These 16 Texas BBQ Recipes will keep your taste buds happy all year long.
When we think of BBQ, we think of Kansas City-style ribs, sweet sauces, and pulled pork. And while this southern tradition is truly amazing, Texas BBQ comes out on top. Of course, we might be a tad biased. We are Texan, after all.
What is Texas Barbecue?
Texan barbecue is just one of many types of cuisine born out of indigenous and immigrant traditions. This BBQ style is hardly monolithic and varies from region to region. Texan offerings usually include brisket, plate ribs, pork, and beef sausage. You’ll also find mustard-rich potato salads, slaw, white bread, okra, ranch beans, and creamed corn on the menu.
4 Types of Texas BBQ
- In Central Texas, brisket and beef ribs are seasoned with SPG (salt, pepper, garlic), then cooked low and slow
- In East Texas, it’s all about the tenderness. Here you’ll find fall off the bone pork ribs and moist, tender brisket sandwiches.
- South Texas is home to Tex-Mex traditions like carne asada and barbacoa. At the same time,
- West Texas focuses on hot and fast grilling of meats like sausages, ribs, steaks, and chicken. Now, let’s get started exploring these 16 Texas BBQ recipes!
1) Smoked Brisket
Smoked Brisket is incredibly delicious, and our comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps for perfecting this popular barbecue staple. Our method will yield a tender, juicy, perfectly smoked brisket. So, if you’re looking for a Texas-style brisket recipe, this is the one.
2) Texas Creamed Corn
If you’ve ever visited or lived in Texas, you know that creamed corn is a big deal. Why wouldn’t it be? It’s rich and creamy, with the perfect sweet crunch of corn. If you’re hosting a barbecue or making Sunday dinner, you need to add this creamed corn recipe to your lineup.
3) Texas-Style BBQ Sauce
This Texas barbecue sauce has a deep, rich flavor that goes well with beef. The best part about this sauce is that it isn’t overly sweet, and there are options to make it completely sugar-free! I recommend giving this robust Texas-style barbecue sauce a try next time you smoke a brisket. You’ll be glad you did!
4) Smoked Beef Plate Ribs
Smoked Beef Plate Ribs are tender, beefy, and mouthwatering. These flavorful beef plate ribs are seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic and pack a generous helping of meat per bone. Each of these smoked beef ribs will feed two people, as they can weigh 1-2 pounds each. Wow! Get your smoker ready for this one.
5) Texas Potato Salad
A homemade Texas potato salad recipe combines creamy mayonnaise, tart mustard, and a kick of pickled jalapenos. Truly a delicious homemade side dish that is perfect for potlucks and BBQs.
6) Easy Queso Dip
There are few things I love more than well-made queso. This recipe is easy, but the results are simply amazing. I like to use this easy queso dip as a base and add extras like smoked brisket, corn, or cooked chorizo to change it up. You can also enjoy it just as is with freshly made tortilla chips. If you’re craving some Tex-Mex, scoop a big ole dollop of this easy queso dip onto your tacos, nachos, or French fries. Yum, queso never tasted so good!
7) Smoked Pulled Pork
This pulled pork method starts with an injection marinade, followed by a good dose of seasonings to form a beautiful bark on the surface of the roast. Plan on a cooking time of 7-10 hours or more for a 6-8 pound pork roast. You’ll end up with a tender, juicy pulled pork perfect for sandwiches and tastes out of this world!
8) Texas Pulled Pork Rub
Sure, Texas is famous for its Brisket, but they have so much more going on in terms of barbecue. This Texas BBQ pulled pork rub strikes the perfect balance of sweetness and heat. This recipe makes enough for one pork shoulder. Remember to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in this recipe to suit your taste buds.
9) Smoked Tri Tip
There are few things better than a smoked tri-tip roast. If you are unfamiliar with this cut of meat, it is also known as a triangle roast. This cut of beef lends itself well to both simple and complex flavor profiles.
10) SPG for Beef
This amazing Texas BBQ SPG beef rub requires few ingredients yet adds flavor to smoked, grilled, and pan-seared meat. Our rub is ideal for those who want the natural beefy flavor of their smoked brisket to shine through. Increase the recipe and store it for future cooks.
11) Skillet Cornbread
Cornbread is a versatile dish that can be prepared and served differently. Enjoy a warm slice with a little honey butter drizzled on top. Or, make a savory Tex-Mex version and serve with a warm bowl of chili. We’ve heard rumors that this batter makes some drool-worthy waffles.
12) Texas Pork Rib Rub
Yes, Texans specialize in pork ribs and have for a very long time. While Texas BBQ joints are famous for beef ribs and brisket, you’ll also find dry-rubbed (and saucy) pork ribs on the menu. This Texas Pork Rib Rub strikes the perfect balance between sweet and heat with ingredients like brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and chili powder.
13) Cowboy Steak
There is nothing more rewarding than biting into a perfectly cooked cowboy steak. And even better, we take these bad boys to the pellet grill for a low and slow cook, then reverse sear them to form a deliciously savory crust. This Texas BBQ inspired steak made an impression on us, and honestly, it is one of the best we’ve ever had.
14) Fire Roasted Salsa
This Fire Roasted Salsa starts over hot coals and is a great way to infuse an open flame flavor into vegetables. This salsa recipe is simple and a great starting point for beginner cooks. It’s also perfect for those exploring South Texas BBQ.
15) Grilled Steak Tacos
These steak tacos are perfect for weeknight grilling. The steak is marinated, grilled hot and fast, sliced, and then served on warmed tortillas. Top with fresh guacamole, queso, pico de gallo, and cotija cheese for a delicious meal.
16) Easy Dr. Pepper BBQ Sauce
Dr. Pepper adds a nice sweet base to any barbecue sauce. This recipe yields a thick, delicious, and perfect sauce to slather on beef, chicken, pork, and even slow-smoked lamb. Make a double batch and serve this Dr. Pepper barbecue sauce at the table. That way, your loved ones can enjoy a little extra. This sauce is a great addition to any barbecue meal and is the perfect condiment for those die-hard Dr. Pepper fans.
Now that you’ve read through these 16 Texas BBQ Recipes, it’s time to get cooking!
