Corn Ribs with Aleppo Chili Butter & Lime Zest Cream Cheese Recipe

Quick & Tangy Corn Ribs with Aleppo Chili Butter Recipe

Crispy corn ribs with aleppo chili butter promise a revolutionary twist on classic side dishes.

Kernels caramelized to golden perfection create an irresistible texture you’ll crave.

Bold spices dance across each grilled segment, awakening taste buds with complex flavors.

Creamy lime zest and smooth cheese provide a luxurious counterpoint to the smoky heat.

Summer gatherings deserve something extraordinary that sparks conversation and delights guests.

Unexpected combinations make this recipe a standout among traditional corn preparations.

Dive into this culinary adventure and surprise everyone at your next meal.

Corn Ribs With Aleppo Chili Butter & Lime Zest Cream Cheese: Spicy Meets Creamy

  • Slice and Sizzle
  • Spice Up Your Plate: Aleppo chili butter and lime zest cream cheese create a bold, tangy flavor combination that elevates a basic corn dish into a gourmet experience.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Air fryer or oven cooking method offers flexible preparation, allowing you to whip up a delicious side dish or snack in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients and effort.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for casual gatherings, game days, or as a unique vegetarian appetizer that appeals to both adults and kids with its playful presentation and vibrant flavors.

Ingredients For Corn Ribs With Chili Butter

Main Ingredients:

Corn Vegetables:
  • Corn: Fresh vegetable that forms the base of this delicious dish and provides a crispy texture when cooked.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: Helps coat the corn and promotes even cooking and browning.
  • Paprika Powder: Adds a mild, sweet pepper flavor and beautiful color to the corn.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle, aromatic garlic essence to the dish.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the corn.
Butter and Sauce Components:
  • Aleppo Chili: Adds a warm, moderate heat with a fruity undertone to the butter sauce.
  • Vegan Butter: Creates a rich and smooth base for the chili butter.
Cream Cheese Topping:
  • Vegan Cream Cheese: Provides a tangy and creamy element to complement the spicy corn.
  • Lime Zest: Adds bright, citrusy notes to the cream cheese.
  • Lime Juice: Enhances the freshness and tanginess of the cream cheese.
Garnish and Texture:
  • Pine Nuts, Green Onions, Coriander: Add crunch, freshness, and visual appeal to the final dish.

How To Prepare Corn Ribs With Aleppo Chili Butter

Step 1: Craft Flavor-Packed Seasoning

Create a vibrant seasoning mixture by combining olive oil with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl.

Set this aromatic blend aside for coating the corn.

Step 2: Transform Corn into Delectable Ribs

Carefully wash and thoroughly dry the corn.

Using a sharp knife on a stable surface, slice the corn in half vertically, then cut each half into quarters lengthwise.

If you’re not confident with knife skills, consider leaving the corn whole or cutting in half.

Step 3: Roast Corn to Crispy Perfection

Generously brush each corn piece with the prepared seasoning mixture.

Cook in an air fryer at 355°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping midway.

Alternatively, bake in the oven at 355°F for 30-35 minutes until edges turn golden and slightly crispy.

Look for a beautiful curl and caramelized edges.

Step 4: Whip Up Fiery Aleppo Chili Butter

In a small pan, combine butter and Aleppo chili.

Gently melt over low heat, stirring until ingredients blend smoothly.

Keep warm or reheat briefly before serving.

Step 5: Create Tangy Lime Cream Cheese

In a small bowl, mix:
  • Cream cheese
  • Fresh lime zest
  • Lime juice

Blend until creamy and well combined.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 6: Assemble Your Culinary Masterpiece

Arrange roasted corn ribs on a serving plate.

Top with:
  • Dollops of lime cream cheese
  • Drizzles of spicy Aleppo butter
  • Sprinkle of
  • Toasted pine nuts
  • Chopped green onions
  • Fresh coriander
  • Additional lime zest

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Present as a mouthwatering appetizer or vibrant side dish.

Enjoy immediately while warm and crispy.

Tips For Perfectly Cooked Corn Ribs

  • Use a sharp knife on a stable cutting board, holding the corn vertically and carefully pushing the knife down to create safe, even corn ribs.
  • Cook corn ribs in multiple batches to ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding, which can lead to uneven browning or steaming.
  • Adjust Aleppo chili butter quantity based on personal heat tolerance, adding more or less to suit individual spice preferences.
  • Zest lime directly into cream cheese for maximum citrus essence and mix thoroughly to distribute the bright, tangy notes evenly.
  • Sprinkle pine nuts, green onions, coriander, and lime zest sparingly to maintain a delicate texture and prevent overwhelming the corn ribs' delicate flavor.

