Get ready to fall in love with a snack that’s about to become an instant hit in your kitchen: Corn ribs. Imagine sweet, juicy corn brushed with garlic butter, smoked paprika, and a sprinkling of herbs, roasted or grilled until those golden kernels curl and caramelize. Whether you’re hosting friends for a summer BBQ or looking for a fun twist on a classic side, corn ribs deliver that smoky, finger-licking goodness—ready to steal the spotlight at any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient for corn ribs is intentional, creating a glorious balance of smoky, buttery, and vibrant flavors. Pull together these essentials, and you’ll have all you need for corn that’s crunchy-tender, deeply savory, and kissed by just the right amount of heat.
- Corn cobs: Choose fresh, plump ears—these will become the stars of your dish, curling up and crisping at the edges for the perfect corn ribs experience.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a rich, fruity flavor and helps the seasonings stick, ensuring the corn roasts or grills up golden and delicious.
- Parsley or coriander/cilantro: (Optional) Sprinkles of fresh herbs add a pop of color and a burst of freshness on top.
- Garlic powder: The savory backbone for your seasoning mix, bringing out the natural sweetness of the corn.
- Smoked paprika: Infuses each rib with captivating smokiness and a gorgeous red hue—opt for smoked if you can!
- Cooking/kosher salt: Rounds everything out, making the flavors really sing.
- Black pepper: Gives just the right amount of heat, balancing the sweet and smoky notes.
- Unsalted butter: Forms the base of the garlic butter, melting into every groove, making each bite irresistible.
- Garlic clove: Fresh and finely minced, it infuses the butter with irresistible aroma and flavor.
How to Make Corn ribs
Step 1: Prep the Corn Cobs
Start by grabbing the freshest corn you can find. Slice off both the base and the pointy end, stand it up securely on a sturdy cutting board, and—using your sharpest knife—carefully cut each cob in half, then again into quarters. The trick is to gently bang the knife into the top of the cob and work your way down. If the quarters feel too long, slicing them into half-length ribs makes them much easier to handle (and eat!).
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Toss in your minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 20 seconds, just until fragrant. Remove from the heat and keep the mixture warm, so it’s ready to drizzle over your hot corn ribs later. I usually set it to one side on the BBQ or near the oven so it stays melted and infused.
Step 3: Mix Up the Seasoning
Grab a small bowl and whisk together the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This robust seasoning blend will stick to the corn while roasting or grilling, creating that delicious, flavor-packed “bark” every corn rib lover dreams about.
Step 4: Olive Oil Bath & Seasoning
Place your quartered corn cobs in a large bowl. Drizzle them generously with extra virgin olive oil and toss until evenly coated—it’s your secret to crispier, golden corn ribs. Next, gradually sprinkle in your seasoning mix, tossing as you go to make sure each rib is covered. Be patient here: the seasoning likes to nestle into the nooks and crannies!
Step 5: Grill or Roast the Corn ribs
If you’re grilling, preheat your BBQ to high. Place the corn, kernel side down, and cook for about 8 minutes, watching as the edges start to char and the kernels curl into irresistibly adorable “ribs.” Turn each rib on its cut side and cook an extra minute for extra color and flavor. If the oven’s your chosen route, preheat to 200°C/375°F (or 180°C fan), and roast the corn, kernel side up, for 25–30 minutes. While oven-baked corn ribs don’t curl quite as much, they still pack big, bold flavor.
Step 6: Butter & Toss
Once your corn ribs are cooked and tinged with golden brown, transfer them back to the bowl. Pour that luxurious garlic butter right over, and toss to coat every rib. The buttery, garlicky goodness soaks into each kernel, making the whole dish shine.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
Pile the hot corn ribs high on a platter, shower them with chopped parsley or coriander if you like, and don’t forget an extra dash of smoked paprika. Encourage everyone to grab a rib and savor every sweet, smoky, and buttery bite. (Don’t be shy about sucking on the cob “bone” – it might be the best part!)
How to Serve Corn ribs
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or coriander (cilantro) instantly lifts the presentation and adds welcome freshness. Want to amp up the smoky vibes? Dust your corn ribs with a final pinch of smoked paprika just before serving. For a little zing, a squeeze of lime juice or a drizzle of chili mayo is a surefire win.
Side Dishes
Corn ribs are totally versatile and fit right into nearly any meal vibe. Serve them alongside grilled meats, veggie burgers, tacos, or even as a fun appetizer with dipping sauces at your next backyard gathering. They’re also fantastic next to salads or with a big bowl of guacamole for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your corn ribs on a rustic wood board or pile them in a colorful basket lined with parchment—perfect for easy grabbing. Looking for something eye-catching? Thread smaller ribs onto skewers for a corn-on-the-cob meets street-food moment, or scatter them over a platter with dipping sauces dotted around for a snackable party centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have corn ribs left over (lucky you!), let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, and they make an awesome snack straight from the fridge or quickly reheated.
Freezing
Freezing is possible, though the texture changes a bit. Arrange cooled corn ribs on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just note that they’re best enjoyed fresh for that signature crispness!
Reheating
To bring your leftover corn ribs back to life, pop them back in the oven at 180°C/350°F for 8–10 minutes, or until hot and a little crispy again. The air fryer works wonders for a quicker, extra-crispy finish (about 4–5 minutes at 180°C). Avoid microwaving if possible—the cobs can get a bit soggy.
FAQs
Are corn ribs really supposed to curl up?
Yes! When grilled or roasted at high heat, the natural moisture in the corn causes it to curl, giving corn ribs their signature rib-like appearance. If you bake them, they might not curl as much, but they’ll still taste amazing.
Can I make corn ribs without a BBQ grill?
Absolutely. An oven works perfectly well—just bake them on a tray, cut side up, and you’ll still get plenty of caramelized flavor. While you might miss a bit of smoky char, the dish will still be a crowd-pleaser.
Do I need to remove the silk from the corn before cutting?
Definitely! Peel away all the husk and silk before you start cutting the corn cobs, so you end up with clean, easy-to-eat ribs. It makes seasoning and eating much more enjoyable.
What dipping sauces go well with corn ribs?
Pink sauce (a blend of ketchup and mayo), chili-lime mayo, sour cream with herbs, or even a splash of hot sauce are all fantastic for dipping. Play around and find your family’s favorite match!
Can I use frozen or canned corn for corn ribs?
For classic corn ribs, you’ll need fresh, whole corn cobs. Frozen or canned corn won’t hold together the same way. Save those for salads or fritters!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re brand new to corn ribs or already obsessed, this recipe is hands-down one of the most joyful ways to enjoy summer corn. Give them a try, bring your favorite seasonings and garnishes, and watch your family and friends polished them off. Happy cooking!
Print
Corn ribs Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and flavorful corn ribs recipe that’s perfect for BBQs or as a unique side dish. These ‘ribs’ are cut from corn cobs, seasoned with a smoky blend, and grilled to perfection before being tossed in garlic butter.
Ingredients
Corn Ribs:
- 4 whole corn cobs
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Seasoning:
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (or ordinary)
- 2 tsp cooking/kosher salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
Garlic Butter:
- 50g/ 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
Instructions
- Corn cutting (Note 1 tips!): Cut corn into quarters.
- Cooking: Heat BBQ or oven. Prepare garlic butter.
- Seasoning: Mix in a small bowl. Season corn.
- BBQ: Cook corn on the BBQ.
- Oven: Bake corn in the oven.
- Butter it: Toss corn in garlic butter.
- Serve: Sprinkle with parsley and enjoy!
Notes
- For easier cutting, cut the corn into shorter ribs.
- Optional: Serve with pink sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 corn cob
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
