How to Make the Perfect Spicy Elote Corn Ribs with Tajin
Mexican · Medium · 45 min · 4 servings
Oven-roasted corn ribs dusted with Tajin and finished with a cooling avocado crema. Bold heat and creamy richness in every bite.
Why this recipe works
This Spicy Elote Corn Ribs with Tajin recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 45 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 295 calories with 6g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 ears fresh corn husked
- 3 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 tsp Tajin seasoning
- 1 tsp chipotle chili powder
- 1 large ripe avocado
- 0.25 cup sour cream
- 1 whole lime juiced
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cut Corn into Ribs
Stand each ear upright and use a large sharp knife to halve it lengthwise through the cob. Cut each half in half again lengthwise to yield 4 long rib strips per cob. Work carefully with steady pressure as cutting through the cob requires force.
Step 2: Season and Coat
Preheat oven to 450F. In a large bowl toss corn rib strips with avocado oil, Tajin, chipotle chili powder, and a pinch of salt until every surface is evenly coated. Arrange in a single layer on a large baking sheet without overlapping.
Step 3: Roast Until Curled
Roast corn ribs at 450F for 20 to 25 minutes flipping once at the halfway point. The ribs are done when the kernels are tender and lightly charred and the strips have begun to curl and bow from the heat.
Step 4: Make the Avocado Crema
While the corn roasts blend the ripe avocado, sour cream, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a blender or food processor until completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust lime and salt as needed. Transfer to a squeeze bottle or small bowl.
Step 5: Plate and Top
Arrange hot corn ribs on a serving platter. Drizzle avocado crema generously over the top. Dust with an extra sprinkle of Tajin and finish with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- Tajin seasoning → a mix of chili powder, lime zest, and a pinch of salt
- avocado crema → store-bought guacamole thinned with sour cream
- avocado oil → olive oil or melted coconut oil
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Roasting at too low a temperature which steams the corn instead of charring it
- Overlapping the corn ribs on the baking sheet causing uneven cooking and no char
- Making the avocado crema too far ahead which causes it to oxidize and turn brown
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 295 calories, 6g protein, 36g carbs, 16g fat, 6g fiber.
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