Great barbecue and al fresco food ideas, direct from the experts
Inspired by the vibrant culinary history of the Lonestar State, Taste of Texas brings you a wonderful range of exciting, big flavoured foods that are guaranteed to excite and satisfy, and are perfect for Summer barbecues and get togethers. These delicious dishes are intrinsic to the Texan experience – embracing the true flavours of America’s second largest State where the foods just happen to be equally big in spirit and taste. There’s no better way to sit and ponder the delights of al fresco eating, a sizzling barbecue within easy reach, good friends at your side and a long, cool drink in your hand.
Now it’s easy to enjoy your own slice of the Lonestar State with our tasty barbecue and al fresco recipes and serving ideas,using Taste of Texas’s wonderful range of authentic ‘Truly Texas’-branded Barbecue Sauces, Salsas, Mustards and Seasonings imbued with the unique flavours of this inspiring place.
Simple Ways to Spice Up Your Al Fresco Meals
- For instant, tasty flavoured mayonnaises or dips try adding a few spoonfuls to taste of any one of the following Taste of Texas products to mayonnaise, yogurt, soured cream or crème fraiche: Fajita Spices, West Texas Mesquite Mustard, Jalapeno Mustard, Fire Roasted Salsa, Green Chile Salsa, Texas Fire Water.
- For a deliciously different salad dressing, blend together 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, half a bottle of Taste of Texas Southern Pecan Barbecue Sauce, (or a tbsp of Texas Fire Water if you prefer), 3 tbsp sesame oil and 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar.
Serve lashings of Taste of Texas Fire Roasted, Texas Fiesta and Green Chile Salsas alongside all your grilled and baked meats, sausages, hot dogs, beef burgers, cheese and cold meat dishes for a truly authentic taste of the Lonestar State. Fire Roasted Salsa also makes a perfect pizza topping!
- For an instant, flavoursome marinade, simply season any meat, fish or vegetables with Taste of Texas Fajita Spices, Steak Spices, Chicken & Turkey Spices before barbecuing, grilling, or oven-baking.
RECIPE IDEAS
Taste of Texas Easy Bean Dip
Serves 4
1 large tin of re-fried beans
A few generous shakes of Taste of Texas Fire Water
2 tbsp finely chopped onion
1 small container soured cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Serve chilled or warm with tortilla chips or crisps.
Taste of Texas Guacamole
Please note: Cold cooked sliced chicken or turkey
added to the Guacamole salad makes an excellent
light lunch.
Serves 4
2 medium ripe avocados, peeled with stone removed
Juice of one lemon or lime
2 tbsp Truly Texas Jalapeno Salsa OR
2 tbsp Texas Fire Water
1 small onion, grated
Salt to taste
Mash avocado with a fork. Add lemon juice, Jalapeno Salsa or Texas Fire Water and salt. Mix well, cover with cling film and place in the fridge for at least an hour. Serve as an appetiser with tortilla chips or as a salad on a bed of lettuce and tomato slices.
Grilled Meat with Taste of Texas Barbecue Sauce
Please note: There’s a Taste of Texas Barbecue Sauce to suit every taste. You’ll find that the mild, slightly sweeter Southern Pecan Barbecue Sauce is perfect for younger tastes, while the Mesquite Barbecue Sauce delivers a stronger, natural mesquite smoke flavour. The Fiery Habanero Barbecue Sauce gives more of a kick and is deliciously satisfying.
Serves 4
4 Pork Chops or 8 Chicken Thighs
Half a bottle of Taste of Texas Southern Pecan
or Mesquite Barbecue Sauce
Fresh rosemary sprigs or bay leaves
A handful of finely chopped onion
(use Quorn or Tofu pieces for a vegetarian
alternative)
If you have time, marinate the pork chops in the Barbecue Sauce of your choice with the chopped onion and fresh herbs for an hour or so. Grill over a pre-heated barbecue until thoroughly cooked (approximately 8-10 minutes on each side). Brush with fresh Barbecue Sauce once on each side when turning.
Serve immediately with a fresh green salad, soft flour tortillas or wraps and perhaps some barbecued vegetable kebabs. Don’t forget to place a dish of the Barbecue Sauce on the table for extra dipping!
Taste of Texas Grilled Chicken and Peach Salsa
Serves four
Four chicken breasts (or fresh Salmon Fillets or Steaks for a delicious fish alternative)
I jar of Taste of Texas Texas Peach Salsa
Pour half of the Texas Peach Salsa into a bowl with the chicken breasts. Combine so that the chicken is completely covered with salsa. Grill or oven bake until completely cooked.
Put the remaining Salsa in a dish and serve alongside the grilled chicken with a salad or fresh vegetables of your choice.
Taste of Texas Fajitas
Serves four
Rump or Sirloin Steak or Chicken
Truly Texas Fajita Spice
1 cup oil
¼ cup of Truly Texas Green Chilli Salsa
2 garlic cloves crushed
Juice of two limes
Flour Tortilla Wraps
Texas Fire Water
Guacamole (see recipe above)
1 small onion chopped
Grated cheese
Chopped cilantro/coriander
2 teaspoons of your favourite Truly Texas Salsa
Mix oil, garlic, lime juice and green chilli salsa together. Rub steak or chicken with Truly Texas Fajita spice. Marinade flank steak or chicken with the oil, garlic and chilli mix for at least one hour, or overnight if you can. Grill or oven bake the steak or chicken until completely cooked. Serve in warm flour tortilla wraps, topped with Texas Fire Water, guacamole, salsa, chopped onion, cilantro and grated cheese. Roll wraps and serve with a green salad.
