A halal Thanksgiving in Southern California does not have to mean cooking a whole bird at home. Ribs 'n' Kabobs in Artesia makes Ribs Platters, Kabob Platters and classic sides that are 100% Zabiha Halal, so the whole table can eat from one order. This guide covers what to order, how much, and when to book it.
Ribs 'n' Kabobs is a family-owned, HFSAA-certified, 100% Zabiha Halal BBQ and grill restaurant at 18925 Norwalk Blvd, Artesia, CA 90701, serving Los Angeles County, Orange County and the rest of Southern California since 2014.
Why is halal Thanksgiving food hard to find?
Thanksgiving is built around one big turkey, and most supermarket turkeys are not zabiha. Many Muslim families in Los Angeles County and Orange County end up driving across town for a halal bird, or they skip the holiday menu and cook what they always cook. Both work, but neither is much of a break for whoever is in the kitchen.
The other option is to let the main dishes come from a halal kitchen and keep the home cooking for one or two family favorites. At Ribs 'n' Kabobs every piece of meat is 100% Zabiha Halal, hand-slaughtered, and certified by HFSAA. There is no pork and no alcohol on site. Our post on our HFSAA certification explains what that certificate covers.
Ribs 'n' Kabobs in Artesia has served 100% Zabiha Halal food under HFSAA certification since 2014, which makes a halal Thanksgiving table simple to order.
What should I order for a halal Thanksgiving table?
Think of the table in three parts: something smoked, something off the grill, and sides that everyone recognizes.
Something smoked
A Ribs Platter is the centerpiece. Platters come in 10, 20, 30 and 40 pieces, and you can split the pieces between sauces. Hickory Smoked BBQ is the safe choice for a mixed crowd. Add Korean BBQ or Tikka for the guests who want something different. A smoked turkey is also listed on our menu as a Thanksgiving special; ask us through the contact page whether it is running this year.
Something off the grill
A Kabob Platter of one to five skewers adds variety. The Beef Seekh Kabob and the Chicken Koobideh are the two most familiar picks. For the older generation who grew up on desi food, the Grandma Recipe Lamb Seekh Kabob is a good addition. Our guide to chicken malai, koobideh or tandoori helps you pick between the chicken options.
Sides everyone knows
Mashed potatoes with homemade gravy, grilled corn, BBQ beans, garlic bread and green salad cover the classic American side of the table. Basmati rice, naan and hummus cover the rest. Gulab jamun or loaded cheesecake can stand in for pie.
How much food do I need?
A simple planning rule, not a promise, works for most families:
| Guests | Ribs | Kabobs | Rice or bread sides |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 to 8 | 20-piece Ribs Platter | 6 to 8 skewers | 2 |
| 10 to 14 | 30-piece Ribs Platter | 10 to 14 skewers | 3 to 4 |
| 15 to 20 | two 30-piece Ribs Platters | 15 to 20 skewers | 5 |
Kids usually eat less meat and more rice and fries, so count two children as one adult. If your family are big eaters, round up one size. For anything above about 25 guests, use the catering page so the team can plan trays with you.
When should I place the order?
Catering at Ribs 'n' Kabobs needs at least 24 hours notice. Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest weeks of the year for any restaurant, so earlier is better.
- Decide your headcount by the weekend before Thanksgiving.
- Pick the platters and sides using the table above.
- Send the order through the catering page or the contact page at least 24 hours ahead, ideally two or three days ahead in holiday week.
- Confirm pickup time and whether you want delivery. Catering delivery covers Artesia, Cerritos, Norwalk, Lakewood, Buena Park, Cypress and the other nearby cities on the catering page.
- Plan the reheat if you pick up early. Warm ribs covered in a low oven so the sauce does not burn.
How do I keep the food safe after dinner?
Holiday food often sits on the table for hours while people talk. The USDA advises refrigerating leftovers within two hours of cooking or of the food coming off the heat. Its page on leftovers and food safety also recommends reheating leftovers to 165°F.
The USDA advises refrigerating holiday leftovers within two hours and reheating them to 165°F.
Ribs keep well in the fridge for a next-day lunch. Rice should be cooled quickly and spread out, not left in a deep warm pot.
What if some guests want something lighter?
Not everyone wants a plate of ribs after a long day of cooking and visiting. A few lighter dishes make the table work for everyone:
- Chicken Malai Kabob: chicken marinated with cardamom, cream cheese and mozzarella, mild and soft.
- Grilled asparagus and green salad for guests watching what they eat.
- Lentil Soup: Persian style, with carrots and herbs, a good starter on a cool November evening.
- Paneer Tikka or the Vegan Dish of the Week for vegetarian relatives.
Add one or two of these and the guest who "just wants a little something" has a real plate.
Plan your halal Thanksgiving in Artesia
We are close to the 91 and 605 freeways, an easy drive from Long Beach, Cerritos and Buena Park, and we serve families across Southern California. Holiday hours can change, so check the contact page before you drive over, and remember we are closed on Mondays. The full menu is on the menu page.
Ribs 'n' Kabobs, 18925 Norwalk Blvd, Artesia, CA 90701.