Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A creative and delicious way to eat corn on the cob
- Loaded with rich garlic butter and sharp Parmesan cheese
- Sweetness of corn balanced with a hint of lemon and chili flakes
- Simple ingredients, fast preparation, and great for gatherings
- Perfect side dish for BBQs, dinners, or casual meals
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 cobs of corn, each cut into 4 ribs
- ⅓ cup butter (salted butter works fine)
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 pinch red chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Freshly ground black pepper
Directions
- Cut each cob of corn into 4 ribs:
- Stand the cob upright on the wide end after trimming the stem end to stabilize.
- Cut the cob lengthwise in half, then cut each half in half again to get 4 ribs.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Simmer corn ribs for 2-3 minutes.
- Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute to mellow the flavor.
- Stir in lemon juice, red chili flakes, freshly ground black pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
- Drain the corn ribs and smother with the Parmesan-garlic butter mixture.
- Serve warm and enjoy digging in!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Add smoked paprika or cayenne for a smoky, spicy kick.
- Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- Sprinkle extra fresh herbs like basil or thyme for an herbal twist.
- Grill the corn ribs after boiling for added char and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Best enjoyed fresh and warm.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated gently in a skillet.
- Reheating may soften the crispy texture, so try to consume soon after cooking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Fresh corn works best, but thawed frozen corn on the cob can be used as a substitute.
How do I prevent garlic from burning?
Cook the garlic briefly just until fragrant; avoid cooking it too long.
Can I prepare the butter mixture ahead?
Yes, prepare the butter sauce in advance and warm it gently before serving.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
Dried parsley or other fresh herbs like cilantro or chives work well.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild heat from chili flakes, which you can adjust or omit.
Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes, just add a pinch of salt if using unsalted butter.
How do I get the Parmesan cheese to stick?
Toss the hot corn ribs immediately with the Parmesan butter to coat well.
Can I bake or grill instead of boiling?
Yes, grilling after boiling or baking adds smoky flavor and crunch.
What sides pair well with corn ribs?
Serve with grilled meats, salads, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Are corn ribs suitable for kids?
Yes, they’re a fun and tasty way for kids to enjoy corn.
Conclusion
Parmesan-Garlic Corn Ribs are a deliciously unique way to enjoy sweet corn with a buttery, garlicky, and cheesy twist. Quick and easy to make, these corn ribs make a fantastic side dish for any meal, guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser with their bold flavor and fun presentation.
Parmesan-Garlic Corn Ribs
Parmesan-Garlic Corn Ribs are a fun and flavorful twist on corn on the cob, featuring sweet corn ribs smothered in garlicky butter, sharp Parmesan, lemon, and chili flakes. Perfect as a side dish for any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling and tossing with butter sauce
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
4 cobs of corn, each cut into 4 ribs
⅓ cup butter (salted butter works fine)
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 pinch red chili flakes
1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cut each cob of corn into 4 ribs: stand the cob upright on the wide end after trimming the stem end to stabilize. Cut the cob lengthwise in half, then each half in half again to get 4 ribs.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Simmer corn ribs for 2-3 minutes.
- Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute to mellow the flavor.
- Stir in lemon juice, red chili flakes, freshly ground black pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
- Drain the corn ribs and smother with the Parmesan-garlic butter mixture.
- Serve warm and enjoy digging in!
Notes
Add smoked paprika or cayenne for smoky, spicy kick.
Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for sharper flavor.
Sprinkle extra fresh herbs like basil or thyme for an herbal twist.
Grill the corn ribs after boiling for added char and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg