If you’re looking to impress with something fun, flavorful, and totally unexpected, these Vegan Corn Ribs with Aleppo Chili Butter & Lime Zest Cream Cheese are your answer! Imagine taking sweet, juicy corn on the cob, slicing it into tender “ribs,” and then drenching it in a smoky, spicy butter. But wait—there’s more! You top it all off with a creamy, tangy lime zest cream cheese that balances out the heat perfectly. It’s a playful twist on the usual corn, and trust me, every bite is a mouthwatering journey. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a unique snack, these corn ribs are sure to steal the show.
Why You’ll Love Vegan Corn Ribs with Aleppo Chili Butter & Lime Zest Cream Cheese
These corn ribs are anything but ordinary! Here’s why you’ll fall in love with them:
Flavor Explosion
The combination of Aleppo chili butter and lime zest cream cheese is nothing short of magic. You get a little heat, a little tang, and a whole lot of rich, creamy goodness. Each bite is a balanced explosion of flavors that will have you craving more.
Fun & Unique
Vegan corn ribs? Yes, please! This recipe turns plain ol’ corn on the cob into an exciting, shareable dish that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. It’s definitely a conversation starter at your next get-together!
Easy & Quick
You don’t need a lot of time to prepare this dish. With just a few ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll have a showstopper that looks (and tastes) like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Customizable
Feel free to adjust the heat level with more or less Aleppo chili, or make the cream cheese more tangy by adding more lime zest. You can also swap the vegan cream cheese with regular cream cheese if you’re not sticking to a vegan diet.
Vegan & Delicious
This recipe is entirely plant-based, so it’s perfect for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone just looking to try something a little different. And trust me, it’s so delicious, no one will miss the meat.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible Vegan Corn Ribs with Aleppo Chili Butter & Lime Zest Cream Cheese:
Corn on the Cob
- The star of the show! Fresh corn on the cob is the base for these ribs. You’ll slice it into “ribs” that hold all the amazing flavors.
Olive Oil
- For brushing the corn before it hits the grill, olive oil helps crisp up the edges while keeping the corn tender inside.
Aleppo Chili Powder
- This mild, slightly fruity chili adds depth and a little spice. It’s not overpowering, just enough to bring a subtle heat to the dish.
Vegan Butter
- Vegan butter gives that rich, buttery flavor while keeping this dish plant-based. It’s the perfect base for the Aleppo chili powder.
Lime Zest
- Fresh lime zest gives the cream cheese a zesty, refreshing flavor that contrasts beautifully with the smoky, spicy corn.
Vegan Cream Cheese
- A creamy base for the lime zest. Vegan cream cheese is the perfect choice to keep this dish dairy-free, and it creates a rich and tangy topping for the corn ribs.
Fresh Cilantro (Optional)
- For garnish, fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness and a pop of color that brings everything together.
Instructions
Ready to make these vegan corn ribs? Here’s how to do it!
Step 1: Prep the Corn
Start by husking the corn and removing all the silk. Next, slice each cob into 4-6 “ribs.” The easiest way to do this is by cutting each cob in half, then cutting each half into 2-3 pieces. Use a sharp knife, and be careful as the corn can be tough to cut through.
Step 2: Prepare the Aleppo Chili Butter
In a small saucepan, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the Aleppo chili powder. Cook for a minute or two, stirring occasionally, to allow the chili powder to infuse the butter with its smoky, spicy flavor. Set aside.
Step 3: Grill the Corn Ribs
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the corn ribs with a little olive oil, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Place the corn ribs on the grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn is tender and has nice grill marks.
Step 4: Make the Lime Zest Cream Cheese
While the corn is grilling, combine the vegan cream cheese and lime zest in a bowl. Mix together until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the lime zest to your preference—it’s all about that perfect zesty balance.
