Alright, flavor adventurers! Get ready to have your minds BLOWN because I’m about to drop my Mexican Corn Ribs recipe on you. I’m talking about taking humble corn on the cob and turning it into a crispy, spicy, tangy masterpiece that will have everyone begging for more. Forget everything you think you know about corn – this Mexican Corn Ribs recipe is about to redefine it. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never look at corn the same way again!
I’ll never forget the first time I made these! My neighbors were over for our weekly domino game, and I wanted to shake things up from the usual appetizers. I knew I needed something bold and unexpected. I decided to test out my Mexican Corn Ribs recipe.
I set out a platter of these babies fresh from the grill. The reaction? Utter silence…followed by a chorus of “OH MY GOD, WHAT IS THIS?!” Everyone was obsessed, the dominoes forgotten. That’s when I knew I had a winner – this Mexican Corn Ribs recipe had truly arrived. This is the kind of food Cuba Queen is all about – bold, satisfying, and unforgettable! Get ready, because I’m about to share the magic with you. This Mexican Corn Ribs recipe is about to become your new obsession!
INGREDIENTS You Need for This:
This Mexican Corn Ribs recipe ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! We’re talking maximum flavor with minimum fuss.
- 4 ears of corn, husks removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges, for serving

The secret to epic Mexican Corn Ribs recipe is using fresh corn! Frozen or canned just won’t cut it. You’ll find the best ingredients for this Mexican Corn Ribs recipe at your local farmer’s market, especially during peak corn season. Splurge on the fresh cilantro – trust me, it makes all the difference!
For a flavor-boosting modification, try using smoked paprika instead of regular chili powder in this Mexican Corn Ribs recipe. It adds a subtle smokiness that is absolutely addictive. If you’re on a budget, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream in this Mexican Corn Ribs recipe, it’s a fantastic alternative that still delivers the tang! Store your corn in the fridge until you’re ready to use it to keep it fresh. It’s time to make some flavor magic!
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Let’s get down to business. This Mexican Corn Ribs recipe is easier than you think. Don’t stress – your Mexican Corn Ribs recipe is going to be incredible!
- Prepare the Corn: Stand each ear of corn upright and carefully cut it in half lengthwise. Then, cut each half into quarters. You want pieces that resemble “ribs.”
- Season the Ribs: In a large bowl, toss the corn ribs with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece is coated evenly! Pro tip for Mexican Corn Ribs recipe perfection: Don’t be shy with the spices!
- Cook the Ribs: You have a few options here!
- Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the corn ribs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender and slightly charred.
- Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Air fry the corn ribs for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are tender and slightly crispy. This corn ribs air fryer method is quick and easy! You can even find great inspiration with this Air Fryer Corn Ribs Recipe.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the corn ribs on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are tender and slightly browned.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and sour cream.
- Assemble: Once the corn ribs are cooked, brush them generously with the mayonnaise mixture. Sprinkle with cotija cheese and cilantro.
- Serve: Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing.
Here’s where most people mess up their Mexican Corn Ribs recipe – they overcrowd the grill or air fryer! Give the ribs space so they can get crispy. In my kitchen, this Mexican Corn Ribs recipe takes exactly 10 minutes in the air fryer. The Mexican Corn Ribs recipe should look golden brown and slightly charred, smell smoky and spicy, and feel tender when pierced with a fork.
While your Mexican Corn Ribs recipe is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold! This is where your Mexican Corn Ribs recipe transforms into pure magic!
PRESENTATION:
Presentation is EVERYTHING. You want these Mexican Corn Ribs recipe to look as good as they taste.
Pile the Mexican Corn Ribs recipe high on a platter, making sure the vibrant colors of the corn, cilantro, and cotija cheese are on full display. Arrange lime wedges around the platter for an extra pop of color. People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Mexican Corn Ribs recipe at summer barbecues!
For bold pairing suggestions that complement Mexican Corn Ribs recipe: Serve alongside grilled steak or chicken for a complete meal. Pair with a refreshing margarita or a cold Mexican beer. These street corn ribs are perfect for Cinco de Mayo, summer cookouts, or any fiesta!
