Go Back
finished corn ribs on a black plate

Sticky BBQ Corn Ribs with Homemade Sweet and Smoky Sauce

Tender corn cut into rib-like strips with sticky homemade BBQ sauce featuring sweet brown sugar, honey, and smoky paprika. Perfect grilled summer side dish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Corn Ribs:
  • 8 ears corn on the cob cut into 4 pieces each
  • Your favorite BBQ seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions for garnish
The Sticky BBQ Sauce:
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • ½ cup brown sugar packed
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder optional
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

  1. Make sticky BBQ sauce by combining all sauce ingredients in saucepan. Simmer 10-15 minutes until thickened and glossy.
  2. Cut corn ears into 4 equal pieces each using sharp knife. Pat dry and drizzle with olive oil.
  3. Season corn pieces generously with BBQ seasoning. Let rest 10 minutes while preheating grill to 400-450°F.
  4. Grill corn pieces 8-10 minutes without sauce, turning every 2-3 minutes for even cooking and char marks.
  5. Begin basting with BBQ sauce and continue grilling 5-8 minutes, turning and applying sauce layers frequently.
  6. Apply final sauce coat and grill 1-2 minutes until glazed. Garnish with green onions and serve immediately.

Notes

- Cut corn into equal pieces for even cooking
- Apply sauce only during last 10 minutes to prevent burning
- Keep water bottle nearby to control flare-ups from dripping sauce
- Corn ribs should be tender but still have some bite when done

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!