ArnieTex: Over 100 Recipes for Mexican-American Cooking and Texas-Style BBQ

by Arnie Segovia

Cooking authentic Mexican-American comfort food is simple with YouTube sensation Arnie “ArnieTex” Segovia

Arnie Segovia is a Texas guy with Mexican roots, and his cooking is a blend of Texas and Mexican cuisines in the comdia casera (comfort food) and carne asada (Mexican grilling) styles. His creations are a traditional blend of Southwest, Texas, and Norteño cooking techniques, both in the kitchen and over open fire. For authentic Mexican cooking combined with a little bit of Texas and open-fire barbecue, look no further than ArnieTex! Here’s what you’ll find

Traditional Mexican and Texas-Mexican favorites like Mexican-Spanish rice, tamales, fajitas, tacos al pastor, refried beans, migas con heuvo, and taqueria-style salsasTexas staples like smoked brisket, authentic Texas chili, and parrillada tejana (a Texas-size carne asada feast)Dozens of cooking tips and tricks for cooking on both on the stove and over an open fireStunning photography that captures the essence of Arnie's cooking the beauty of South Texas
As a champion pitmaster and cook with deep knowledge of Mexican-American cuisine, Arnie has built a following of millions of loyal fans who love cooking with Arnie each week. And if you're cooking with Arnie, it will always means two you’re not going to leave the table hungry, and you’ll absolutely leave the table happy.

Genres: Cookbooks, Food

224 pages, Hardcover

Published July 15, 2025

Reviews

[loafingcactus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book came out this week (second week of July 2025) and I had to get it IMMEDIATELY because of how much I value ArnieTex's YouTube videos. In his videos, he never provides a written recipe because he is cooking with his heart, sometimes with his wife and his mother. He often shows how one recipe could go several different directions, in particular with his salsas. I highly recommend watching his green and red salsa videos. And the salsa section is perhaps the most valuable part of this book.

But to be real there are several valuable parts of this book - when I opened the package I said, "Now THAT is a book!" It is 215 pages to the end of the last recipe, plus the index. I know this books is going to be a core resource for me for regional cooking, on the shelf next to the likes of The Essential Cuisines of Mexico. Very happy for Mr. Segovia that it has turned out so well and appreciative of the huge effort this book must have taken.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic guide to South Texas cooking and BBQing. I don't think it odd at all that about half of the recipes in here are almost exactly like ones I regularly cook, but it is still great to read some of the vignettes and Pro Tips Arnie gives. It is also super reassuring that the way I cook these dishes is the right way. For the other half of the recipes, this book is a treasure trove of info that will help expand my cooking repertoire.
thanks Arnie!!

[Curren · Rating 5 out of 5]

ArnieTex has such a great personality and does awesome cooking videos. I was super excited for this book release! It’s got some solid, approachable, authentic recipes that novices and experts alike can make. I also appreciate the info guide to grills and smokers, basic meat dry rub recipes, and the 17 salsa recipes!!!

As he states in the introduction, this books is not about showy recipes that have a million expensive ingredients and fancy injections that you might see on the BBQ competition circuit (or in some other cookbooks). The ingredients he does use, such as dried peppers, seasonings, simple veggies and easy to find cuts of meat all seem very flavorful. I feel like you can find all his ingredients as Fiesta, Walmart, most butcher counters, or online (for the dried peppers if you live where they are sparse).

My one wish is that this book had more side dishes, but considering there are ample Mexican style meat, texmex style meat, breakfast, enchiladas, salsas, marinades and more - a few solid side dishes really are enough to round out a full meal.

Can’t wait for AnrieTex to come out with a second cookbook someday! I hope he does.

[Charles Eldridge · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was underwhelmed. This cookbook came highly touted, but I didn’t see what the fuss was about. The recipes I tried seemed to miss a step or two. And though the tagline talks about over 100 recipes, I felt that a majority of them were basic filler that would only intrigue a new cook who hasn’t ever seen…well anything.

Off the top of my head, I could recommend at least four other cookbooks that take the intended spirit of this book and make it flourish for the readers and the eaters: “Barbacoa” truly gives uniqueness to the flavors of south Texas, “Asada” and “Salsa Daddy” provide easy to make flavors that will add a fantastic something-something to any gathering, and Aaron Franklin’s “Franklin Barbecue” Will truly provide an detailed education on how to barbecue.

“ArnieTex” was a miss for me. Perhaps it’ll find an audience, but I know there is much better, user-friendly, detailed explorations of this cuisine available.

[Daniel Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely gonna try these

I've following this dude on youtube for a while and loved the chance to support him after he released the Cookbook. There's some lovely recipes here that I can't wait to try. Moving from Texas to the north has been awesome, but one of the things we miss the most is the Hispanic influence on cuisine. Texmex is something special. Hoping to get some of it back by making it at home

[Albert Camus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arnie tex, stands out for its instructional clarity. Arnie doesn't just list recipes, he teaches methodology. From fire control to flavor layering, the book provides a masterclass in open fire and stovetop cooking rooted in Mexican American tradition. I use several of his techniques in my fundamentals course.

[Émile Zola · Rating 5 out of 5]

ArnieTex is a robust celebration of bicultural fire and flavor. Segovia delivers soulful comfort food with pitmaster precision, bridging borderland heritage and backyard smoke. A flavorful, flame kissed triumph.

[Simone De · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this thinking it would collect dust next to my smoothie blender. Two weeks later, I’m buying charcoal in bulk, and my roommates call me Chef Añejo. 10/10 would recommend, even if you burn your first attempt like I did.

[Mel Ram · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great cookbook. I had always tried making Asado de Puerco and it just never came out right. After only the first try following this recipe, I made the best Asado de Puerco I have ever tasted.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jam packed full of great recipes! This is among the absolute best cookbooks for Mexican-American Cooking and Texas BBQ that I have read. I borrowed a copy from my local library, but I will definitely be purchasing my own copy to continuously reference back to.

[Andrew Allender · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arnie has been a valley champion

The Book has authentic recipes and I can't wait to try his disco recipe. Thank you very much arnie for this.

[Marcel Proust · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finally mastered tacos al pastor thanks to Arnie’s clear instructions. This book is a treasure in my kitchen.

[Gary Evins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good recipes from S Texas and very complete for aspiring chefs.

[Lauren Farias · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most amazing and authentic San Antonian recipes. 10000000/10

[Emily Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

this made me miss south Texas fr

[Christina Karvounis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. We made the chili today - blue ribbon!

[Alx Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book

[RYAN PHAM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good recipes and great pictures