Travel throughout the United States, and you’ll encounter a number of different BBQ styles and flavors. Each different region of the country has its own unique take on BBQ, including signature spices, flavors, types of meat used and even cooking techniques.
Texas barbecue has a rich history that actually dates all the way back to the 17th century. Its influences come from both African-American and European traditions.
In fact, the word “barbecue” was actually first used in Texas to describe a method of slow-cooking meat over an open fire pit. The history of the food and cooking method is naturally tied closely to the cattle ranching and farming traditions of Texas.
Over time, Texas barbecue has evolved significantly, with different styles emerging in the different regions of Central, East, South and West Texas.
Below, we’ll examine Texas style BBQ in more detail.
As Texas is such a big state, there are different BBQ styles that the different regions often follow.
Central Texas, for instance, is known for its sausage and beef brisket. These are often served with a dry rub.
In the East part of the state, the barbecue is characterized by its use of pork as well as a tomato-based sauce that’s sweet. South Texas barbecue often features a delicious fusion of Mexican and American flavors, such as fajita-style brisket.
Finally, West Texas is known more for its use of beef and a dry rub, and main dishes are often served with a side of beans.
As mentioned above, the types of meat you will find, and the cooking preparations that are used, often vary by region, with different styles and techniques in each area.
Beef is the staple meat that’s used in Texas barbecue, no matter what region you’re in. That’s because of the rich cattle ranching history in the state, meaning that’s the type of meat that has always been most prominently available.
Popular beef dishes include brisket and beef ribs, which are bigger and meatier than their pork counterparts.
That being said, pork ribs are still considered a classic Texas barbecue dish. They’re often slow-cooked over indirect heat so they get tender and fall off the bone.
Smoked sausages are also very prominent in Texas barbecue, thanks to the influence of immigrants from Czech Republic and Germany.
A hallmark of Texas barbecue preparation is slow cooking the meat over indirect heat. With this method, temperatures of cooking usually fall in the 225 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit range.
Depending on the type of meat being prepared, another popular method is called Cowboy-style cooking. With this technique, meat is cooked over an open flame, sometimes on a huge pit, where foods such as sausages hang for a period of time to smoke.
Braising meats is also very popular, especially in dishes that are saucier.
Texas barbecue also gets its distinct flavor from the mesquite wood that is often used as part of the smoking process.
BBQ in the state isn’t just defined by meat, though. Popular side dishes in Texas barbecue are potato salad and banana pudding. Both add a sweet and creamy element to the meal that pair perfectly with the smokey meats.
More so than any other region, East Texas barbecue is known for its unique flavor profile, which is defined by the combination of sweet and tangy notes.
A staple of barbecue in this region of the state is pork. Popular dishes include pork belly and pulled pork, which can be served as a main dish or as a sandwich.
East Texas BBQ also often features a tomato-based cause that is thick and served on the side. This allows people to use as much or as little as they’d like for their dishes.
Authentic barbecue joints in the East Texas region often will have a rustic and casual atmosphere as well, welcoming people in as if they’re sitting at their family table at home.
While people who live in other parts of the country might just look at Texas barbecue as a style of cooking, it’s so much more than that. It’s a cultural phenomenon that brings people together.
Barbecue joints in the state are often family-run and have been operating for many generations. This creates a sense of community and tradition, with the eatery serving as a central part.
Texas also hosts loads of barbecue festivals and events to celebrate the rich heritage of Texas barbecue. These events are always well-attended as visitors seek out some of the most delicious BBQ dishes in the world.
Texas-style barbecue offers a unique and flavorful culinary tradition that reflects the rich history and cultural heritage of the state. Each region has its own distinct flavor profile and style, from the central to east, to west and south.
All of this provides an interesting twist on what you may have thought you knew about BBQ. Whether you’re a native Texan or just visiting the Lone Star State, experiencing authentic Texas barbecue is a must-try culinary experience.
At Abbey’s Real Texas BBQ, we’re dedicated to honoring the age-old tradition of Texas barbecue.
We slow-cook all of our meats on site in cast iron smokers that are heated only with green oak and mesquite. We cook both our pork shoulder and beef brisket for between 18 and 24 hours to impart the meat with the delicious flavors.
What’s more, our smokers were delivered from Texas and hand built by a family who’s been making cast iron smokers for generations.For more information on who we are, what we do and all the delicious foods we offer, please contact us today.
