BBQ
October 6, 2023
You Can Still Get Your Barbecue Fix at the State Fair of Texas
We know the deep-fried options tend to hog the spotlight, but can we interest you in a Neapolitan-style smoked pork belly burnt end pizza?
Fried Food
Texas History
September 25, 2023
One Woman Brought Funnel Cake to the State Fair of Texas—And Changed the Game Forever
Fernie the Funnel Cake Queen made the deep-fried, sugar-dusted treat a best-seller, and now her daughters continue her legacy with innovations including a funnel cake–flavored wine cocktail.
Food & Drink
July 17, 2023
Ranking the 2023 State Fair of Texas Foods by How They Impact Our Will to Live
Last week, the thirty-six Big Tex Choice Award semi-finalists were announced, and we take a closer look at some of the mostly fried and sometimes alarming selections.
Texas Country Reporter
March 16, 2023
Farmhouse Fried Pies: Easily Overlooked, but Not to Be Missed
The best secret in Mineola can be found at the back of a downtown mercantile where Shelia Parker serves hot, homemade fried pies.
Texas Country Reporter
February 6, 2023
The Legendary Barbecue Inn Serves Up Fried Favorites
Established in 1946, this Houston restaurant is keeping the family tradition alive, one piece of fried chicken at a time.
Tacos
February 6, 2023
How the Crispy Dog Became San Antonio’s Signature Snack
Invented by grandmas and popularized by drive-ins, the cheese-filled, tortilla-wrapped frank is a nostalgic treat that's disappearing from menus.
Texas Icons
January 17, 2023
When the State Fair of Texas Turned Deep-fried
Melanie Linnear recalls the origins of the unhealthiest (but most delicious) competition in all the land.
Recipes
November 18, 2022
Deep-fried Turkey
A simple meal turned Thanksgiving novelty.
BBQ
September 24, 2021
Ten Places to Eat State Fair Food Without Setting Foot in the State Fair
Whether or not you plan to attend this year’s fair, head to one of these Dallas–Fort Worth restaurants or barbecue joints for over-the-top fried treats.
Being Texan
September 24, 2021
Big Tex on State Fair History, His Favorite Fried Foods, and His Size 96 Boots
A conversation with the big guy himself.
BBQ
March 24, 2018
Fry It Up at Barbecue Inn
The Houston mainstay, which opened in 1946, is deservedly famous for what comes out of the fryer. But the barbecue is good, too.
The Daily Post
August 17, 2017
The Agony and the Ecstasy of the State Fair Food Finalists
The grim traveler sampled the offerings with a heavy heart.
The Daily Post
August 31, 2015
Let’s All Drool Over This Year’s State Fair of Texas Food
I heard you like fried things, so I put some fried things on your fried things.
Sports
March 24, 2015
Bacon Cotton Candy, Fried S’mOreos, and Chicken-Fried Bacon Now Available at Texas Rangers Ballpark
Finally, a reason to visit the park this season.
Recipes
February 10, 2015
Chicken-Fried Steak
These days, a good one is rarer than hen’s teeth—but a whole lot tastier.
Recipes
February 10, 2015
Chicken-Fried Steak
These days, a good one is rarer than hen’s teeth—but a whole lot tastier.
Food & Drink
October 17, 2014
Greased Up at the State Fair of Texas
A night with the company that recycles the thousands and thousands of gallons of oil used during the fair.
Recipes
March 11, 2013
The Texas Sweet Onion
Good enough to eat raw. But there’s a better way.
The Wanderer
October 13, 2012
The State Fair of Texas: Football + Fried Food
This time last year, I was leaving the Cotton Bowl along with thousands of football fans who'd made the annual pilgrimage to watch the 106th Red River Rivalry, one of the highlights of the State Fair of Texas. While throngs of UT
Food & Drink
September 1, 2010
I Believe I Can Fry
How a mild-mannered database analyst from Dallas became the undisputed king of extreme competitive deep-frying in Texas—which is to say, the world.
Recipes
November 1, 1998
Texas Deep-fried Turkey
Equipment1 turkey cooker with a propane burner (also called a catfish cooker or crawfish boiler) 1 36- to 40-quart stockpot and basket 1 large turkey injector with needle 1 deep-fryer thermometer or candy thermometer elbow-length oven mittsCinnamon-Chile Rub1/2 cup cinnamon 1/2 cup pasilla or other red chile powder 1/2 cup
Food & Drink
December 1, 1983
The Texas Food Manifesto
Fie on the cilantro fad, greaseless barbecue, and indiscriminate mesquite-grilling. Let’s hear it for Frito pie, catfish plates, and other gems of Texas’ true cuisine