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Pacu Ribs
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5 from 1 vote

Barbecued Pacu Ribs

How to prepare tasty pacu ribs at home.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: pacu, ribs
Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients

  • pounds pacu ribs meat attached
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • juice from 1 lime
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • smoked paprika, chili powder or brown sugar optional, for rub
  • barbecue sauce

Instructions

Prep the Ribs

  • Rinse the pacu ribs and pat them dry.
  • Remove any small bones that might get in the way.

Marinate

  • Mix olive oil, garlic, lime juice, salt, pepper, and any optional spices.
  • Coat the ribs evenly and let them marinate for 20–30 minutes (don’t over-marinate; the acid can “cook” the delicate fish meat).

Preheat the Grill or Oven

  • Grill: Medium-low heat.
    Oven: 275–300°F (135–150°C) on a lined baking sheet.

Cook Low and Slow

  • Place ribs on the grill or oven tray.
  • Cook for 20–25 minutes, turning once, until meat flakes easily with a fork.

Optional Glaze

  • Brush lightly with barbecue sauce or honey glaze in the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Serve

  • Serve hot with lime wedges, fresh herbs, or a light salad.
    Pick the meat off the bones carefully—it’s tender and flaky.

Notes

Tips:
Avoid high heat; pacu meat is delicate and can dry out quickly.
You can also smoke the ribs for a subtle smoky flavor; 20–30 minutes on a smoker works well.
Pair with citrus-based sauces or light salsas instead of heavy sauces to enhance the fish’s mild flavor.