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When visiting Texas, diving into the local food scene is essential, and Central Texas BBQ is a great place to start. For Korean visitors, there are plenty of similarities to familiar Korean BBQ, but with a unique Texas twist that makes it an unforgettable experience. Let’s explore the flavors, styles, and how to best enjoy this iconic cuisine.
Brisket: The Heart of Central Texas BBQ
Central Texas BBQ revolves around beef brisket, slow-smoked for hours using post oak wood. It’s seasoned simply with salt and pepper, allowing the rich, natural flavor of the beef to shine. For fans of Kalbi, brisket will feel both familiar and exciting. The tender, smoky meat is somewhat reminiscent of Kalbi’s charred, savory goodness, with beef ribs also available at some BBQ joints for a similar texture and bite.
Bread: Make Your Own Little Sandwiches
One thing you’ll quickly notice is the absence of rice. Instead, Texas BBQ is served with slices of plain white sandwich bread. While this might seem unusual at first, think of it as a fun way to make mini sandwiches with the BBQ meats. Stack a slice of brisket between the bread, maybe add some pickles or sauce, and you’ve got yourself a simple, delicious sandwich that’s perfect for soaking up all the juicy goodness. Don’t be shy—you can usually ask for more bread if you want!
Pickles: A Texas Take on Cucumber Kimchi
Korean visitors who enjoy the refreshing crunch of Oi Sobagi or cucumber kimchi will appreciate the pickles served alongside Texas BBQ. While they’re not spicy or fermented like kimchi, these tangy pickles offer a similar crisp and zesty contrast to the rich meats, helping to cleanse your palate between bites.
Cole Slaw: Crunchy Cabbage with a Twist
Another side dish that might feel familiar, yet different, is cole slaw. While it’s not fermented like kimchi, cole slaw is made with shredded cabbage and provides a nice crunchy texture. The dressing, typically a mix of mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar, gives it a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs well with the smoky BBQ. It’s not kimchi, but it’ll give you that satisfying cabbage bite you might be craving.
Cream Corn: A Comforting Side for Corn Cheese Fans
If you’re a fan of Korean corn cheese, you’ll likely enjoy cream corn as a BBQ side dish. While cream corn doesn’t have the rich cheesiness of corn cheese, it shares the same comforting sweetness and creamy texture. Made with corn kernels in a creamy sauce, it’s a simple, satisfying complement to the bold flavors of the smoked meats.
Central Texas BBQ Sauce: Taste the Meat First!
While the brisket, ribs, and other meats are smoked to perfection and often juicy enough on their own, Texas BBQ also comes with sauce on the side. The Central Texas style of BBQ sauce is usually a tangy, tomato-based sauce with a bit of spice, but the key is that the meats are so flavorful they don’t actually need sauce. That said, feel free to mix things up! It’s totally fine to enjoy your BBQ with sauce, but here’s a tip—taste the meats without sauce first. You’ll want to savor the pure, smoky flavors of the brisket or ribs before adding any extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
Central Texas BBQ offers a wonderful blend of familiar and new flavors for Korean visitors. With beef brisket that rivals Kalbi, tangy pickles reminiscent of cucumber kimchi, and comforting sides like cole slaw and cream corn, there’s plenty to enjoy. The white bread adds a fun element—stack up some meat and pickles for mini sandwiches—and don’t forget to give the sauce a try after tasting the meat on its own.
Whether you’re a BBQ novice or a seasoned pro, Central Texas BBQ is a fantastic introduction to the hearty, smoky flavors of Texas.
This post is part of a series introducing Texas food and culture to Korean tourists. Stay tuned for more tips on what to eat and experience in the Lone Star State!
