Food in Texas
Discover the flavors of the Lone Star State and go on a culinary journey through Texas cuisine.
Texas boasts a rich and diverse food culture. Its unique culinary landscape is a reflection of its history, geography, and cultural influences from Mexico, the American South, and the Southwest. From food production to iconic dishes, Texas offers a wide range of culinary experiences that can satisfy any gourmet. Let's explore the food in Texas.
Texas is a major agricultural state, producing a variety of food items. Some of the key products include beef, grains, citrus fruits, pecans and peanuts.
Texas is the top producer of beef in the United States. Its vast ranches and cattle farms provide high-quality meat that is used in many iconic Texan dishes.
Texas grows a variety of grains such as corn, wheat, and sorghum. These grains are used in the production of bread, tortillas, and other baked goods.
The Rio Grande Valley is known for its production of oranges, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits.
Texas is a leading producer of pecans, which are used in various sweet and savory dishes. Texas is also a significant peanut producer, with the crop being used for making peanut butter, candies, and other products.
Texas food
The daily meals in Texas are not very different from other parts of the United States. Texans usually have three main meals a day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with snacks in between. Breakfast is often served between 6:00 and 9:00 am, lunch between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm, and dinner between 6:00 and 9:00 pm.
Breakfast typically consists of dishes such as scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, toast, or biscuits with gravy. A popular Tex-Mex breakfast option is the breakfast taco, filled with ingredients like eggs, cheese, and salsa. For a lighter option, Texans might opt for yogurt, granola, or fruit. Lunch may include sandwiches, salads, or heartier options like barbecue or Tex-Mex cuisine. Dinner often consists of a protein like beef, chicken, or fish, accompanied by vegetables, salad, and a starch like potatoes, rice, or bread.
The Lone Star State is famous for its barbecue, which is characterized by slow-smoked meats, especially beef brisket. The smoky, tender meat is often served with barbecue sauce, pickles, onions, and white bread or on a sandwich.
Texas chili, also known as "bowl o' red," is a thick, spicy stew made from beef, chili peppers, tomatoes, and spices. Beans are not typically included in traditional Texas chili.
The chicken-fried steak consists of a tenderized beef cutlet that is breaded, fried, and served with creamy white gravy. It is often accompanied by mashed potatoes and vegetables.
Tex-Mex cuisine has heavily influenced Texas's food scene, and tacos are a staple. They come in various forms, including breakfast tacos, carne asada tacos, and crispy tacos with ground beef.
Fajitas are a popular Tex-Mex dish made from marinated, grilled meat, usually beef or chicken, served with warm tortillas, grilled onions, peppers, and various toppings like guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. The dish is often served sizzling on a hot cast-iron skillet.
Their queso, also known as chile con queso, is a creamy, spicy cheese dip that has become a Tex-Mex classic. It is typically made from a blend of cheeses, tomatoes, green chiles, and spices, served with tortilla chips for dipping.
Pecan pie is a Southern classic dessert, but Texas has adopted it as its own. The pie is made with a filling of pecans, sugar, butter, and eggs, baked in a flaky pastry crust.
Drinks
Texans enjoy a wide variety of beverages, reflecting the state's diverse culture and climate.
A Southern staple, sweet tea is a popular choice for many Texans. It is made from black tea brewed with sugar, served over ice, and often accompanied by a slice of lemon.
Texans drink Dr Pepper. This iconic soft drink was created in Waco, Texas, in 1885 and has remained a favorite among Texans. Dr Pepper is known for its unique blend of 23 flavors, giving it a distinctive taste that sets it apart from other sodas.
As the state with a strong Tex-Mex culinary influence, it's no surprise that margaritas are a popular choice in Texas. The classic margarita is made with tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur, served either on the rocks or blended with ice.
Texans enjoy the local beers, like Shiner Bock, a popular dark lager brewed in Shiner, and Lone Star Beer, an American-style lager brewed in Texas.
Texas has a thriving wine industry, with several wine-growing regions producing a variety of high-quality wines. Some of the popular grape varieties grown in Texas include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo, and Viognier.
Michelada, a refreshing beer-based cocktail, is popular in Texas, especially during hot summer months. A Michelada is made by combining a light beer with lime juice, tomato juice, and various seasonings like hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. It is served in a glass rimmed with salt.
There is Texan twist on the Long Island tea, the Texas iced tea includes tequila alongside the usual mix of vodka, rum, gin, triple sec, and sour mix, topped off with a splash of cola.
And food events
Texas hosts several food events throughout the year, showcasing its diverse culinary scene and rich food culture. Among the many food festivals and events, the following three stand out as the most popular:
Held annually in April, the Austin Food + Wine Festival is a premier food event that brings together world-class chefs, winemakers, and food enthusiasts. The multi-day event features cooking demonstrations, tastings, wine seminars, and live music. Attendees can sample dishes from local and national chefs, sip on fine wines and craft cocktails, and learn about the latest culinary trends.
The State Fair of Texas, in Dallas, taking place in late September through mid-October, is not only a celebration of Texas's cultural heritage but also a major food event. The fair features a wide range of unique and innovative foods, including deep-fried creations and the famous Fletcher's Corny Dogs. Each year, the Big Tex Choice Awards honors the most creative and delicious new fair foods. In addition to the exciting food offerings, visitors can enjoy live music, amusement rides, and various exhibits.
Held annually in March, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is one of the largest livestock exhibitions and rodeos in the world. The event also features a significant focus on food, particularly barbecue. The World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, held during the rodeo, draws top barbecue teams from across the country to compete for prestigious titles. Visitors can sample mouthwatering barbecue dishes, attend cooking demonstrations, and participate in various food-related events.
These three events highlight the best of Texas food culture, giving attendees a chance to experience the state's diverse culinary offerings and celebrate its unique flavors.
State animal: Longhorn
State bird: Mockingbird
State insect: Monarch butterfly
State tree: Pecan tree
State Flower: Bluebonnet
Texan recipes
King ranch casserole, a Texan comfort food, is a delicious and hearty casserole made with layers of corn tortillas, shredded chicken, cheese, and a creamy sauce made from canned soups, onions, and green chiles.
Originally a Czech pastry, kolaches have been embraced by Texans and are now a popular treat in the state. They are made with a soft, sweet yeast dough filled with fruit, cheese, or sausage.
The flavorful Texas caviar is a mixture of black-eyed peas, corn, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and jalapenos, dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. It can be served as a salad, a side dish, or a dip with tortilla chips.
Gorditas, a Tex-Mex specialty, consist of thick, cornmeal-based tortillas that are stuffed with various fillings like beans, cheese, or meats. The stuffed tortillas are then fried or grilled until crispy on the outside.
Texas has a twist on classic pulled pork and their Dr. Pepper pulled pork recipe calls for slow cooking pork shoulder in a mixture of Dr Pepper (a fizzy drink), barbecue sauce, and spices until it is tender enough to shred. The pulled pork can be served on a bun with coleslaw or as a filling for tacos or nachos.
On the same path
Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma.
On your way back
Food in the South West - Food in the U.S.A - Food in America