18 Smoky Texas BBQ Recipes Perfect for Grilling

When it comes to BBQ, there’s no place quite like Texas. The Lone Star State is famous for its slow-cooked meats smothered in a tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce that’s sure to satisfy any appetite. And when you’re looking for the perfect recipe to bring that authentic Texas BBQ flavor to your backyard, look no further! In this article, we’ll be sharing 18 mouth-watering recipes that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Texas. From classic beef brisket and pork ribs to shrimp skewers and burgers, these smoky creations are sure to become new favorites.

Stay tuned for our list of top-notch Texas BBQ recipes, perfect for grilling up a storm at your next backyard bash or family gathering.

Smoked Texas Brisket with Coffee Rub

Smoked Texas Brisket with Coffee Rub
Smoked Texas Brisket with Coffee Rub Recipe

For a truly mouthwatering brisket, try this unique combination of smoky flavors and bold spices. This recipe yields tender, juicy meat with a rich, coffee-infused crust.

Ingredients:
– 1 whole beef brisket (10-12 pounds)
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons ground coffee
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 tablespoon paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup water
– Wood chips for smoking (preferably post oak or a combination of woods)

Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, ground coffee, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the brisket, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Place the brisket in the smoker, fat side up.
5. Smoke for 10-12 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
6. Wrap the brisket tightly in foil and continue smoking for an additional 2-3 hours.
7. Let the brisket rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Cooking Time: 12-14 hours

Texas-Style Beef Ribs with Molasses Glaze

Texas-Style Beef Ribs with Molasses Glaze
Get ready for a taste of the Lone Star State with these fall-off-the-bone tender beef ribs slathered in a rich molasses glaze. This Texas-style recipe is a BBQ classic that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients:

– 2 pounds beef ribs
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup molasses
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill or smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika.
3. Season ribs with salt and pepper.
4. Place ribs on grill or smoker, bone-side down.
5. Glaze ribs every 30 minutes for 2 hours, or until tender.
6. Finish with a glaze and serve.

Cooking Time: 2-3 hours

Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Spicy BBQ Sauce

Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Spicy BBQ Sauce
Transform your backyard barbecue into a flavor sensation with these tender pulled pork sandwiches smothered in a spicy BBQ sauce. Perfect for gatherings and outdoor parties, this recipe is sure to satisfy your guests’ cravings.

Ingredients:

– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1 cup Spicy BBQ Sauce (recipe below)
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw or pickles for topping (optional)

Spicy BBQ Sauce:

– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 275°F.
2. Season pork shoulder with salt and pepper.
3. Place pork in a large Dutch oven or slow cooker and cover with Spicy BBQ Sauce.
4. Cook for 6-8 hours, or until tender and easily shredded.
5. Shred pork with two forks.
6. Split hamburger buns in half and toast.
7. Spoon pulled pork onto buns and top with coleslaw or pickles (if desired).

Cooking Time: 6-8 hours

Grilled Texas Sausage with Peppers and Onions

Grilled Texas Sausage with Peppers and Onions
A classic Texan favorite gets a smoky twist with this simple recipe. Grilled to perfection, juicy sausage pairs perfectly with sweet bell peppers and caramelized onions.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 Texas-style sausages (such as Andouille or Smoked Sausage)
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or chili flakes for added flavor

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Place sausage links on the grill, closing lid if possible. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through.
3. While sausages cook, toss bell peppers and onions with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill in a separate area from sausages, turning occasionally, until tender and slightly charred (about 10-12 minutes).
4. Once sausages are done, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with grilled peppers and onions.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

BBQ Chicken Thighs with Tangy Mustard Sauce

BBQ Chicken Thighs with Tangy Mustard Sauce
Get ready for a flavor-packed twist on classic BBQ chicken! This recipe combines sweet and tangy notes with tender, juicy chicken thighs.

