At Perini Ranch Steakhouse, our cooking begins long before a steak ever hits the grill. It starts with the steady crackle of West Texas mesquite, a wood as much a part of our landscape as it is our kitchen. Mesquite burns hot, and bright. Its smoke is bold and unmistakably tied to ranch life. When early settlers and cowboys needed a reliable source of firewood, mesquite was the obvious choice. It was plentiful, long-burning, and most importantly, it produced a rich, slightly sweet smoke that naturally complemented beef. Over time, that unmistakable mesquite flavor became a hallmark of Texas ranch cooking and later, classic Texas barbecue.

When beef meets real mesquite fire, something special happens. The high heat sears the outside quickly, locking in juices while building that beautiful crust we’re known for. The smoke works its way through every bite, adding layers of flavor no gas flame or manufactured briquette can ever match.

Mesquite has been part of the West Texas landscape for thousands of years. Indigenous peoples relied on it long before ranching began.  Its pods were ground into flour, its sap used medicinally, and its dense wood used for tools and fuel. Because mesquite thrives in arid climates, it became especially common in West Texas, where its deep root system allows it to survive drought and tough growing conditions better than many other native plants. For us, mesquite isn’t just fuel. It’s tradition. It’s the aroma that drifts across the ranch at dusk, the mark of a meal cooked with intention, and the heart of true Texas hospitality. Cooking over real fire takes patience and attention, but the reward is worth it, every single time.

At Perini Ranch Steakhouse, we’re proud to share something new from our smokehouse traditions, Mesquite Smoked Beef Tallow, rendered from our Certified Angus Beef Prime Briskets.  Slow smoked over real mesquite wood, this rich, flavorful tallow carries the same unmistakable West Texas character that defines our cooking. Use it for searing, roasting, frying, or adding a spoonful of ranch-style depth to your favorite dishes. It’s pure Perini, straight from the pit.

From our pit to your plate, that’s the Perini way.