Cowboy Barbecue: Fire & Smoke from the Original Texas Vaqueros

Turn up the heat with 75 recipes from a master of true Texas barbecue

Long before the first smoker was lit or sauce was ladled, barbecue was born with a Latin twist. The Texas tradition of cattle ranching has its origins in the vaqueros of the Iberian Peninsula who brought their herds to the New World. It was a nomadic life demanding open- fire and underground cooking.

In Cowboy Barbecue, chef and restaurateur Adrian Davila celebrates traditions of Latin America and Texas, taking inspiration from the vaquero lifestyle and his own family history. For three generations, Davila’s BBQ in Seguin, Texas, has infused classic brisket, ribs, and sausage with Latin flavors. Davila goes beyond standard grilling in this guide, offering techniques for smoking, cooking directly on the embers, underground, on a spit, and more. Recipes include:

  • Mesquite Brisket
  • Vaquero Chili con Carne
  • Smoked Pulled Pork
  • Fire-Roasted Tomato, Onion, and Serrano Salsa

More than 50 color photographs

3 thoughts on “Cowboy Barbecue: Fire & Smoke from the Original Texas Vaqueros”

  1. Read with a napkin in hand This book makes my mouth water. The recipes are nicely annotated and straightforward. I especially like that Adrian didn’t hold back on sharing his family recipes (like the sausage). I also love the pride he shows in his heritage – which is evident in his huge smile. I have had the pleasure of eating at Davila’s a number of times, and while I’ll leave the heavy pit/meat smoking to them, I look forward to trying my hand at some of the sides and other dishes in the cookbook so I can have my own…

  2. Adrian is truly a talented pit master/chef and his book reflects excellence in all ways! Get your hands on this book, asap! This cookbook is an amazing example of what passion, determination, hard work, sacrifice and talent looks like when it all comes together! The photography, the recipes and all the authenticity that comes through in this book is just amazing. It’s been a joy to follow Adrian Davila on Instagram as he’s chronicled his journey from the inception of the idea to produce, until now that I actually have the book in my hands. He’s not only an inspiration as a pit master, but all of his creativity in…

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