Sizzling Vegan Corn Ribs with Spicy-Zesty Toppings Recipe

Sizzling off the grill, these delectable vegan corn ribs with Aleppo chili butter dance with bold, mouthwatering flavors that instantly captivate.

The crispy edges and smoky essence create an irresistible summer sensation.

Charred kernels provide a stunning visual and textural experience that challenges traditional side dish expectations.

Each bite bursts with zesty lime cream cheese and spicy Aleppo butter, promising a culinary adventure beyond ordinary vegetables.

The plant-based twist delivers complex layers of heat and brightness that surprise even dedicated meat lovers.

Tantalizing and unexpected, these corn ribs turn a simple vegetable into a show-stopping dish that will elevate any gathering.

Dive into this recipe and unleash a world of vibrant, plant-powered deliciousness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes (air fryer) or 35 minutes (oven)

Total Time: 35-50 minutes

Calories: 235 kcal

Servings: 5

What You Need for Vegan Corn Ribs with Aleppo Chili Butter

• Corn: Select fresh, sweet corn with vibrant green husks and plump kernels for maximum flavor and texture.
• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior while enhancing the corn's natural sweetness.

• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Create a robust, aromatic coating that elevates the corn's natural taste with warm, savory notes.

• Vegan Butter, Olive Oil: Form the base of a rich, spicy Aleppo Chili Butter with deep, complex heat.
• Aleppo Chili Flakes: Provide a smoky, moderate warmth with fruity undertones.
• Vegan Cream Cheese: Delivers a tangy, creamy counterpoint to the spicy butter.
• Lime Zest, Lime Juice: Brighten the dish with citrusy, zesty notes that cut through richness.
• Pine Nuts: Add a buttery, nutty crunch and elegant texture.
• Green Onions, Coriander: Introduce fresh, herbal complexity and visual appeal.

Equipment to Cook Corn Ribs with Aleppo Chili Butter

• Air fryer or oven: Essential for roasting corn ribs to golden perfection.
• Sharp knife: Perfect for cutting corn lengthwise into rib-like pieces.
• Small mixing bowls: Needed for preparing oil mixture, chili butter, and lime cream cheese.
• Pastry brush: Great for evenly coating corn with seasoned oil.
• Cutting board: Provides stable surface for slicing corn.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and seasonings.
• Microplane or zester: Ideal for creating fine lime zest.
• Low heat stovetop: Useful for melting vegan butter and creating chili butter.

Instructions for Vegan Corn Ribs with Flavorful Butter

• Corn Preparation

Select fresh corn and slice into rib-like pieces carefully using a sharp knife.

• Seasoning Blend

Create a flavorful coating by mixing olive oil with spices to enhance the corn’s natural taste.

• Air Fryer Magic

Cook corn pieces in air fryer, rotating midway to ensure even golden crispiness and slight curling.

• Chili Butter Creation

Gently warm vegan butter with olive oil, infusing it with spicy Aleppo chili flakes for a rich, complex flavor.

• Zesty Cream Cheese

Combine vegan cream cheese with bright lime zest and juice for a tangy, creamy accompaniment.

• Elegant Plating

Arrange corn ribs on serving dish, generously topping with lime cream cheese and drizzling spicy chili butter.

• Final Garnish

Sprinkle pine nuts, green onions, coriander, and extra lime zest to add texture and fresh herbal notes.

Tips to Add Even More Spice

• Choose plump, bright yellow corn with tight, green husks for the best flavor and texture. Farmers market corn often provides superior taste compared to supermarket varieties.
• Adjust Aleppo chili butter intensity by adding more or less chili flakes. Swap Aleppo chili with smoked paprika or chipotle for different heat profiles and flavor dimensions.
• No air fryer? Grill corn ribs for smoky char marks or roast in a conventional oven. Outdoor grilling adds delicious caramelized edges and deeper flavor complexity.
• Transform this side dish into a complete meal by adding crispy tofu cubes, roasted chickpeas, or tempeh crumbles directly on top of the corn ribs.
• Prepare lime zest cream cheese and Aleppo chili butter up to 3 days in advance. Store separately in sealed containers in the refrigerator for quick and easy assembly when ready to serve.