Variations For Corn Ribs With Cream Cheese

  • Veggie Lover's Corn Ribs: Replace corn with large zucchini or eggplant slices, maintaining the same seasoning and cooking technique for a low-carb alternative.
  • Spicy Mexican Corn Ribs: Swap Aleppo chili for chipotle powder, add smoked paprika to the butter, and garnish with cotija cheese instead of cream cheese for a zestier southwestern profile.
  • Herb Garden Corn Ribs: Use herb-infused olive oil with rosemary and thyme, replace Aleppo chili butter with a garlic-herb compound butter, and sprinkle with fresh chopped basil and parsley for a fresh Mediterranean-inspired version.

Ideas For Serving Corn Ribs With Lime Zest Cream Cheese

  • Spicy Appetizer Delight: Serve these corn ribs as a zesty starter at summer barbecues or game night gatherings.
  • Gourmet Side Dish: Pair with grilled proteins like chicken, fish, or plant-based alternatives for a restaurant-quality meal experience.
  • Party Platter Perfection: Arrange corn ribs on a large wooden board with extra chili butter and cream cheese for a shareable, interactive dining style.
  • Picnic Power Snack: Pack corn ribs in a sealed container for outdoor meals, keeping the cream cheese and chili butter separate until serving to maintain crispness.

Storing Corn Ribs For Freshness

  • Store leftover corn ribs in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate cream cheese and chili butter into individual sealed containers to maintain freshness.
  • Warm corn ribs at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even heating.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F, place corn ribs on a baking sheet, and heat for 5-7 minutes. Drizzle additional chili butter before serving to restore moisture.
  • Wrap corn ribs individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

  • What is Aleppo chili, and why is it used in this recipe?

Aleppo chili is a mild, fruity pepper from Syria with a moderate heat level. It adds a unique, slightly smoky flavor and gentle warmth to the chili butter, enhancing the overall taste of the corn ribs.

  • Can I substitute Aleppo chili if I can't find it?

Yes, you can use alternatives like smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or ancho chili powder. Each will provide a slightly different flavor profile, but they’ll still add depth and mild heat to the dish.

  • Is this recipe suitable for people who don't like spicy food?

Absolutely! Aleppo chili is relatively mild, providing more flavor than intense heat. The cream cheese and lime also help balance any potential spiciness, making it friendly for those with lower spice tolerance.

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Corn Ribs with Aleppo Chili Butter & Lime Zest Cream Cheese Recipe

Corn Ribs with Aleppo Chili Butter & Lime Zest Cream Cheese Recipe


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4.7 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Zesty corn ribs with Aleppo chili butter dance across your plate, bringing Mexican street corn magic to life. Creamy lime zest and spicy butter create a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 ears of corn
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 125 grams cream cheese

Seasoning and Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Aleppo chili flakes
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Garnish and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • 1/2 lime juiced
  • 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
  • 1 green onion, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Create a zesty seasoning mixture by combining olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl.
  2. Carefully prepare corn by standing each cob vertically and using a sharp knife to slice lengthwise into quarters, ensuring a stable cutting surface and careful technique.
  3. Generously coat corn quarters with prepared seasoning mixture, ensuring even coverage across all surfaces.
  4. Air-fry corn quarters at 355°F for 15-20 minutes, rotating halfway through cooking process, until edges turn golden brown and slightly crispy.
  5. While corn cooks, prepare Aleppo chili butter by melting vegan butter in a pan over low heat, incorporating Aleppo chili and mixing thoroughly.
  6. Create lime cream cheese by blending vegan cream cheese with fresh lime zest and juice in a separate bowl, then refrigerate until serving.
  7. Plate corn ribs by arranging quarters on serving dish and topping with dollops of lime cream cheese.
  8. Drizzle warm Aleppo chili butter over corn ribs, creating an appetizing presentation.
  9. Garnish with toasted pine nuts, finely chopped green onions, fresh coriander, and additional lime zest for vibrant flavor and texture.
  10. Serve immediately as an innovative appetizer or accompaniment to main dishes.

Notes

  • Carefully handle sharp knives when cutting corn, using a stable cutting surface and taking your time to slice vertically through the cob.
  • Air fryer and oven methods work equally well, with slight temperature and timing adjustments to achieve that perfect golden-brown crispy texture.
  • Already vegan-friendly recipe uses plant-based butter and cream cheese, making it easily accessible for different dietary preferences.
  • Toast pine nuts briefly before sprinkling to release their nutty aroma and add extra depth to the dish’s overall flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 388 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 182 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 41 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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