Some Foods Are Just Bigger and Better in Texas
Texas is a big state, and its food scene offers a lot of big flavors. From classic Texas Barbecue to Tex-Mex favorites, this state offers a unique cuisine that will stick to your ribs, even at breakfast. Before visiting Texas to sample its most popular dishes, here are 20 foods that Texas does best.
1. Texas Barbecue
Texas barbecue is truly its own delicious thing. It always features smoked brisket that's cooked low and slow over post oak or mesquite wood. Sauce is optional because true Texans are all about the meat. Eating Texas barbecue is a communal experience that requires a lot of napkins.
2. Breakfast Tacos
Breakfast tacos are a staple of Tex-Mex cooking. It's usually made with scrambled eggs, potatoes, bacon, chorizo, or beans wrapped in a soft flour tortilla. You then top it with salsa or hot sauce, if you want to add some kick. Breakfast tacos were born out of Mexico, but were popularized in Austin and San Antonio.
3. Chili (Texas Red)
Texas chili, known as "Texas Red," is boldly unique from your traditional chili. There are no beans or tomatoes. Instead, it features chilies and packs more heat without skimping on the flavor.
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4. Chicken-Fried Steak
A Texas spin on the German schnitzel, the chicken-fried steak is a tenderized beef cutlet that is breaded and fried to golden perfection. You then smother it in a creamy and rich white gravy. Serve it with mashed potatoes and some green beans to create the ultimate Texas comfort meal.
5. Kolaches
Kolaches are a dessert that's both savory and sweet. Originally a Czech pastry, kolaches have become a Texas favorite. The sweet version is typically filled with fruit, cream cheese, or poppy seeds, whereas the savory ones feature sausage or jalapenos. Kolaches are a breakfast staple in Texas, and for good reason.
6. Enchiladas
The enchilada is one of the most popular dishes in Tex-Mex cooking. This version of the enchilada differs from the traditional Mexican version. It's smothered in chili con carne sauce and melted cheese. You can choose from chicken, cheese, or beef fillings, and the corn tortilla soaks up all that flavorful sauce. Enchiladas are a beautiful blend of Mexican and Texas cultures, and offer a ton of flavor.
7. Smoked Sausage
This regional delicacy is coarsely ground beef-and-pork sausages seasoned with garlic, paprika, and black pepper. A real Texan smokes it until it's juicy, and then it's usually served alongside ribs and brisket. This is not a meal you want to eat on a half-full stomach. The bold flavors alone will fill you up.
8. Queso
Queso is an irresistible and gooey Tex-Mex dip that should be served at every party in Austin. It's a melted cheese blend with green chilies, tomatoes, and you can add some seasoned beef. All you need is a bowl of tortilla chips, and you're good to go.
9. Crispy Beef Tacos
A beautiful Tex-Mex creation, crispy beef tacos are sinfully good. All you need to make your own are ground beef, cumin, chili powder, garlic, and a corn shell. You will need to fry the corn shell, and then you can top it with tomatoes, lettuce, and cheese.
10. Chicken-Fried Bacon
Having originated in Snook, Texas, chicken-fried bacon is pure indulgence. It's strips of thick-cut bacon battered and deep-fried and then served with gravy or ranch dressing. Chicken-fried bacon is smoky, salty, and crunchy.
11. BBQ Ribs
Texas barbecue extends far beyond brisket. Pork and beef ribs are also a staple for the grill and smoker, and they're always massive cuts, usually seasoned with only salt and pepper. What else do you need to create mouth-watering and fall-off-the-bone ribs?
12. Chili Con Queso Burgers
Texas cuisine is no stranger to fusion dishes. A burger topped with chili con queso is a true Texas delight. It's simply a beef patty smothered in creamy cheese sauce. It's indulgent, messy, and completely satisfying. You can find this savory dish at most diners and burger restaurants in Texas.
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13. Chicken Tortilla Soup
To make a comforting and delicious batch of chicken tortilla soup, all you need is chicken, vegetables, chilies, and broth. Then you top with avocado, cheese, and crispy tortilla strips, if you want. Like any Texas soup, this one is spicy, bold, and filling.
14. Corn Dogs
Head to the State Fair of Texas and get yourself a corn dog. This skewered hot dog that's smothered in cornmeal batter and then fried is a portable food that appeals to kids and adults. You can even wrap the hot dog in bacon if you want to kick it up a notch.
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15. Queso Flameado
Queso flameado translates to flamed cheese, and it's an appropriate name. This sizzling dish features melted cheese that's served bubbling hot and topped with chorizo or rajas. You can melt the cheese with tequila and a lighter, but please be careful.
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16. Chicken Fajitas
A classic Tex-Mex dish, chicken fajitas is made with marinated chicken that's grilled and sliced, and then served on a platter with cooked onions, peppers, and whatever other toppings you like.
17. Tamales
Tamales are amazing. They are made with masa dough that's filled with cheese, meat, or chilies, and wrapped in corn husks. Their roots are in Mexican cooking, but in Texas, they've become a holiday staple.
18. BBQ Turkey Legs
Giant smoked turkey legs scream "Texas". You can find this iconic local dish at fairs, rodeos, and most barbecue joints. It's a massive drumstick that's slow-smoked and a lot of fun to eat.
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19. Jalapeno Cornbread
This cornbread is a Texas take on the Southern classic. It's moist, buttery, and the jalapeno provides a nice level of heat without being overpowering.
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20. Texas Sheet Cake
This is a chocolate cake with a Texas-sized twist. This version of the traditional sheet cake is baked in a large, shallow pan and topped with warm, fudge-like icing while it's still hot.
