The first thing you should know about Texas barbecue is that it’s not all the same. Depending on where you are in Texas, you’ll generally experience a different style of grilling. Regardless, whatever style your enjoying, you’ll remember the amazing flavors and aromas that make Texas a leader in barbecue!
Here is a run down of what each style offers:
East Texas style
East Texas style is all about slow grilling. If the meat isn’t falling off the bone, then keep going east. The meat is slowly grilled with hickory wood, making it ideal for a wood pellet grill. Meanwhile, a tomato-based marinade, which is both sweet and delicious, is routinely applied.
Central Texas style
Central Texas style grilled by a pecan or oak wood fire indirectly, making it another excellent choice for wood pellet grillers. Before grilling begins, the meat is rubbed with salt and pepper. The sauce is generally frowned upon though can be served on the side. This style of grilling was established, mostly by German and other European immigrants, in the Central Texas towns of Lockhard, Luling, and Taylor along the Chisholm Trail during the 19th century. The immigrants owned meatpacking businesses and meat markets. They served grilled meats wrapped in butcher paper.
Central Texas pit barbecue is all about the meat. The sauce is usually considered something on the side if someone really needs anything more for the flavor.
West Texas style
West Texas style is what many people call “Cowboy Style” barbecue. The general tradition is to grill the meat over the direct heat of a mesquite wood fire. You can expect either beef or goat on your plate. Either way, you’ll get a big win for your palate.
South Texas style
South Texas style is heavily influenced by the southern border of the state. It’s where Texas meets Mexico. This barbecue is what many call “Barbacoa.” That just means Barbecue in Spanish, but in Southern Texas, it means South Texas style barbecue. This barbecue uses a special cut of beef from the cow’s head. The head is wrapped in wet maguey leaves before being buried in a pit with hot coals for a couple of hours. It’s then removed and severed on a platter or in a taco. The cow’s tongue is another cut of beef. It would be removed from the head and served as another dish, typically tacos. It is also known for its Spanish name, Lengua.
This style of barbecue generally features molasses-like sauces to keep the meat moist. The origin story for South Texas barbecue is that Mexican farmhands received partial payment for their labor with, what were considered, less desirable cuts of meat.
The best way to appreciate Texas barbecue, or any style of grilling, is to try it. We invite you to read your Z Grills and get grilling!
Z Grills was originally a manufacturer of pellet grills for several top brands in this industry.
The Z Grills brand was founded in 2016. Z Grills quickly became one of the most respected names in pellet grills.
We are winning the market by delivering pellet grills that pack the same top brand quality, in a new trademarked identity, while selling directly to customers with factory-direct pricing.
