious meat, there’s something here in this condensed collection of every style. These are all designed to fit on the pit for a brief time while you have a longer smoking project underway. Depending on the ease and speed of firing up your smoker though, you might want to cook up a few of them for an appetizer spread. In that case, I’d recommend adding a couple of non-smoked things, maybe as simple as some crisp vegetables and dip or some guacamole and chips.

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