2023 Texas State Fair Unveils Finalists for Big Tex Choice Awards

Prepare to explore a fresh array of delectable and distinctive foods at this year's State Fair of Texas.

The unveiling of the finalists for the prestigious Big Tex Choice Awards took place on Wednesday morning within the vibrant Fair Park.

These contenders consist of five delectable options within the savory category and an additional five options within the sweet category.

Here, presented are their vivid descriptions provided by the Fair.

Savory Delights:

1. Cheesy Crab Tater Bites - An exquisite amalgamation of minced crab meat, shredded potato, cheese, and spices melded into tater bites. As they are crisped to a golden hue in the fryer, the aroma of spices intermingles with the crab's essence. Concurrently, a luscious Cajun sauce is conjured using onions, bell peppers, celery, melty American cheese, and an enigmatic blend of Cajun spices. This symphony culminates with the addition of crawfish, enhancing the flavor profile. These tater bites are then adorned with a velvety, cheesy crawfish sauce, bestowing each bite with a touch of Cajun splendor.

2. Southern Fried Pho - Infusing southern flair into the beloved Vietnamese classic, this dish marries the richness of deep-fried pho. Handcrafted and Texas-style, it harmonizes flavorful layers within every bite, boasting succulent beef slices, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and the essence of meticulously simmered pho broth. Accompanied by a side of pho broth for dipping, as well as lime, jalapeños, cilantro, hoisin sauce, and sriracha for a spicy flourish.

3. Loaded Fries Pizza - Crafted from freshly-made pizza dough, meticulously stretched onto a generous 16" pizza screen. Enveloped with house-made buttermilk ranch dressing and layered with melted mozzarella, a heap of salted French fries is bestowed upon it. This mosaic is adorned with a cheddar cheese blanket and crowned with an abundance of crunchy bacon. The culmination of tangy, cheesy, and crunchy elements results in a truly unparalleled pizza experience.

4. OX'cellent Soul Roll - Slowly simmered beef oxtails render tender and flavorful, blended with homestyle cornbread, butter, celery, and onions. This hearty amalgamation is enveloped within a crispy spring roll, delivering a classic Southern essence with a twist.

5. Turkey Ribs - An innovative take on holiday classics, featuring gently fried turkey, paired with stuffing-seasoned fries, homemade giblet gravy, and a secret salsa recipe. The option of Texas-style variation includes BBQ sauce fries, jalapeños, and pickles, offering a delightful twist on the familiar holiday flavors.

Sweet Indulgences:

1. Biscoff® Delight - A classic New York-style cheesecake coated in Belgian chocolate, adorned with crushed Biscoff® cookies for a satisfying crunch. Embellished with a drizzle of Lotus Biscoff® spread, providing a caramelized touch, and crowned with a perfectly placed Biscoff® cookie.

2. Bourbon Banana Caramel Sopapillas - Warm sopapillas adorned with vanilla-caramel-infused bananas, sweet bourbon syrup, candied pecans, sweetened mascarpone cheese, crumbled Nilla Wafers, and a dusting of powdered sugar.

3. Fernie’s Fried Cherry Pie in the Sky - An exceptional rendition of America’s cherished pie, featuring layers of flaky pastry dough, shortbread cookies, tart cherries, and a butter almond shortbread crumble. Accompanied by Blue Bell® vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and sugared dark sweet cherries for an unparalleled dessert experience.

4. Sweet Encanto - A round waffle lightly sweetened with caramel dulce de leche, adorned with a cream blend, strawberry, kiwi, peach slices, shredded coconut, raspberry jam, and sweetened condensed milk. A truly magical representation of Latin American flavors.

5. Trail-Ade - A refreshing nonalcoholic cocktail blending summer fruits, cucumbers, fresh mint, and homemade lemonade. Served in a souvenir cowboy boot cup, it's the perfect antidote for the Texas heat.

These finalists will compete for the titles of Best Taste in both the sweet and savory categories, as well as the coveted Most Creative award.

The Fair is scheduled to commence on Friday, September 29, and will run through Sunday, October 22.