Combine sweet corn on the cob with BBQ spices and then drizzle with mayo dip in this irresistible Baked Corn Ribs recipe.
These strips of corn called ribs are an amazing side dish that can be made in the oven. But they can also be made in the air fryer, or on the grill. Made on the grill they are similar to elote style (grilled Mexican corn). Drizzle with mayo dip and sprinkle with cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a pinch of ancho chili powder! They are generally eaten hot out of the oven, but there is a good possibility that they will still be devoured cold!
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What are Corn Ribs?
- Corn ribs are made when a cob of corn is cut in four sections lengthwise. Sometimes called riblets, these golden strips of corn will shine at any dinner table or party platter.
- Eating corn on the cob can sometimes be cumbersome and little messy. The corn rib is smaller which makes it a bit easier to eat.
- Corn on the cob is delicious with just butter and salt – no question. But these corn ribs combine butter and a salty BBQ seasoning that makes the corn ‘pop’ with taste! Delicious!
- The Homemade BBQ mayo dip is optional, but highly recommended. This creamy dip is worth the extra time it takes to make.
- Cut the corn off the riblets and add to Vegetable or Hamburger Soup for delicious flavor. Or add it to recipes that call for corn like this Black Bean Corn Salad.
Baked Corn Rib Ingredients
CORN – Two ears of corn are all that is needed for this recipe. Peel away the husk of the corn and remove any of the lingering corn strings. Cut corn lengthwise into 4 riblet sections.
BBQ RUB – Buy a premade BBQ rub or make the one included with this recipe.
MAYO DIP – This mayo dip is so quick and easy to put together. Just a little mayo with some BBQ sauce, lime juice, and salt. So simple and yet so flavorful.
How to Make Baked Corn Ribs
Make these golden strips as a sweet and savory side dish or appetizer.
- Cut corn cob into riblets as per the recipe below.
- Brush riblets with butter and BBQ seasoning. Bake in oven.
- Drizzle with mayo dip.
On the Grill – Place riblets on the grill and brush with BBQ sauce. Grill for 16 minutes turning halfway through.
In the Air Fryer – Coat the corn with butter mixture. Cook for 10-15 minutes. Or follow this air fryer corn ribs recipe.
PRO TIP: Use a knife longer than the length of the corn and use a cloth to help press down on the knife. Alternately, break corn in half before cutting lengthwise (creates 8 smaller corn ribs, per above)
Tips & Tricks
To make the corn easier to cut here are a few tips:
- Carefully use a very sharp knife
- Cut off each end of the cob so they are flat. This makes standing it upright and cutting it lengthwise easier and safer.
- When the corn is standing on end, cut it lengthwise rocking the knife back and forth.
- Cut the cob once more to make 4 quarters. This can be done in one of two ways; either stand the corn on end again and slice it lengthwise, or lay the long cut end down and slice it half that way (the latter is a more stable way to do it).
Leftovers
Corn ribs are best served immediately. However, leftovers will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. For long term storage, freeze corn ribs in a ziplock bag for up to 6 months.
To reheat corn, cover with foil (or uncovered) and heat in a 375˚F oven for 8-10 minutes or until heated through. Heat uncovered in an air fryer preheated to 370˚F for 3-4 minutes. If riblets are frozen, thaw for 30 minutes at room temperature before reheating.
Other Easy Side Dishes To Try!
- Baked Zucchini Sticks – easy side or appetizer.
- Parmesan Roasted Broccoli – so flavorful.
- Oven Roasted Asparagus – 5 minute prep!
- Oven Roasted Radishes – low carb side.
Baked Corn Ribs
Ingredients
- 2 cobs corn shucked & silk removed
- 3 Tablespoons butter melted
- 3 Tablespoons BBQ rub per recipe below or your favorite rub
- 1 Tablespoon cilantro or parsley, optional for garnish
BBQ Rub
- 1 ½ Tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
BBQ Mayo Dip (optional)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise or sour cream
- 1 Tablespoon barbecue sauce optional
- 1 Tablespoon lime juice (juice of ½ a lime) or lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cut ends off of corn cobs so that they are flat.
- Cut corn into 4 ribs (quarter lengthwise)*. Standing one cob on the end, cut in half lengthwise right in the center of the corn using a very sharp knife. Rock back and forth and push firmly to cut through. Cut each half in half lengthwise again (either by standing up or lying the cob on the side). Rock back and forth and push firmly to cut through.
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter and BBQ rub ingredients.
- Spread butter mixture on corn side with a brush. If extra butter mixture, spread on the side of the corn ribs.
- Bake on a parchment lined baking tray for 25-30 minutes** or until corn is cooked, and corn ribs start to crisp and curl.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix Mayo Dip ingredients thoroughly. Sprinkle with cilantro if using and serve with Mayo Dip if desired.
To Air Fry:
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Without melting butter, mix ingredients as directed. Use a spatula or knife to coat the corn side of each rib with the butter mixture.
- Place corn ribs in air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until corn is cooked, and corn ribs start to crisp and curl.
To Grill:
- Preheat grill to medium-high.
- Place prepared corn ribs on the grill. After 8 minutes, flip and brush with your favorite BBQ sauce. Cook for 6-8 more minutes, or until corn is cooked, and corn ribs start to carmelize and curl.
- Brush with additional sauce if desired, sprinkle with cilantro if using, and serve.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
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This is DELICIOUS! I had a hard time cutting the corn, but I’m sure it’s due to dull knives and wimpy arms. I baked the corn in the oven. Turned out perfect. So good with the bbq mayo dip (Will use the dip for other recipes too!)
So happy to hear that Katie! Great idea to use the dip for other recipes too!