The corn rib craze, a vegetarian spin on classic BBQ ribs that took social media by storm in 2021, shows no signs of disappearing. Food enthusiasts and content creators continue to develop and share innovative recipes for this meat-free delight.
The trend involves cutting whole corn cobs lengthwise into smaller rib-like sections, coating them with a flavorful sauce or rub, and then cooking them using various methods like grilling, air frying, or baking. The heat causes the corn sections to curl, resembling traditional meat ribs.
While many food trends are fleeting, corn ribs have gained lasting popularity, with TikTok users consistently sharing new recipes and taste-test reviews. The hashtag #cornribs has exploded on TikTok, amassing over 107 million views, a significant jump from 10.6 million in August 2021.
Yumna Jawad, the founder of Feel Good Foodie, a popular digital food media company, shared a corn rib recipe on TikTok in July 2021 that quickly went viral. She attributes the unique appeal of corn ribs to the "curled effect" achieved during cooking and suggests quartering the cobs for optimal curling. Halving the cobs is also an option, but it results in less pronounced curling.
Jawad recommends using a santoku knife for cutting the corn due to its lighter and smaller blade, which facilitates the careful vertical slicing required. Her viral recipe features a mixture of salted butter and fresh cilantro, air-fried at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Baking at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes or grilling for about 8 minutes per side are also viable cooking methods. Dill or parsley can be used as alternatives to cilantro.
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Have you tried corn ribs? It’s such a fun way to cook corn! You can grill them, air fry them or bake them! IB @spicednice #cornribs #foodtiktok
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According to Google Trends data, online searches for corn rib recipes peaked in July 2021, five months after the trend initially gained traction on TikTok in February 2021. The continued search interest two years later highlights the enduring popularity of this culinary creation.
Jawad acknowledges fellow TikTok creator Farrah J (@spicednice) for popularizing the corn rib trend. Farrah recalls encountering "Cajun Corn Ribs" on a restaurant menu in Australia in February 2021. Inspired by the concept, she experimented with an air-fried version using her preferred flavors, resulting in a viral sensation with millions of views within days.
@spicednice
No fr these hit different than any other way of eating corn! Follow for more 🔥 recipes #cooking #corn #kitchenhack #stepbystep #foodie #trendingfood
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While the recent viral surge is attributed to TikTok creators, the origin of corn ribs can be traced back to Max Ng, executive chef at Momofuku Ssam Bar in New York City, as reported in a 2019 issue of Woolworths TASTE magazine. Social media posts from the restaurant dating back to 2017 also showcase this innovative dish.
Jawad praises corn ribs as a refreshing alternative for summer meals, especially for those who aren't fond of traditional meat ribs. She emphasizes the fun and versatility of the dish, encouraging experimentation with various spreads, dips, and sauces like corn elote, chipotle lime mayo, Sriracha mayo, garlic and herb butter, or even barbecue sauce.
Beyond the specific recipe, the customizable nature of corn ribs allows home cooks to create unique flavor combinations tailored to their preferences.
