Sweet, Spicy, and Smoky: My Favorite Grilled Steak and Corn Combo

Name: Sweet, Spicy, and Smoky: My Favorite Grilled Steak and Corn Combo
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 2-4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon honey; 2 ribeye steaks (about 1 inch thick); 2 ears of corn, cut into quarters; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

April 29, 2025

Recipes

When I want to fire up the grill and make something that’s packed with bold, sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors, this Honey Sriracha Grilled Steak with Smoky Corn Ribs is my go-to recipe. It’s a dish that looks impressive, tastes incredible, and somehow feels like pure summer on a plate. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue or just a casual dinner for two, this combination never fails to wow everyone who tries it. Let’s get into why I’m obsessed with this recipe and how you can recreate it yourself.

Why This Recipe Works

After years of experimenting with different grill recipes, this one has earned a permanent spot in my rotation, and here’s why:

Perfect flavor balance: The honey brings the sweetness, the Sriracha adds heat, and the soy sauce rounds it out with savory depth.
Smoky, juicy corn ribs: They’re fun to eat, beautifully charred, and soak up that glaze like a dream.
Simple but impressive: Even though the ingredients are basic, the final result tastes and looks restaurant-worthy.
Flexible and customizable: You can adjust the heat level, swap in different herbs, or even change the cuts of steak to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

(Serves 2-4 | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Marinate Time: 30-60 minutes)

For the Steak:

2 thick-cut steaks (ribeye, New York strip, or your preferred cut)
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
Fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme), finely chopped
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

For the Corn Ribs:

4 ears of corn, husked and cut into quarters (to create “corn ribs”)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh herbs (like cilantro or parsley), chopped for garnish

How I Make My Honey Sriracha Grilled Steak and Corn Ribs

1. Prepare the Honey Sriracha Steak Marinade

First, I whisk together the honey, Sriracha sauce, soy sauce, olive oil, and minced garlic in a small bowl. I season the steaks generously with salt and pepper, then place them in a shallow dish. I pour half of the marinade over the steaks, making sure they’re fully coated, and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes — though an hour is even better if I have the time. I always set aside the remaining marinade for brushing on during grilling.

2. Grill the Steaks

Once the steaks have marinated, I preheat my grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat. I take the steaks out of the marinade, discarding any used marinade, and lay them on the hot grates. Depending on the thickness, I grill them for about 4-5 minutes per side to reach a perfect medium-rare. I always use a meat thermometer to be sure — I pull them off the heat when they hit about 130°F (54°C).

During the last minute of grilling, I brush the steaks with the reserved honey Sriracha glaze. It creates a gorgeous, caramelized finish that locks in the flavor. Once grilled, I let the steaks rest for 5 to 10 minutes so all those juices stay where they belong — inside the meat.

3. Prepare the Corn Ribs

While the steak rests, I prep the corn. I brush the corn quarters with olive oil and season them with salt and pepper. I grill them over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side until they’re tender and have beautiful char marks. During the final minute of grilling, I brush them with the honey Sriracha glaze for a sweet and spicy boost.

When they’re done, I sprinkle them with freshly chopped herbs for an extra pop of flavor and color.

4. Plate and Serve

I love serving the sliced Honey Sriracha Steak on a rustic cutting board, drizzling any remaining glaze over the top for extra shine and flavor. I arrange the corn ribs beside the steak, making sure those caramelized edges are on full display. A final scatter of fresh herbs makes the whole dish look as good as it tastes.

Tips for the Best Results

Marinate smart: Even just 30 minutes of marinating makes a big difference, but overnight marination can deepen the flavor even more.
Use a meat thermometer: It takes the guesswork out of grilling and ensures perfectly cooked steak every time.
Cut the corn carefully: To create ribs, I stand each ear upright and slice down vertically. It takes a bit of strength, but it’s worth it.
Brush the glaze at the right time: Adding it during the final minute of grilling prevents the sugars from burning while still giving you that irresistible caramelization.

What I Serve with This Dish

While the steak and corn are definitely the stars, I sometimes round out the meal with:

A fresh arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette
Grilled asparagus or green beans for extra greens
Garlic butter potatoes if I want something hearty on the side

FAQs From My Kitchen to Yours

Q: Can I make this with chicken or pork?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs or pork chops would work beautifully with the honey Sriracha marinade.

Q: What’s the best substitute for Sriracha?
A: If you’re out of Sriracha, sambal oelek or even a spicy chili garlic sauce can work in a pinch.

Q: How do I keep the corn ribs from drying out?
A: Brushing them with oil before grilling and glazing them during the last minute helps keep them juicy and flavorful.

Q: Can I cook the steak on a stovetop instead of a grill?
A: Definitely. A cast-iron skillet gives a fantastic sear and works just as well if you don’t have a grill handy.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Sriracha Grilled Steak and Corn Ribs

This recipe brings together everything I love about summer grilling: sweet, spicy, smoky flavors, juicy steak, crispy corn ribs, and an all-around crowd-pleasing vibe. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for a backyard party. Every bite is loaded with flavor and texture, and it’s the kind of meal that has everyone asking for seconds.

If you’re looking for a new grilling favorite that feels a little special without a ton of effort, you’ve got to try this Honey Sriracha Grilled Steak with Smoky Corn Ribs. I promise — it’ll be a hit.