Have you ever tasted the rich, savory flavors of a well-prepared Tablitas dish—and upon that first bite—been transported to a bustling street-side taqueria in an idyllic Mexican town? If not, buckle up; you’re in for a delectable treat!
If you’re a dedicated follower of this blog, you’ll know one thing about me—I live and breathe recipes. Each dish has its unique story, cultural significance, and a compelling tapestry of flavors. As we delve into the Tablitas recipe, know that we’re not just preparing a meal. We’re carefully curating an unforgettable culinary experience that echoes the rich tradition and heritage of its origin.
What is a Tablitas?
Tablitas, also known as “Costillas de Res a la Tablita” or beef ribs a la tablita, is a delicious and flavorful Mexican dish that features marinated beef ribs grilled to perfection. The name “tablita” refers to the wooden plank or board traditionally used to cook the ribs, which adds a smoky and aromatic touch to the final dish.
What are tablitas made of?
- 2 lbs (about 1 kg) beef ribs, preferably with bones and well-marbled for maximum flavor
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil (canola or sunflower oil works well)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
How to make tablitas
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil, minced garlic, orange juice, lime juice, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix well to form the marinade.
- Place the beef ribs in the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and marinate the ribs in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and tenderize it.
- If you are using wooden planks, soak them in water for at least 1 hour before grilling to prevent them from catching fire on the grill.
- To prepare for grilling, set your grill to medium-high heat, around 350-400°F or 175-200°C.
- Remove the marinated ribs from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling. This helps the meat cook more evenly.
- Before heating up the grill, remove the ribs from the marinade and shake off any extra liquid.
- Place the ribs on the preheated grill. If you are using wooden planks, place the ribs directly on the soaked planks. Alternatively, you can use a wire rack or grill basket to cook the ribs.
- Grill the ribs for about 15-20 minutes on each side or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Baste the ribs with the leftover marinade during grilling to keep them moist and enhance the flavor.
- After achieving the perfect level of doneness for your ribs, take them off the grill and give them a few minutes to rest before serving.
- Serve the tablitas with your favorite side dishes, such as Mexican rice, grilled vegetables, or tortillas. Enjoy the flavorful and tender beef ribs!
Tips
- If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook the marinated ribs in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or a wire rack. Cook for about 30-40 minutes, turning once during cooking, until the ribs are fully cooked and caramelized.
- For extra smoky flavor, you can add soaked wood chips directly to the grill or use a smoker box while grilling the ribs.
- Adjust the level of spiciness to your preference by adding more or less chili powder and smoked paprika.
- You can also use this marinade with other cuts of beef or even chicken for a delicious variation of the dish.
- Make sure to let the ribs rest after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
What to serve with
Tablitas are a flavorful and satisfying dish that pairs well with various side dishes to create a complete and delicious meal. Here are some fantastic options to serve alongside this dish:
- Mexican Rice: A classic accompaniment to many Mexican dishes, Mexican rice (Arroz a la Mexicana) complements the tablitas perfectly. The combination of rice, tomatoes, onions, and spices contrasts the rich and smoky flavors of the beef ribs.
- Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and corn on the cob make a healthy and colorful addition to the meal. The grill’s smokiness enhances the veggies’ natural sweetness and balances the savory ribs.
- Guacamole: Creamy and flavorful guacamole is a must-have side dish for any Mexican feast. The cool and buttery avocado dip complements the spiciness of the tablitas and adds a refreshing element to the meal.
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote): You can create a delicious side dish by grilling corn on the cob and spreading a mixture of mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice on it. This mouthwatering dish perfectly complements beef ribs.
- Pico de Gallo: A fresh and tangy salsa made with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, and lime juice. This vibrant salsa adds a burst of flavor to the tablitas and cuts through the richness of the ribs.
- Tortillas: Warm corn or flour tortillas are a staple in Mexican cuisine and are perfect for making DIY tacos with the juicy tablitas. Allow your guests to assemble their own tacos by wrapping the tender beef ribs with their favorite toppings.
- Black Beans: A simple and comforting side dish, black beans seasoned with garlic, cumin, and chili powder add a hearty and nutritious element to the meal.
- Mexican Coleslaw: A crunchy and refreshing coleslaw with a Mexican twist, made with shredded cabbage, carrots, jalapeños, lime juice, and cilantro. This side dish adds a refreshing crunch and complements the richness of the beef ribs.
- Cornbread: The slightly sweet and crumbly texture of cornbread complements the smoky flavors of the tablitas. It’s an excellent option for soaking up any leftover juices or sauces.
- Tostones: Fried green plantains seasoned with salt and served as a side dish. These crispy and savory tostones add a delightful contrast to the tender beef ribs.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I give this Tablitas recipe an A+! My top reasons for doing so are the recipes are delicious and family-friendly. In addition, it is good for a wide variety of lifestyles and diets, such as gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan. More importantly, my whole family loves the food!
More Beef Based Recipes:
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (about 1 kg) beef ribs, preferably with bones and well-marbled for maximum flavor
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil (canola or sunflower oil works well)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil, minced garlic, orange juice, lime juice, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix well to form the marinade.
- Place the beef ribs in the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and marinate the ribs in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and tenderize it.
- If you are using wooden planks, soak them in water for at least 1 hour before grilling to prevent them from catching fire on the grill.
- To prepare for grilling, set your grill to medium-high heat, around 350-400°F or 175-200°C.
- Remove the marinated ribs from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling. This helps the meat cook more evenly.
- Before heating up the grill, remove the ribs from the marinade and shake off any extra liquid.
- Place the ribs on the preheated grill. If you are using wooden planks, place the ribs directly on the soaked planks. Alternatively, you can use a wire rack or grill basket to cook the ribs.
- Grill the ribs for about 15-20 minutes on each side or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Baste the ribs with the leftover marinade during grilling to keep them moist and enhance the flavor.
- After achieving the perfect level of doneness for your ribs, take them off the grill and give them a few minutes to rest before serving.
- Serve the tablitas with your favorite side dishes, such as Mexican rice, grilled vegetables, or tortillas. Enjoy the flavorful and tender beef ribs!
