Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Corn Ribs are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional corn on the cob. This recipe turns fresh corn into “ribs” by slicing it into quarters, grilling it to perfection, and then smothering it with a creamy, tangy elote sauce. Topped with crumbled Cotija cheese and fresh cilantro, these Corn Ribs are bursting with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re grilling for a summer barbecue or craving a unique side dish, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.

Ingredients

• 4 ears sweet corn, husks and silk removed
• 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp. chili powder
• ½ tsp. salt

Elote Sauce:

• ¼ cup real mayo
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 3 tbsp. adobo sauce
• 1 tbsp. lime juice
• Dash of salt

Corn Rib Topping:

• ½ cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
• Fresh cilantro

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Slice each ear of corn into 4 quarters. To do this, stand the corn on its end and use a sharp knife to cut through the cob into 4 even sections.
3. In a small bowl, combine the vegetable oil, chili powder, and salt. Brush the mixture evenly over all sides of the corn ribs.
4. Place the corn ribs on the grill, turning them occasionally, and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the corn is tender and has a nice char.
5. While the corn is grilling, prepare the elote sauce by combining the mayo, sour cream, adobo sauce, lime juice, and a dash of salt in a bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy.
6. Once the corn is cooked, remove it from the grill and drizzle the elote sauce generously over the corn ribs.
7. Top with crumbled Cotija cheese and fresh cilantro.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• If you prefer a spicier version, you can add some hot sauce or chili flakes to the elote sauce.
• For a smoky flavor, try grilling the corn over direct flames for a few minutes before finishing it on the grill.
• If you can’t find Cotija cheese, you can substitute with Feta or Parmesan cheese for a similar taste.
• You can use a grill pan indoors if you’re not able to grill outside.

Storage/Reheating

• Corn Ribs are best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• To reheat, you can place the corn ribs in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or warm them on the grill for a few minutes to restore some of the crispy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?

Fresh corn is ideal for this recipe, but if frozen corn is all you have, make sure to thaw it completely and grill it until it’s heated through.

2. Can I bake the corn ribs instead of grilling them?

Yes, you can bake the corn ribs in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Make sure to brush them with oil and seasoning before baking.

3. How can I make the elote sauce spicier?

You can increase the amount of adobo sauce, add some chili powder, or even mix in a bit of hot sauce to bring more heat to the sauce.

4. Can I make Corn Ribs ahead of time?

It’s best to serve Corn Ribs fresh, but you can prepare the elote sauce and seasoning ahead of time. You can also pre-slice the corn and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

5. How do I cut the corn into quarters easily?

To cut corn into quarters, simply stand the cob upright on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice through the cob vertically. It’s helpful to cut the corn in half first to make it more manageable.

6. Can I use other types of cheese instead of Cotija?

Yes, you can substitute Cotija with Feta cheese, Parmesan, or even a sharp cheddar, though Cotija gives the most authentic flavor for this recipe.

7. Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, Corn Ribs are vegetarian-friendly, as long as you use plant-based mayo and sour cream if needed.

8. Can I make the elote sauce without sour cream?

Yes, if you prefer, you can use all mayo or substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor.

9. What other toppings can I add to Corn Ribs?

You can add extras like chopped onions, avocado, jalapeños, or a squeeze of extra lime juice for added flavor.

10. How long should I grill the corn ribs?

Grill the corn ribs for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender and lightly charred.

Conclusion

Corn Ribs offer a deliciously creative twist on a classic summer favorite. With smoky grilled corn, creamy elote sauce, and the perfect balance of Cotija cheese and cilantro, these flavorful ribs will steal the show at any gathering. Whether you serve them as a side dish or a snack, Corn Ribs are sure to become your new go-to recipe for summer cookouts.

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