Who Won The Big Tex Choice Awards For 2023? Here They Are!

The hard work and experimentation is all over, the dishes were made, the judges did their jobs, and the winners were announced. Who won the prized Big Tex Choice Awards for 2023? Let's take a look...

I cannot imagine what a challenging job it must have been to be one of the judges at the 19th Annual Big Tex Choice Awards. Can you imagine how hard it must be to taste and judge 10 of the most delectable fair foods? I envy them, and yet, I bet they all had a tummy ache when it was all said and done. Are you ready? Here we go...

Best Taste – Savory

DEEP FRIED PHO, Michelle Le 

This looks amazing, who would have thought you could deep fry soup? Michelle Le did, and it won! Deep Fried Pho is handcrafted, rolled up, and deep-fried Texas-style! This unique combination creates a perfect balance between flavorful and refreshing. With every bite, you get a harmonious and succulent mouthful of noodles, slices of beef, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and a taste of aromatic pho broth that has been slowly simmered for hours. To tie this experience together, it is served with a side of pho broth for dipping, lime, jalapeños, cilantro, hoisin sauce, and sriracha for a spicy, fiery kick!

Best Taste – Sweet

BISCOFF® DELIGHT, Stephen El Gidi

I knew when I saw this entry it was going to be hard to beat, anything using that delicious cookie butter called Biscoff is just scrumptious. So, imagine a classic New York-style cheesecake coated with Belgian chocolate. Each bite reveals the symphony of an outer layer adorned with crushed Biscoff® cookies, offering a delightful crunch. To elevate this edible artwork, a drizzle of Lotus Biscoff® spread cascades gracefully, imparting a caramelized touch. Finally, a crowning glory is bestowed upon this culinary marvel with a perfectly placed Biscoff® cookie that entices you to embrace pure indulgence.

Most Creative

BOURBON BANANA CARAMEL SOPAPILLAS, Cody & Lauren Hays

I remember going to Ponchos as a kid and just loving those hot sopapillas with honey drizzled on them, talk about elevating a dish. Hot and delicious traditional sopapillas topped with vanilla-caramel-infused bananas, sweet bourbon syrup, crushed candied pecans, sweetened mascarpone cheese, crumbled Nilla Wafers, and dusted with powdered sugar.

Even though the foods listed below did not win the trophy this year does not mean you can't find them at the fair. The other delicious 2023 finalists included: Deep Fried Cheesy Crab Tater Bites by Isaac Rousso, Fernie’s Fried Cherry Pie in the Sky by Christi Erpillo & Johanna McKee, Loaded Fries Pizza by Tom Grace, Ox’cellent Soul Roll by Kerston & Shawn Thorns, Sweet Encanto by Tony & Terry Bednar, Trail-Ade by Ruth Hauntz, and Turkey Ribs by Abel Gonzales. Look for them all at the 2023 State Fair of Texas, September 29 - October 22 in Dallas, Texas.

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