Corn ribs are easy to make, bursting with bold spices, and paired with a creamy dipping sauce that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for a quick snack or side dish!
What Are Corn Ribs?
When I first heard about corn ribs (sometimes called corn riblets), I was intrigued and honestly thought it was some sort of dish combining corn and ribs.
To my surprise, it’s not that at all! Corn ribs are a fun, innovative way to enjoy corn on the cob.
By slicing the corn into smaller pieces, they resemble ribs in shape, making them easier to handle, cook, and enjoy. Plus, their unique look makes them a fun and exciting dish to serve at gatherings or as a snack!
My Corn Ribs Recipe
You can completely customize the marinade to suit your taste. If you love spicy food, feel free to add more chili powder or even some cayenne pepper for an extra kick. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the spice level or omit the chili altogether.
For an added depth of flavor, you can even toss the marinade ingredients with the corn before cooking, but I personally love brushing the marinade directly onto the corn ribs.
Corn ribs are absolutely delicious on their own, thanks to the smoky, caramelized spices. However, I enjoy taking it to the next level by pairing them with my favorite creamy dipping sauce.
For those who prefer using an air fryer, I’ve included tips on how to air fry the corn ribs to perfection. The air fryer method is quick and efficient, and it delivers that perfect charred flavor and crispy edges, just like roasting them in the oven.
One important tip: when cutting the corn into ribs, make sure to use a sharp knife. Corn cobs are tough and require some effort to slice through. Take your time and work carefully to avoid any accidents.
Why You‘ll Love This Recipe
- It’s simple to prepare with minimal effort.
- Packed with bold, aromatic spices for a delicious flavor.
- Versatile cooking methods: bake in the oven or use an air fryer.
- A family-friendly dish that’s fun to eat and share.
Ingredients
Corn
- 3 ears fresh corn (choose plump and fresh ones)
Marinade
- 1tsp chili powder
- 1tsp cumin powder
- 1tsp garlic powder
- 1/4tsp salt
- 1/2tsp black pepper
- 1tbsp olive oil
Dipping Sauce
- 100g yogurt
- 2tsp yellow mustard
- 1/4tsp salt
- 1/4tsp black pepper
- 1/2tsp dried parsley
- 10ml lemon juice
Garnish
- 1/2tsp chili powder
- 1/2tsp dried parsley
- 1/2tsp Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Prepare the Corn
- Remove the husks and silk from the corn, rinse under water, and pat dry.
- Cut the corn into segments about 5–8cm long. Slice each segment lengthwise into quarters, creating “ribs.” Place the corn ribs on a baking tray lined with aluminum foil, ensuring they are spaced apart.
Marinate the Corn
- Combine chili powder, cumin powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and olive oil in a bowl.
- Mix thoroughly, then brush the marinade evenly onto each piece of corn rib, ensuring they are fully coated.
Cook the Corn
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 200°C. Place the tray on the middle rack and roast for 20 minutes, flipping the ribs 1–2 times for even cooking.
- Air Fryer Method: Preheat the air fryer to 180°C for 5 minutes. Place the ribs in the basket with adequate spacing. Cook for 20 minutes, flipping every 5–7 minutes.
Prepare the Dipping Sauce
- While the corn ribs cook, combine yogurt, yellow mustard, salt, black pepper, dried parsley, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
Garnish and Serve
- Once the corn ribs are cooked, remove them from the oven or air fryer.
- Arrange them on a plate and sprinkle with chili powder, dried parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with the dipping sauce on the side.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Fresh corn works best for this recipe, but you can use frozen corn if needed. Thaw it completely and pat it dry before slicing and marinating. - Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the corn ribs and marinate them in advance. Store them in the fridge for up to 12 hours before cooking. - Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely! Feel free to reduce or omit the chili powder if you prefer a milder flavor.
Spiced Corn Ribs: Perfect for Snacks or Gatherings
Ingredients
Corn
- 3 ears fresh corn choose plump and fresh ones
Marinade
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Dipping Sauce
- 100 g yogurt
- 2 tsp yellow mustard
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 10 ml lemon juice
Garnish
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Prepare the Corn
- Remove the husks and silk from the corn, rinse under water, and pat dry.
- Cut the corn into segments about 5–8cm long. Slice each segment lengthwise into quarters, creating “ribs.” Place the corn ribs on a baking tray lined with aluminum foil, ensuring they are spaced apart.
Marinate the Corn
- Combine chili powder, cumin powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and olive oil in a bowl.
- Mix thoroughly, then brush the marinade evenly onto each piece of corn rib, ensuring they are fully coated.
Cook the Corn
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 200°C. Place the tray on the middle rack and roast for 20 minutes, flipping the ribs 1–2 times for even cooking.
- Air Fryer Method: Preheat the air fryer to 180°C for 5 minutes. Place the ribs in the basket with adequate spacing. Cook for 20 minutes, flipping every 5–7 minutes.
Prepare the Dipping Sauce
- While the corn ribs cook, combine yogurt, yellow mustard, salt, black pepper, dried parsley, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
Garnish and Serve
- Once the corn ribs are cooked, remove them from the oven or air fryer.
- Arrange them on a plate and sprinkle with chili powder, dried parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with the dipping sauce on the side.