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Flavorful Cowboy Butter Corn Ribs Recipe with Smoked Paprika and Cotija Cheese for Easy Summer Grilling

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A simple and rustic summer grilling recipe featuring corn ribs brushed with smoky cowboy butter and topped with tangy Cotija cheese. Perfect for quick, flavorful outdoor meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked and sliced lengthwise into 6–8 ribs each
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Juice of half a lime
  • 1/3 cup (about 50g) Cotija cheese, crumbled
  • Small handful fresh cilantro, chopped finely (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Slice the corn into ribs by husking 4 ears and cutting each ear lengthwise into 6 to 8 ribs using a sharp chef’s knife (about 10 minutes).
  2. Make the cowboy butter by combining 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional), and juice from half a lime in a mixing bowl. Mix until smooth and evenly incorporated (5 minutes).
  3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F (200°C). If using a grill pan, heat it on the stove over medium-high heat (5 minutes).
  4. Lightly season each corn rib with salt and freshly ground black pepper (2 minutes).
  5. Place the corn ribs flat on the grill grates and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until grill marks form. Flip and repeat on the other side (total grilling time 10-12 minutes).
  6. Generously baste the corn ribs with the cowboy butter on both sides, letting the butter melt into the warm corn. Flip and baste the other side (3 minutes).
  7. Leave the corn on the grill for another 1-2 minutes to allow the butter to soak in and edges to crisp slightly, watching carefully to avoid burning (2 minutes).
  8. Remove the corn ribs from the grill and immediately sprinkle with crumbled Cotija cheese and chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (2 minutes).

Notes

Use a sharp, sturdy knife to safely slice corn ribs. Softened butter spreads better than melted butter. Medium-high grill heat is ideal to get good char marks without burning. Baste once more before serving if worried about dryness. For dairy-free, substitute vegan butter and cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast. If no grill is available, roast under broiler or use a grill pan.

Nutrition

Keywords: corn ribs, cowboy butter, smoked paprika, Cotija cheese, summer grilling, easy side dish, smoky corn, barbecue side, gluten-free, vegetarian

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/flavorful-cowboy-butter-corn-ribs-recipe-with-smoked-paprika-and-cotija-cheese-for-easy-summer-grilling/