Score big on game day with Grilled Corn Ribs! Seasoned with a special blend of spices and grilled until perfectly cooked, these corn ribs offer a smoky, sweet crunch in every bite. They're an irresistible addition to your game day spread that's sure to have your guests coming back for more. Grill and thrill your guests with these delectable bites that are as fun to eat as they are to make!
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What Makes Grilled Corn on the Cob Ribs So Good?
For anyone who has never tried Grilled Corn Ribs, it is time to shock your taste buds with this new side dish. Sure, it may look like ordinary grilled corn on the cob cut into pieces, but the seasoning and the fun factor will elevate your culinary game.
Not only are the corn ribs coated in a spice mixture containing paprika, garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, but after a quick walk across the grill, they are brushed with plenty of garlic butter before serving. You've never had such smoky, tongue-tingling corn before!
Why You'll Love These Corn Strips on the Grill
So, what makes this preparation method much better than grilling whole ears of corn? Besides being a unique way to serve an old favorite, cutting the corn into smaller pieces allows it to cook much quicker, and you wind up with more flavorful charred bits.
You can serve these corn riblets as an accompaniment to just about any main course or enjoy them as a healthy snack with your favorite dipping sauce.
Grilled Corn Ribs Ingredients
For the corn ribs, you'll need:
- Whole corn cobs
- Vegetable oil
- Sweet or smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
The fresher the corn, the better the results. Buy the kind that is still in the husks for the best flavor.
The seasoning dramatically affects how this Grilled Corn Ribs recipe turns out. If your spices have been sitting around for a while, get new ones, and always freshly ground the black pepper.
For the seasoned garlic butter:
- Salted butter
- Minced garlic
Although you can save some time using preminced garlic, don't substitute garlic powder.
How to Make Corn Ribs on a Grill
To cut the corn for grilling:
- A sharp knife is a safe knife, so make sure to sharpen the knife you use for cutting the corn cobs before using it. Since you will be cutting through a corn cob, you must be very careful. For extra safety, you can use cut-resistant kitchen gloves.
- Remove the husk and corn silk from the corn and rinse it off. Dry the corn well.
- Very carefully cut the corn in half into two shorter rounds.
- Stand one piece of the corn on the cutting board upright and slice through it. Watch your fingers!
- Cut each half into half again. The corn will be even more unstable for this cut, so don't rush! You will wind up with four long pieces. Place the cut corn ribs into a large bowl and reserve for later.
- Repeat with the remaining corn cobs.
To prepare the corn for grilling:
- Pour the vegetable oil into the bowl with the corn ribs.
- Sprinkle the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the top.
- Use your hands to toss the corn ribs to coat.
To grill the corn ribs:
- Prepare the grill for direct grilling over a medium-hot flame. You can use either a gas or charcoal grill, but corn ribs grilled over charcoal are more flavorful and worth the extra effort.
- While the grill is getting hot, you have time to prepare the garlic butter using the instructions below.
- Once the grill is hot, place the corn ribs kernel-side down on the grate.
- Grill for about three minutes on each of the three sides until they begin to char.
- Remove the corn from the grill and brush with the garlic butter.
To make the garlic butter:
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan on the stove over medium heat.
- Once the butter stops foaming, add the minced garlic and allow the garlic to saute for 15 to 20 seconds. Turn off the heat and cover to keep warm. Alternatively, you can melt the butter in the microwave and stir in the minced garlic, but the sauce will be less flavorful.
What to Serve With Grilled Corn Ribs
This Grilled Corn Ribs recipe makes a fantastic side for chicken and steak. It also works as an appetizer or snack. Here are some suggestions on how to make corn strips on the grill extra special:
- Add a dipping sauce or two. Skip the garlic butter and let your guests customize the corn ribs with a selection of dipping sauces. BBQ sauce is a popular one.
- Shake on some shredded cheese. Finely shredded cheese, like parmesan cheese, cotija cheese, or romano, adds nuttiness for a more complex flavor.
- Lime Wedges. A drizzle of fresh lime juice brightens up the grilled corn.
- Sprinkle on chopped cilantro. Fresh cilantro adds brightness to these corn ribs that pairs well with the charred flavor of the kernels.
How Store Grilled Corn on the Cob Ribs
Cool the corn ribs and transfer them to an airtight container. Keep them for up to three days in the fridge.
What Is the Best Way to Reheat Corn Ribs?
Warm up the corn ribs in the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Lay the corn ribs on a baking sheet and cover them with aluminum foil.
- Heat the corn until hot, 8 to 10 minutes.
More Tasty Recipes for Game Day
Grilled Corn Ribs
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons sweet or smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 ears corn
- vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic optional
- 3 ounces butter optional
Instructions
- Heat the grill to 350°F.
- In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper and stir to combine.
- Remove the husks from the corn and cut each cob in half so that you have 8 short corn cobs. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each cob in half vertically through the core. Then slice each half again to quarter the corn cob, creating long, rib-like pieces.
- Place the corn in a bowl and drizzle with vegetable oil. Sprinkle the seasoning blend over the corn.
- Place the seasoned corn ribs directly on the grill grates, kernel-side down. Grill for about 2 to 4 minutes on each side or until the corn is tender and has grill marks.
- If desired, combine the garlic and melted butter and drizzle it over the corn ribs just before serving.
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