Step 5: Assemble the Corn Ribs
Once the corn is grilled to perfection, remove it from the grill and brush it generously with the Aleppo chili butter. Drizzle or spoon the lime zest cream cheese over the corn ribs, and garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the corn ribs immediately, either on their own or with a side dish like a crisp salad or some roasted veggies. Trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one rib—these are that good!
Nutrition Facts
(Per serving: 2-3 corn ribs with sauce)
- Servings: [Number of servings]
- Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
- Cook Time: [Time to cook or grill]
- Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Vegan Corn Ribs with Aleppo Chili Butter & Lime Zest Cream Cheese
These vegan corn ribs are perfect on their own, but here are a few ideas to serve them up:
Fresh Salad
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a great way to balance the richness of the chili butter and cream cheese.
Grilled Veggies
- Pair the corn ribs with grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a complete meal.
Rice or Quinoa
- Serve the corn ribs over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up all that delicious chili butter and cream cheese.
Pickled Veggies
- For a little tang and crunch, pair these corn ribs with some quick-pickled red onions or cucumbers.
Additional Tips
- Make It Spicy: Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Aleppo chili butter or drizzle a bit of hot sauce on top.
- Grill Marks: For the best grill marks, make sure your grill or grill pan is preheated and oiled. This helps the corn get those beautiful charred lines.
- Lime Zest Variations: If you want an extra punch, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the cream cheese mixture along with the zest for more tang.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make these corn ribs in the oven?
A1: Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the corn ribs on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q2: Can I make the Aleppo chili butter ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can make the chili butter up to a week ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before using.
Q3: Can I use regular cream cheese instead of vegan cream cheese?
A3: Yes, you can use regular cream cheese if you’re not following a vegan diet. It will give the cream cheese mixture a richer taste.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftover corn ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or on the grill to maintain crispness.
Q5: Can I add other toppings to the corn ribs?
A5: Of course! You can add chopped avocado, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, or even a drizzle of tahini for extra creaminess.
PrintVegan Corn Ribs with Aleppo Chili Butter & Lime Zest Cream Cheese
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A fun twist on corn, these “corn ribs” are roasted or air-fried until golden and slightly curled, then topped with a spicy Aleppo chili butter, tangy lime zest cream cheese, and fresh garnishes for a flavorful snack or side dish.
Ingredients
For the Corn:
- 3 ears of corn, husks removed, ends trimmed
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sweet or smoky paprika powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Aleppo Chili Butter:
- 3 tbsp vegan butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ tbsp Aleppo chili flakes (or other mild chili pepper flakes)
- Salt, to taste (if using unsalted butter)
For the Lime Zest Cream Cheese:
- 125 g vegan cream cheese
- Zest of 1 lime
- Juice of 1/2 lime
Garnishes:
- 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp finely chopped coriander or parsley
- Extra lime zest, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
. Prepare Corn Ribs:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Rinse and pat dry the corn. Carefully cut each ear of corn into quarters lengthwise to create “rib” shapes. If cutting the corn is challenging, you can leave the cob whole or cut it in half instead.
Brush each piece of corn with the seasoned oil mixture.
2. Cook Corn Ribs:
- Air Fryer: Place the corn ribs in the air fryer at 180°C (355°F) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and curled.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (355°F) and bake the corn ribs for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until slightly golden brown.
3. Prepare Aleppo Chili Butter:
In a small pan, melt the vegan butter with olive oil over low heat. Stir in the Aleppo chili flakes and salt, then set aside. Reheat before serving if needed.
4. Make Lime Zest Cream Cheese:
In a small bowl, mix the vegan cream cheese, lime zest, and lime juice. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
5. Assemble and Garnish:
Once the corn ribs are cooked, arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle the Aleppo chili butter over the corn ribs and add dollops of the lime zest cream cheese.
Garnish with toasted pine nuts, chopped green onion, and fresh herbs. Add extra lime zest for a bright finishing touch if desired.
Notes
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Feel free to adjust the spice levels based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15-20 mins
- Category: Snack
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg