Caramelized Corn Ribs with Lime Crema

Sweet summer corn is in season, and it’s ripe for an upgrade. Not that there’s anything wrong with simple buttered corn, but it’s nice to switch things up and experiment. If you’re looking to jazz up your corn, look no further than these Caramelized Corn Ribs with Lime Crema. Corn cobs are cut into manageable “ribs” that curl as they cook, then lathered in a sweet-and-spicy ghee rub, drizzled with a bright, creamy lime crema, and finally topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh cilantro. Serve these as an appetizer or alongside grilled protein for a unique summer fare. 

Caramelized Corn Ribs with Lime Crema 

Serves: 6 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 7-30 minutes, depending on cooking style

Ingredients:

• 4 corn cobs
• 3-4 tbsp. ghee, melted (olive oil or butter works fine too)
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• ⅛ -¼ tsp. cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 1 tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. black pepper
• 1 tbsp. brown sugar

Lime Crema:

• 1 lime, zested
• 1/2 – 1 lime, juiced
• 1/2 cup sour cream

For serving:

• Freshly grated Parmesan, for serving
• Fresh cilantro, for serving

Directions:

1. Cut the corn. Soften the corn by microwaving, covered, for 3-4 minutes; this will make it easier to cut. Then, using a sharp knife and a non-slip cutting board, cut off the base and the pointy end of the corn. Cut the corn in half, widthwise. Then carefully cut the corn into half (it may be easier to stand the half cob upright for this), then half again to make quarters (1 ear of corn yields 8 ribs). 
2. Melt the ghee or butter, or add oil, in a small heat-safe bowl. Add garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, and brown sugar. Mix.
3. Season corn. Place corn in a large tin foil-lined baking sheet. Using a pastry brush, coat the ribs evenly with the spiced ghee. 
4. Cook the Ribs:
   1. Grill – Heat the grill to medium-high to high.
      • Place the corn ribs on the grill kernel side down. Grill for 6-8 minutes, covered, or until the ribs become caramelized, develop some char, and curl like ribs. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes cut side down. 
   2. Oven – Preheat the oven to 425 degrees (use convection if you have it).
      • Bake for 25-30 minutes. 
5. Make the lime crema. While the ribs are cooking, mix together lime zest, lime juice, sour cream, and salt for a lime crema. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

To finish: Transfer the ribs back to a serving plate, drizzle with the lime crema or serve on the side, then freshly grate Parmesan cheese on top and garnish with finely chopped cilantro. 

Notes: If you don’t feel comfortable cutting the corn into ribs, you can certainly season the entire corn cobs with this method; just adjust your cooking time higher.