When it comes to tablitas, these thin-sliced, cross-cut beef ribs are one of the best cuts for a quick, flavorful cook. And there’s no better way to enjoy them than cooking them over an open fire. With a flavorful homemade rub and marinade, these ribs get a fantastic smoky char and mouthwatering tenderness in just a few minutes.
Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or just craving some juicy, fire-cooked beef, this recipe will give you perfectly grilled tablitas in no time. Pair them with your favorite sides and you’ve got a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s get to grilling!
Ingredients:
For the Tablitas Rub (Makes Enough for 2 Racks of Ribs):
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for some heat)
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
For the Marinade:
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or coconut sugar for a Paleo option)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
For the Tablitas:
• 2 racks Permaculture Pastures beef ribs (tablitas), thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for grilling)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rub:
In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the rub. Stir until well-mixed and set aside.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients—olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, garlic, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
Place the thin-sliced beef ribs (tablitas) in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the meat. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
3. Prepare the Ribs for Grilling:
After marinating, remove the ribs from the fridge and let them come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. Preheat your grill to high heat. If you’re cooking over an open fire, get your fire ready with a nice bed of hot coals for direct, high heat.
4. Grill the Tablitas:
Before placing the ribs on the grill, rub them generously with the spice rub on both sides.
Brush the grill grates with olive oil or lightly oil the ribs to prevent sticking.
Place the tablitas on the grill (or over the open fire) and sear for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until beautifully charred and cooked through. These ribs are thin and will cook up fast, so keep an eye on them! You want a good sear, but not overcooked.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
Once the tablitas are perfectly seared, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides—Mexican street corn, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salsa—and enjoy the smoky, flavorful goodness of these quick-cooked ribs!
Why This Recipe is a Winner:
• Fast Cooking Time: The thin-sliced ribs cook up quickly over high heat, so they’re perfect for a fast, satisfying meal.
• Smoky, Charred Flavor: Cooking over an open fire imparts a delicious smokiness that makes these ribs irresistibly tasty.
• Perfect for Outdoor Grilling: Whether you’re grilling in the backyard or cooking over a campfire, these tablitas are made for outdoor cooking!
So fire up that grill or campfire, grab your Permaculture Pastures beef ribs, and get ready to enjoy a simple, flavorful meal that’s all about that smoky, tender beef. You won’t need slow cooking to enjoy these beauties—just a quick sear over the flames for perfect, juicy tablitas every time!
Enjoy y’all,
Addison Smith
Permaculture Pastures