Texas-Style BBQ Platter for 4

Texas-Style BBQ Platter for 4 is a hard American (Texas) recipe that serves 4. 800 calories per serving.

Prep: 1 hr 15 min | Cook: 28 hrs 30 min | Total: 30 hrs 30 min

Cost: $49.93 total, $12.48 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2.5 kg Beef Brisket (trimmed, fat cap left on for moisture)
  • 2 kg Beef Ribs (bone‑in, trimmed of excess membrane)
  • 2 kg Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt) (bone‑in, trimmed)
  • 100 g Brown Sugar (packed)
  • 30 g Smoked Paprika (2 tbsp, smoked for authentic flavor)
  • 30 g Kosher Salt (2 tbsp)
  • 15 g Black Pepper (1 tbsp, freshly ground)
  • 15 g Garlic Powder (1 tbsp)
  • 15 g Onion Powder (1 tbsp)
  • 10 g Chili Powder (2 tsp)
  • 10 g Ground Cumin (2 tsp)
  • 200 g Ketchup (3/4 cup)
  • 60 ml Apple Cider Vinegar (1/4 cup)
  • 30 ml Worcestershire Sauce (2 tbsp)
  • 15 g Dijon Mustard (1 tbsp)
  • 15 ml Hot Sauce (1 tbsp, adjust to heat preference)
  • 120 g Mayonnaise (1/2 cup, full‑fat for creaminess)
  • 30 ml White Vinegar (2 tbsp, for coleslaw dressing)
  • 15 g Granulated Sugar (1 tbsp, for coleslaw)
  • 800 g Fresh Cabbage (shredded, about 1 small head)
  • 100 g Carrots (peeled and grated)
  • 1 pinch Black Pepper (for coleslaw) (freshly ground)

Instructions

  1. Make the Dry Rub

    In a large mixing bowl combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and ground cumin. Stir until evenly mixed.

    Time: PT15M

  2. Trim and Season the Brisket

    Place the brisket on a cutting board, trim excess fat leaving about 0.5 cm. Pat dry, then coat the entire surface with half of the dry rub, pressing it into the meat.

    Time: PT15M

  3. Trim and Season the Beef Ribs

    Remove the membrane from the bone side of the ribs. Pat dry and rub the remaining dry rub evenly over both sides.

    Time: PT15M

  4. Trim and Season the Pork Shoulder

    Trim any large pieces of fat, then pat dry. Rub the remaining dry rub all over the pork shoulder, covering every crevice.

    Time: PT15M

  5. Preheat the Smoker

    Load charcoal and wood chips into the smoker, light, and bring the temperature to a steady 110 °C (225 °F). Add a water pan to maintain humidity.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: 110 °C

  6. Smoke the Brisket

    Place the seasoned brisket fat side up on the smoker grate. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part. Smoke until internal temperature reaches 90 °C (195 °F), about 12 hours.

    Time: PT12H

    Temperature: 110 °C

  7. Rest the Brisket

    Remove the brisket, wrap loosely in aluminum foil, and let rest for 30 minutes before slicing against the grain.

    Time: PT30M

  8. Smoke the Beef Ribs

    After the brisket, increase smoker temperature to 120 °C (250 °F). Place ribs bone side down, smoke for 5 hours, or until tender and the meat pulls back from the bone.

    Time: PT5H

    Temperature: 120 °C

  9. Smoke the Pork Shoulder (Pulled Pork)

    Reduce temperature back to 110 °C (225 °F). Place the pork shoulder on the grate and smoke until internal temperature reaches 95 °C (203 °F), about 10 hours. Pull apart with forks once done.

    Time: PT10H

    Temperature: 110 °C

  10. Make the BBQ Sauce

    Combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, and a pinch of brown sugar in a saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: low heat

  11. Prepare the Coleslaw

    In a large bowl toss shredded cabbage and grated carrots. In a small bowl whisk together mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Pour dressing over the veggies and mix until coated. Let sit 10 minutes before serving.