Serve These Corn Ribs Boldly

• Picnic Party Perfection: Spread these corn ribs on a large platter for outdoor gatherings, creating a stunning centerpiece that will wow friends and family.
• Appetizer Elegance: Arrange corn ribs on small plates with extra cream cheese and chili butter on the side, perfect for sophisticated dinner parties or cocktail events.
• Game Day Delight: Serve these spicy corn ribs as a crowd-pleasing alternative to traditional finger foods, paired with cold beverages and casual company.
• Summer Barbecue Star: Present corn ribs alongside grilled vegetables and plant-based proteins for a complete vegan meal that celebrates fresh, vibrant flavors.

How to Store Corn Ribs Without Losing Flavor

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep corn ribs and accompanying sauces in sealed containers for up to 3 days. Separate components to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.
• Advance Prep Strategy: Chop corn and mix seasonings 24 hours before cooking. Store marinated corn in refrigerator's vegetable drawer, covered with plastic wrap for maximum flavor absorption.
• Batch Cooking Hack: Prepare larger quantities of corn ribs during weekend meal prep. Freeze individual portions in airtight freezer bags, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm leftover corn ribs in air fryer at 160°C for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave to prevent texture degradation and maintain original golden crunch.

Crispy Vegan Corn Ribs

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4.5 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 35-50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Charred Mexican-inspired vegan corn ribs showcase bold street-style flavors from Latin American cuisine. Smoky Aleppo chili butter and zesty lime cream cheese elevate plant-based grilling with crisp, addictive textures you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 ears of corn
• 3 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tsp sweet paprika powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• 3 tbsps vegan butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 ½ tbsps Aleppo chili flakes
• Salt
• 125 g (4.4 oz) vegan cream cheese
• Zest of 1 lime
• ½ lime, juiced
• 2 tbsps toasted pine nuts
• 1 green onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp finely chopped coriander
• Extra lime zest (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat air fryer to 180°C / 355°F for optimal corn cooking conditions.
2. Seasoning Creation: Whisk olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into a robust flavor blend.
3. Corn Transformation: Slice corn cobs lengthwise into elegant paddle-shaped segments, ensuring precise cutting technique.
4. Flavor Infusion: Thoroughly coat corn pieces with seasoning mixture, massaging spices into every surface for maximum taste absorption.
5. Air Frying Technique: Position corn segments in air fryer basket without overcrowding, cooking for 15-20 minutes and rotating midway to achieve uniform golden-brown crispiness.
6. Aleppo Chili Butter Crafting: Melt vegan butter with olive oil, integrate Aleppo chili flakes and salt to create a fiery, aromatic condiment.
7. Lime Cream Cheese Preparation: Blend vegan cream cheese with lime zest and juice, whipping into a vibrant, tangy spread.
8. Plating Artistry: Arrange crispy corn ribs on serving platter, adorning with lime cream cheese dollops and a lavish drizzle of spicy Aleppo Chili Butter.
9. Final Flourish: Embellish with toasted pine nuts, chopped green onions, fresh coriander leaves, and an extra sprinkle of lime zest for textural complexity.
10. Serving Recommendation: Present immediately as an innovative, plant-based culinary masterpiece that celebrates creative vegan cuisine.

Notes

• Slice with Care: Use a sharp knife and steady cutting board to transform corn cobs into precise, paddle-shaped ribs without crushing the kernels.
• Seasoning Strategy: Massage the oil and spice mixture thoroughly into corn segments to ensure deep, even flavor penetration and maximum taste experience.
• Spacing Matters: Arrange corn ribs in a single layer with small gaps between pieces in the air fryer to guarantee crispy, evenly cooked results.
• Zesty Finishing Touch: Add garnishes just before serving to maintain fresh texture and vibrant colors, preventing herbs from wilting and nuts from losing crispness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes (air fryer) or 35 minutes (oven)
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 235
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg