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Get ready to spice up your next cookout with my Spicy Honey Butter Corn Ribs! This tasty treat blends sweet honey and spicy flavors that will elevate your grilled dishes to a whole new level. Imagine sweet, smoky corn turning golden on the grill, all while you enjoy the mouthwatering scents wafting through the air. Let’s dive into the easy steps to make this flavorful delight and impress your friends and family!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavor Profile: This recipe combines sweet honey with smoky and spicy elements, creating a deliciously complex flavor that elevates simple corn to a gourmet dish.
- Easy Preparation: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you can whip up these corn ribs in no time, making them perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue.
- Versatile Side Dish: These corn ribs pair wonderfully with a variety of main dishes, from grilled meats to vegetarian options, making them a versatile addition to any meal.
- Appealing Presentation: The unique rib shape of the corn not only adds visual interest but also makes them fun to eat, perfect for gatherings or casual dining.
Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients you need to make Spicy Honey Butter Corn Ribs:
– 4 large ears of corn, husked and halved lengthwise
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
– Lime wedges for serving
These ingredients create a sweet and spicy mix that makes the corn ribs shine. The corn brings a fresh taste, while the honey adds sweetness. The smoked paprika and cayenne give it that kick. Make sure to use fresh herbs for garnish to brighten up the dish. Lime wedges add a zesty touch that balances the flavors perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
– Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C).
– In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, honey, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth. This is your spicy honey butter.
– Carefully cut the corn in half lengthwise to make ‘ribs’. You will get eight pieces from each ear of corn.
Cooking Instructions
– Brush each corn rib generously with the spicy honey butter. Make sure to coat all sides. Save any leftover butter for later.
– Place the corn ribs on the grill or a baking sheet if you’re using an oven. Grill for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway, until tender and charred. If you bake, roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping once.
– When done, take them off the grill or oven. Brush again with more spicy honey butter for extra flavor.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
How to achieve perfect grill marks
To get those sought-after grill marks, heat your grill well. Make sure it reaches 400°F. Place the corn ribs on the grill and do not move them for about 5 minutes. This helps create those nice char lines. After 5 minutes, flip them carefully and repeat. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Adjusting spice levels to taste
Spice levels can be tailored to your liking. Start with the full amount of cayenne pepper. If you want less heat, cut it down to half a teaspoon. You can always add more spice during cooking, but you can’t take it away. Taste the spicy honey butter before brushing it on the corn ribs.
Serving Suggestions
Best ways to serve with lime wedges
Lime wedges add a fresh kick to the dish. Serve them on the side for guests. Squeeze some lime juice over the corn ribs just before eating. This brings out the sweet and spicy flavors, making each bite even better.
Pairing with drinks or sides
Corn ribs pair well with drinks like iced tea or lemonade. For sides, consider a fresh salad or grilled veggies. The lightness of these options complements the rich flavors of the corn. Enjoy the mix of tastes for a great meal.
Pro Tips
- Choosing the Right Corn: Select fresh, firm corn with bright green husks for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of cayenne pepper based on your heat preference; start with less if you’re unsure!
- Extra Char: For additional smokiness, consider grilling over charcoal instead of gas, or add some wood chips to the grill.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair these corn ribs with grilled meats or as a side dish at your next barbecue for a flavorful twist.
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
If you want to switch things up, there are great swaps for some ingredients.
– Alternatives for honey: Use maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweetness. Both options add a nice touch without losing flavor.
– Non-dairy butter options: Try coconut oil or vegan butter if you want a dairy-free choice. These options still give that rich taste.
Flavor Enhancements
You can also boost the flavors to make your corn ribs even better.
– Adding cheese or spices: Sprinkle some feta cheese on top for a salty kick. You can also add chili powder for extra heat. Both add depth and richness.
– Using different herbs for garnish: Fresh basil or mint can give a unique twist. These herbs bring a fresh taste that pairs nicely with the sweet and spicy notes.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
Store your Spicy Honey Butter Corn Ribs in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. Place them in the fridge as soon as they cool. They will last about 3 days. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just remember to thaw them before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat corn ribs, use the oven or grill. Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the corn on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes until warm. If using a grill, turn it on low and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps the texture nice and firm.
For extra flavor, brush on some spicy honey butter before reheating. This brings back the taste and makes them even better!
FAQs
Common Questions
Can I make Spicy Honey Butter Corn Ribs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the corn ribs ahead. Cut the corn and mix the spicy honey butter. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you are ready, just grill or bake them. This saves time and makes it easy to impress your guests.
What other vegetables can I use in this recipe?
You can use other veggies too. Try zucchini, bell peppers, or even eggplant. Just cut them into similar sizes. Brush them with the spicy honey butter and grill the same way. Experimenting can lead to fun new flavors.
Is it suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets?
This recipe is vegetarian but not vegan due to the butter and honey. To make it vegan, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative. Also, use maple syrup or agave instead of honey. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty treat!
Spicy Honey Butter Corn Ribs is a fun dish to make and serve. We covered the ingredients, preparation, cooking steps, and variations to make this dish perfect for you. Remember to adjust spices to your taste and think about serving with lime. Enjoy the fresh flavors and explore different versions. This dish is sure to impress at any meal. Get ready to grill, serve, and savor! You’ll love i
Spicy Honey Butter Corn Ribs
Delicious corn ribs brushed with a spicy honey butter mixture, perfect for grilling or roasting.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
- 4 large ears of corn, husked and halved lengthwise
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- to taste salt and black pepper
- for garnish fresh cilantro or parsley
- for serving lime wedges
Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, honey, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth. This will be your spicy honey butter.
Carefully cut the corn in half lengthwise to create 'ribs'. You should have a total of 8 pieces from each ear of corn.
Brush each corn rib generously with the spicy honey butter mixture, making sure to coat all sides. Reserve any leftover butter for serving.
Place the corn ribs on the grill or on a baking sheet if using an oven. Grill for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are tender and have nice char marks. If baking, roast for about 25-30 minutes, flipping once.
Once done, remove from the grill/oven and brush them again with a bit more spicy honey butter for extra flavor.
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a burst of citrus flavor.
Adjust the cayenne pepper to taste for desired spiciness.
Keyword butter, corn, grilling, honey, spicy
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