    Time: PT15M

  12. Assemble the Platter

    Arrange sliced brisket, smoked ribs, pulled pork, a bowl of BBQ sauce, and a side of coleslaw on a large serving platter. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
800
Protein
50 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
45 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: Contains pork, Contains beef, Contains soy‑free ingredients, Not vegan, Not vegetarian

Allergens: Dairy (mayonnaise), Gluten (if using wheat‑based ketchup), Mustard

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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Texas-Style BBQ Platter for 4

A full Texas‑style barbecue feast for four, featuring smoked brisket, beef ribs, pulled pork, homemade tangy BBQ sauce and crunchy coleslaw. The recipe walks you through trimming, seasoning, smoking each meat, and preparing classic sides so you can recreate the best Korean‑served Texas BBQ at home.

HardAmerican (Texas)Serves 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
29h 25m
Prep
15m
Cook
3h 34m
Cleanup
33h 14m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$49.93
Total cost
$12.48
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Season all meats thoroughly with the dry rub
  • Maintain a steady smoker temperature of 110 °C (225 °F) for low‑and‑slow cooking
  • Do not open the smoker excessively to preserve smoke flavor
  • Rest each meat after smoking before slicing or pulling
  • Ensure coleslaw is well drained to avoid sogginess

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw meat with separate cutting boards to avoid cross‑contamination
  • Use heat‑resistant gloves when working with the hot smoker
  • Never leave an unattended open flame or hot coals
  • Allow smoked meats to rest before slicing to prevent burns

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Texas‑style BBQ in American cuisine?

A

Texas‑style BBQ originates from the cattle‑raising traditions of the Lone Star State, where open‑pit smoking of beef became a communal celebration of ranch life. It emphasizes low‑and‑slow cooking, hardwood smoke, and simple rubs, reflecting the region’s frontier heritage and love of bold, smoky flavors.

cultural
Q

How does Texas‑style BBQ differ from other regional American BBQ styles?

A

Unlike Carolina’s vinegar‑based sauces or Kansas City’s sweet tomato sauces, Texas BBQ focuses on beef, especially brisket, and uses a dry rub with minimal sauce. The flavor comes primarily from the smoke and the meat’s natural juices rather than heavy glazing.

cultural
Q

What traditional side dishes are served with Texas‑style BBQ in the Southern United States?

A

Classic sides include creamy coleslaw, pickles, baked beans, potato salad, and cornbread. The coleslaw in this recipe mirrors the crisp, tangy accompaniment traditionally paired with smoked meats in Texas gatherings.

cultural
Q

During which occasions is Texas‑style BBQ traditionally served in Texas culture?

A

Texas BBQ is a staple at ranch cookouts, state fairs, family reunions, and holiday celebrations such as Independence Day and Thanksgiving, where the communal act of smoking meat brings people together.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic ingredients for a Texas‑style BBQ dry rub versus common substitutes?

A

Authentic rubs use coarse kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and sometimes chili powder or cumin. Substitutes like regular paprika or pre‑mixed BBQ rubs can be used, but they may lack the smoky depth of true smoked paprika.

cultural
Q

What other Texas‑style dishes pair well with this BBQ platter?

A

Serve with Texas‑style chili, jalapeño cornbread, pinto beans, or a fresh tomato‑onion salad. A cold beer or sweet tea complements the rich, smoky flavors of the meats.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this Texas‑style BBQ platter at home?

A

Common errors include cooking at too high a temperature, which dries the meat; not allowing the smoker to stabilize before adding meat; skipping the rest period; and over‑slicing the brisket against the grain, which makes it tough.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a low‑and‑slow smoking method instead of a high‑heat grill?

A

Low‑and‑slow (110‑120 °C) breaks down connective tissue in tough cuts like brisket, yielding tender, juicy meat while allowing the smoke to penetrate fully. High heat would sear the exterior but leave the interior tough and dry.

technical
Q

Can I make the smoked meats ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. After smoking and resting, wrap each meat tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in a low oven (120 °C) or on the smoker to retain moisture before serving.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Unknown specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Unknown focuses on detailed, step‑by‑step cooking tutorials that showcase international comfort foods, with an emphasis on mastering classic techniques like smoking, grilling, and sauce making for home chefs.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Unknown's approach to Texas‑style BBQ differ from other BBQ channels?

A

Channel Unknown emphasizes precise temperature control, thorough explanations of each seasoning step, and integrates Korean‑style presentation tips, offering a unique cross‑cultural perspective compared to typical American BBQ channels that focus solely on the meat.

channel

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