Tablitas Recipe

Jennifer Segal

16 May, 2024

Master the art of tablitas with our tantalizing recipe – a symphony of flavors and smoky goodness. Unleash the grill master in you today!

Tablitas

Publisher: Crisp Recipe
Cuisine: Latin American
Category: Main Dish
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Grill Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 2 hours
Servings: 4
Calories: 300 calories

Tablitas, also known as "Costillas de Cerdo" in Spanish, are a delectable grilled dish featuring pork spare ribs, widely enjoyed in various Latin American countries. These ribs are cherished for their rich, smoky flavor and tender texture, making them a popular choice for barbecue enthusiasts and food lovers alike.

The preparation of tablitas typically involves marinating the pork spare ribs in a flavorful mixture that includes ingredients such as garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, cumin, paprika, and oregano. This marinade infuses the meat with a delightful blend of spices and aromatics, contributing to the dish's mouthwatering taste.

After marinating, the ribs are grilled to perfection, creating a beautiful char on the outside while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful on the inside. The grilling process brings out the smoky essence that makes tablitas so irresistible. These ribs are often served with a squeeze of fresh lime juice, enhancing their taste with a zesty, citrusy kick.

Tablitas are a beloved part of Latin American cuisine, where they are often enjoyed with traditional sides like rice, beans, or grilled vegetables. Whether you're savoring them at a family barbecue or in a local restaurant, tablitas offer a delightful combination of savory flavors and a satisfying, finger-licking experience that's hard to resist.

Recipe

Discover the art of grilling perfection with our mouthwatering Tablitas recipe! Dive into a symphony of flavors and smoky goodness.

Ingredients

2 pounds (about 1 kg) of pork spare ribs
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/4 cup of olive oil
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
1 teaspoon of ground cumin
1 teaspoon of paprika
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Lime wedges for serving

Method Instructions

In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form the marinade.
Place the pork spare ribs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the ribs, making sure they are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for better flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You can also use a grill pan or broil the ribs in your oven.
Remove the ribs from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Place the ribs on the preheated grill and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and have a nice char on the outside. You can baste them with some of the leftover marinade while grilling.
Once the tablitas are cooked, transfer them to a serving platter. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top for an extra burst of flavor. Serve them hot with your favorite side dishes, such as rice, beans, or grilled vegetables.

Enjoy your homemade tablitas – they should be flavorful and tender with a smoky, grilled taste!

Recipe Video

Tablitas

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Recipe Tags: Tablitas, Tablitas Recipe, Recipe

Servings

Serving tablitas is a delightful experience, and you can get creative with the presentation. Here's how to serve tablitas:

On a Platter: Arrange the grilled tablitas on a serving platter. You can place them neatly in rows or stack them for a rustic look.
Garnish: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tablitas. This adds a zesty and refreshing element to the dish. You can also sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley on top for added freshness.
Side Dishes: Tablitas are often served with classic Latin American side dishes. Some popular choices include white rice, black beans, or refried beans. You can also include grilled vegetables or a simple salad to balance the meal.
Dipping Sauces: Provide dipping sauces on the side. Common options include chimichurri sauce, salsa verde, or a spicy salsa for those who enjoy a little heat.
Warm Tortillas: Warm up some corn or flour tortillas and serve them alongside the tablitas. This allows your guests to create their own delicious pork rib tacos.
Family-Style: For a casual and communal dining experience, place all the components in the center of the table, allowing everyone to build their own plate with tablitas, sides, and toppings.
Enjoy: Serve the tablitas while they are still hot from the grill, so your guests can savor the smoky and flavorful goodness of the ribs.

The key to serving tablitas is to create a vibrant and flavorful spread that complements the delicious taste of the grilled ribs. It's a perfect dish for gatherings, barbecues, or family dinners, allowing everyone to enjoy a mouthwatering meal together.

Tips

Choose Quality Ribs: Start with good-quality pork spare ribs. Look for ribs with a good meat-to-bone ratio, and they should be fresh and well-trimmed.
Marinating Time: For the best flavor, marinate the ribs for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply.
Grilling Temperature: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure it's hot enough to create a good sear on the ribs.
Oil the Grill: Before placing the ribs on the grill, oil the grates to prevent sticking and help with those appealing grill marks.
Basting: You can baste the ribs with the leftover marinade during grilling for extra flavor. Just be careful not to cross-contaminate the basting sauce with raw meat juices.
Don't Overcook: Be cautious not to overcook the ribs, as they can become tough. Grill them until they are just cooked through and have a nice char on the outside.
Rest Before Cutting: Let the cooked tablitas rest for a few minutes before cutting into them. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat tender.
Side Dishes: Consider your side dishes carefully. Rice, beans, and grilled vegetables complement tablitas nicely. The contrast in textures and flavors makes for a satisfying meal.
Experiment with Sauces: While the marinade is flavorful on its own, you can also experiment with different sauces. Try chimichurri, barbecue sauce, or a spicy salsa to add variety.
Presentation: Presentation matters! Garnish your dish with fresh herbs and lime wedges to make it visually appealing.
Safety: Always follow safe food handling practices, especially when working with raw meat. Clean your hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly to prevent contamination.
Customize: Feel free to customize the marinade to your taste. If you like it spicier, add some chili powder or hot sauce. Adjust the seasonings based on your preferences.

Ingredient Substitutes

If you find yourself missing some of the ingredients for the Tablitas recipe, you can consider these substitutions:

Soy Sauce: If you don't have soy sauce, you can use tamari, liquid aminos, or even Worcestershire sauce as a substitute. Keep in mind that the flavor profile may vary slightly.
Olive Oil: You can substitute olive oil with vegetable oil, canola oil, or even melted butter if you prefer a different flavor.
Ground Cumin: Ground cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor. You can replace it with ground coriander or chili powder for a different twist.
Paprika: Smoked paprika can be used for a smokier flavor, or you can use chili powder for a touch of heat.
Dried Oregano: If you're out of dried oregano, you can use dried basil, thyme, or Italian seasoning as a substitute.
Fresh Garlic: If you don't have fresh garlic cloves, you can use garlic powder or minced garlic from a jar. Use about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder per clove as a rough guideline.
Lime Wedges: If you don't have fresh limes for wedges, you can use bottled lime juice. However, fresh lime juice will provide a brighter and fresher flavor.
Pork Spare Ribs: If you're looking for a leaner option, you can use boneless pork loin or boneless pork chops. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary for different cuts of meat.