Tex Mex BBQ — robust flavors from the Texas border
Deel
Tex Mex isn't a compromise—it's a cuisine all its own. Bold, unashamedly spicy, and full of character. Cumin and chili lead the way, oregano provides depth, and smoked paprika adds extra layers. This is BBQ for those who love intensity.
What is Tex Mex BBQ?
Tex Mex originated on the border between Texas and Mexico, where two meat cultures converged. The Texan love for smoke and slow cooking met the rich Mexican spice palette of cumin, chili, and oregano. The result is a BBQ style unlike any other: direct, powerful, and unforgettable.
More about the great American BBQ styles: American BBQ Styles — Memphis, Carolina & Texas
01 — Which meat?
Tex Mex works excellently with chicken, pork, and beef. Classic choices include chicken fajitas, pulled chicken, and pork ribs. But even a simple grilled chicken breast or corn on the cob becomes a feast with Tex Mex rub.
02 — Recipe: Tex Mex pulled chicken
- Generously rub chicken thighs with oil and Tex Mex BBQ Rub
- Marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight
- Cook over indirect heat at 130°C until internal temperature reaches 85°C
- Shred the meat with two forks
- Serve in a wrap with guacamole, red onion, and cilantro
Pro tip: Mix a tablespoon of Tex Mex rub with sour cream and a squeeze of lime juice for a quick dipping sauce. Perfect with nachos or as a topping on a pulled chicken wrap.
03 — Tex Mex on the BBQ vs the oven
Tex Mex rub works excellently in both cases. On the BBQ, you get extra smoke flavor that enhances the cumin and chili. In the oven, the result is slightly softer but equally flavorful. For the best bark: BBQ over indirect heat with the lid closed.
More about bark: The Bark and the Smoke Ring — what is it and how does it form?
Read more
- Which BBQ rub for which meat?
- BBQ temperatures & cooking times — complete guide
- Cumin in BBQ — what does it do?
- Smoked paprika — what is it and why use it?
Why The Rub Kitchen Tex Mex?
Our Tex Mex BBQ Rub combines cumin, chili powder, paprika powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. No fillers, no additives — just the spices that define this style.
Tex Mex BBQ Rub — or choose it as part of the Starter Pack.