This Mexican Corn Ribs recipe absolutely slays at dinner parties! I like to serve them as a fun and unexpected appetizer. If you have any leftover Mexican Corn Ribs recipe (unlikely!), chop them up and add them to a salad or tacos. For a seasonal Mexican Corn Ribs recipe variation, try adding a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds and a drizzle of maple syrup in the fall. Seriously addictive!
FAQs:
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some frequently asked questions about this Mexican Corn Ribs recipe:
- Can I make this Mexican Corn Ribs recipe spicier? YES! Add more cayenne pepper to the spice mixture, or drizzle with your favorite hot sauce before serving. I personally love a few dashes of habanero sauce on my spicy corn ribs.
- What if I don’t have cotija cheese for my Mexican Corn Ribs recipe? Feta cheese or queso fresco are great substitutes.
- Can I use frozen corn for this Mexican Corn Ribs recipe? I don’t recommend it. Fresh corn is the way to go for the best texture and flavor.
- How do I know when my Mexican Corn Ribs recipe is perfectly done? The corn should be tender and slightly charred. Use a fork to test for tenderness.
- Can I make this Mexican Corn Ribs recipe ahead of time? You can prep the corn and spice mixture ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the ribs right before serving.
- What’s the best way to store leftover Mexican Corn Ribs recipe? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven for the best results.
- Can I grill these Mexican Corn Ribs recipe instead of using an air fryer? Absolutely! Grilling adds a delicious smoky flavor to the ribs. Follow the grilling instructions in the recipe. I found that the grilled corn ribs are especially delicious. For other twists, check out How To Make Air Fryer Corn Ribs, Elotes Style-Recipe Video …
I tested this Mexican Corn Ribs recipe dozens of times to get it just right. One time, I accidentally used too much cayenne pepper and almost set my mouth on fire! But hey, that’s how you learn, right? Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust the recipe to your liking. And remember what my Abuela used to say: “A little spice makes everything nice!”
CONCLUSION:
This Mexican Corn Ribs recipe represents everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, unexpected twists, and food that brings people together.
Here are my Mexican Corn Ribs recipe Power Tips:
- Don’t overcrowd the cooking surface! Give the ribs plenty of space to get crispy.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices! Adjust the heat to your liking.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients! It makes all the difference.
Here are some Mexican Corn Ribs recipe variations I’ve created and loved:
- Garlic Parmesan Corn Ribs: Toss the cooked ribs with melted butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
- BBQ Corn Ribs: Brush the ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Honey Sriracha Corn Ribs: Drizzle the cooked ribs with a mixture of honey and sriracha.
The Honey Sriracha version always gets the biggest reactions! I’m confident that you can make this Mexican Corn Ribs recipe your signature dish. Don’t be afraid to get creative and put your own spin on it. Remember, cooking is all about having fun and creating memories! If you are interested in another air fryer recipe, check out The Best Air Fryer Air Fried Street Corn Ribs – The Savory Chopstick

Now go forth and create some Mexican Corn Ribs recipe memories! I know you’re going to rock this recipe. Be sure to share your results with me – I can’t wait to see what you create!
And remember, if this recipe rocks your world, you NEED to try my Sweet Marshmallow Popcorn Balls. You should also try my Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs as well as my Mexican Beef Chile Verde. These recipes are also packed with flavor that will be sure to satisfy your tastebuds!
Mexican Corn Ribs recipe
These Mexican Corn Ribs are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional elotes! Crispy, curled corn on the cob is slathered with a creamy, spicy sauce and sprinkled with cotija cheese and cilantro for an irresistible appetizer or side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn, husks removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or Mexican crema
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut each ear of corn lengthwise into quarters. This will create the ‘rib’ shape.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
- Brush the corn ribs with olive oil and grill (or bake) for 15-20 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they are tender and slightly charred.
- Remove the corn ribs from the grill or oven and brush generously with the creamy sauce.
- Sprinkle with cotija cheese and cilantro.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges.
Notes
For extra flavor, try grilling the corn ribs over charcoal! You can also adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spice level.