Ingredients:

– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup Tangy Mustard Sauce (see below)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste

Tangy Mustard Sauce:

– 1/2 cup yellow mustard
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken thighs.
4. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush Tangy Mustard Sauce onto the chicken.
6. Let chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes

Texas-Style Smoked Turkey Breast

Texas-Style Smoked Turkey Breast
Experience the bold flavors of Texas with this mouth-watering smoked turkey breast recipe. Perfect for a special occasion or casual gathering, this tender and juicy turkey is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

– 2 lbs boneless turkey breast
– 1 cup barbecue rub (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 1 cup wood chips (post oak, mesquite, or a combination)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the barbecue rub, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Rub the mixture all over the turkey breast, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Place the turkey breast in the smoker, fat side up.
5. Smoke the turkey for 8-10 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
6. Once cooked, remove the turkey from the smoker and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Cooking Time: 8-10 hours

BBQ Beef Short Ribs with Brown Sugar Rub

BBQ Beef Short Ribs with Brown Sugar Rub
Get ready for a tender and flavorful twist on classic BBQ ribs with this brown sugar rub recipe! By combining the richness of beef short ribs with the deep flavors of sweet and smoky spices, you’ll be hooked from the first bite.

Ingredients:

– 4 pounds beef short ribs
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-low heat (275°F).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the short ribs, making sure they’re evenly coated.
4. Place the ribs on the grill, bone-side down. Close the lid and cook for 2 hours.
5. Flip the ribs over and brush with BBQ sauce. Cook for an additional 30 minutes.
6. Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Grilled Pork Chops with Texas Dry Rub

Grilled Pork Chops with Texas Dry Rub
A classic combination of flavors, this recipe combines the richness of pork chops with the bold spices of a Texas-style dry rub. Perfect for a quick and delicious dinner or BBQ gathering.

Ingredients:

– 4 pork chops (1-1.5 inches thick)
– 2 tablespoons Texas dry rub (see below)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Texas Dry Rub:

– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together Texas dry rub ingredients.
3. Brush both sides of pork chops with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Sprinkle Texas dry rub evenly over both sides of the pork chops.
5. Grill pork chops for 4-6 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Cooking Time: 12-18 minutes

Smoked Beef Brisket Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Smoked Beef Brisket Tacos with Avocado Salsa
Elevate your taco game with this mouth-watering combination of tender smoked beef brisket, crispy tacos, and creamy avocado salsa. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing dinner or a casual gathering.

Ingredients:

– 1 (5-6 pound) beef brisket
– 1 cup wood chips (post oak or mesquite)
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Vegetable oil, for brushing
– Avocado Salsa (recipe below)

Instructions:

1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt. Rub the mixture all over the brisket.
3. Place brisket in the smoker and cook for 10-12 hours, or until tender and easily shredded with two forks.
4. Brush tortillas with vegetable oil and warm on a griddle or in the oven.
5. Assemble tacos by shredding the brisket and placing it onto warmed tortillas.

Avocado Salsa:

– 3 ripe avocados
– 1/2 red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 lime, juiced
– Salt, to taste

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir until smooth. Serve with smoked beef brisket tacos.

Cooking Time: 10-12 hours for the brisket, plus additional time for assembling and serving.

Texas-Style BBQ Beef Burgers with Pickles

Texas-Style BBQ Beef Burgers with Pickles
Experience the bold flavors of Texas-style barbecue with these juicy beef burgers smothered in a tangy pickle-based sauce. Perfect for backyard gatherings or casual weeknight meals.

Ingredients:

– 4 high-quality beef patties (80/20 or 70/30 lean to fat ratio)
– 1 cup Texas-style BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 dill pickles, finely chopped
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, and cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Grill beef patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
3. While burgers cook, combine BBQ sauce and chopped pickles in a small bowl.
4. Once burgers are done, brush the pickle-based BBQ sauce on top of each patty.
5. Assemble burgers with your preferred toppings, if using.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chili Lime Butter

Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chili Lime Butter
Elevate your backyard barbecue game with this flavorful twist on grilled corn on the cob. The combination of smoky sweetness from the grilled corn and the spicy, tangy kick from the chili lime butter is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

– 4 ears of corn, husked and silked
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon chili flakes
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, lime juice, and chili flakes until well combined.
3. Grill corn ears for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until slightly charred and tender.
4. Brush the chili lime butter mixture evenly onto each ear of corn during the last minute of grilling.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, slathered in buttery goodness.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Smoked Pork Shoulder with Apple Cider Glaze

Smoked Pork Shoulder with Apple Cider Glaze
This recipe combines the tenderizing power of smoking with the sweet and tangy flavors of apple cider glaze, resulting in a mouthwatering dish perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients:

– 2 pounds pork shoulder
– 1 cup apple cider
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together apple cider, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Place pork shoulder in the smoker, fat side up.
4. Smoke for 8-10 hours or until internal temperature reaches 190°F.
5. During the last hour of smoking, brush the glaze all over the pork shoulder.
6. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Cooking Time: 8-10 hours

Texas-Style BBQ Shrimp Skewers

Texas-Style BBQ Shrimp Skewers
Get ready to savor the bold flavors of Texas with these mouthwatering shrimp skewers smothered in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. Perfect for your next backyard gathering or casual dinner party, these bite-sized treats are sure to please.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (Texas-style, of course!)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Thread shrimp onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Brush the shrimp with the marinade mixture, making sure they’re evenly coated.
5. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until shrimp are pink and slightly charred.
6. During the last minute of grilling, brush BBQ sauce onto the shrimp.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.

Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes

Grilled Beef Tri-Tip with Garlic Herb Marinade

Grilled Beef Tri-Tip with Garlic Herb Marinade
This recipe brings out the best of a tri-tip cut with a flavorful garlic herb marinade, resulting in a tender and juicy grilled beef dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

– 1.5-2 pounds beef tri-tip
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a blender or food processor, combine olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
2. Place the beef tri-tip in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the beef, turning to coat evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
3. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight (8-12 hours).
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove the beef from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Grill the beef tri-tip for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw

BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw
Elevate your game-day gatherings or casual get-togethers with these mouthwatering BBQ pulled chicken sliders served with a refreshing coleslaw.

Ingredients:

– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
– Pickle slices and chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a slow cooker, combine chicken breasts and BBQ sauce. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
3. Shred chicken with two forks and season with salt and pepper.
4. Split hamburger buns in half and toast until lightly browned.
5. Assemble sliders by spooning shredded chicken onto the buns.
6. Top each slider with a dollop of coleslaw, pickle slices, and chopped cilantro.

Cook Time: 6-8 hours (slow cooker) + assembly time

Texas-Style Smoked Lamb Chops

Texas-Style Smoked Lamb Chops
Texas-Style Smoked Lamb Chops: A flavorful twist on traditional lamb chops, these smoked beauties are infused with the bold flavors of the Lone Star State.

Ingredients:

– 4 lamb chops (1 1/2 pounds)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (110°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the lamb chops in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the lamb, making sure they’re fully coated.
4. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. Remove the lamb from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before smoking.
6. Smoke the lamb chops for 2-3 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
7. Let the lamb rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Cooking Time: 2-3 hours

Grilled Pineapple with Honey BBQ Glaze

Grilled Pineapple with Honey BBQ Glaze
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with this sweet and savory twist on traditional grilled pineapple. The honey BBQ glaze adds a rich, caramel-like flavor that’s sure to please.

Ingredients:

– 1 ripe pineapple, cut into 1-inch wedges
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and smoked paprika (if using).
3. Brush both sides of pineapple wedges with the glaze.
4. Place pineapple on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until caramelized and slightly charred.
5. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes

Texas-Style BBQ Baked Beans with Bacon

Texas-Style BBQ Baked Beans with Bacon
Get ready for a sweet and tangy twist on traditional baked beans, smoky bacon adds a rich flavor to this classic dish. This recipe is perfect for a backyard BBQ or potluck.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 pound smoked bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup molasses
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 teaspoons ground mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy.
3. Remove the bacon from the pot with a slotted spoon and set aside.
4. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until translucent.
5. Add the garlic, ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir until well combined.
6. Add the soaked navy beans to the pot, stirring to coat with the bean mixture.
7. Cover the pot and bake for 6-8 hours or overnight.

Cooking Time: 6-8 hours

Summary

Get ready to fire up your grill and indulge in the rich flavors of Texas-style barbecue! This collection of 18 smoky recipes features mouth-watering dishes like smoked brisket with coffee rub, Texas-style beef ribs with molasses glaze, and BBQ chicken thighs with tangy mustard sauce. You’ll also find delicious twists on classic favorites, such as grilled pork chops with Texas dry rub and smoked beef brisket tacos with avocado salsa. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just looking for some inspiration, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *