Corn ribs with pepper and lemon, the perfect side dish for your meats
Corn ribs are a different way to prepare corn, as it's cut lengthwise into thick strips that resemble small ribs. This cut allows the corn to cook more evenly and the seasonings to adhere better to the kernels.
- 8 large fresh ears of corn
- 4 tablespoons of melted butter
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 teaspoons of ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Juice of 3 lemons
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro
- 1. First, remove the husks covering the corn and the strings between the kernels. Then wash each piece with water to remove any remaining dirt.
- 2. Place the corn on a firm board, then cut the corn in half lengthwise. Next, cut each half again lengthwise.
- 3. This way you'll get four long strips, similar to small ribs. If the corn is very large, you can also get six pieces.
- 4. In a bowl, mix together: melted butter, olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and lemon zest. This mixture will help the ribs brown better and have more flavor.
- 5. Place the pieces in a large bowl or on a tray and cover them with the mixture. You can use a pastry brush or a spoon to make sure all sides of the corn are well coated.
- 6. To cook them, you can do it in the oven, preheating to 200 °C. Place the ribs on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
- 7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, turning them over halfway through. As they cook, the corn pieces will usually curl slightly, making them look more like ribs.
- 8. In an air fryer, preheat the fryer to 190°C. Cook the ribs for 12 to 15 minutes.
- 9. On the grill: Place the pieces directly on the hot grill for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning them so they cook evenly.
- 10. When the ribs are ready, place them on a large plate and add fresh lemon juice on top.
Furthermore, its shape makes it easy to eat with your hands, making it perfect for gatherings, barbecues, or casual meals. In recent years, corn ribs have become popular thanks to their presence on social media and recipe websites, where they are presented as an original way to prepare corn.
They've also become a practical option because they can be cooked in different ways, such as in the oven, air fryer, or on the grill. These pepper and lemon ribs combine the natural sweetness of corn with the freshness of lemon and the intense kick of pepper, creating a side dish that goes very well with roasted meats or grilled dishes.
- First, remove the husks covering the corn and the silks between the kernels. Then, wash each piece with water to remove any remaining dirt.
- Place the ear of corn on a firm board; then cut the ear of corn in half lengthwise. Next, cut each half lengthwise again.
- This way you'll get four long strips, similar to small ribs. If the corn is very large, you can also get six pieces.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and lemon zest. This mixture will help the ribs brown better and have more flavor.
- Place the pieces in a large bowl or on a tray and cover them with the mixture. You can use a pastry brush or a spoon to make sure all sides of the corn are well coated.
- To cook them, you can do so in the oven, preheated to 200°C. Place the ribs on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, turning them over halfway through. As they cook, the corn pieces will usually curl slightly, making them look more like ribs.
- In an air fryer, preheat the fryer to 190°C. Cook the ribs for 12 to 15 minutes.
- Grill: Place the pieces directly on the hot grill for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning them so they cook evenly.
- When the ribs are ready, place them on a large plate and add fresh lemon juice on top.
You can also add chopped cilantro, fresh cheese, or chili powder for extra flavor.
Types of corn
Corn comes in a wide variety of types cultivated in different parts of the world. Each has different characteristics in flavor, texture, and culinary uses. These are some of the most common types used to prepare corn ribs:
- Sweet corn: Sweet corn is one of the most commonly consumed types of corn. It is distinguished by its lower starch content and higher natural sugar content, giving it a sweeter flavor. For this reason, it is frequently used to prepare boiled corn on the cob, salads, or oven-baked dishes.
- White corn: In Mexico, white corn is one of the most consumed varieties and is primarily used to prepare traditional foods. Most of the corn destined for human consumption in the country is of this variety. Its flavor is milder than that of sweet corn, and its texture is slightly firmer.
- Yellow corn: Yellow corn is also a widely cultivated variety. It is used for human consumption, in the food industry, and in animal feed production. When cooked, its vibrant color and slightly sweet flavor make it a good choice for baking or grilling.
There are also other types of corn in the world, such as dent corn, popcorn, flour corn, and crystalline corn, which are used to produce specific foods such as popcorn, flour, or various corn derivatives.
For this recipe, it is recommended to use fresh, tender corn on the cob, as its soft kernels cook better and absorb more of the flavor of the seasonings.
Peppered and lemon corn ribs make a great side dish because they combine sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. They pair well with dishes like carne asada, pork ribs, grilled chicken, hamburgers, or tacos. The contrast between the sweet corn and the stronger flavor of the meat helps to balance the dish.
Corn ribs with pepper and lemon are a simple and different way to prepare one of the most representative ingredients of Mexican cuisine.
Preparing corn on the cob in the shape of ribs allows you to enjoy it in a different way, ideal for gatherings or barbecues. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe demonstrates that traditional foods can also be adapted to new ways of cooking.
