If you’re craving that irresistible taste of summer, nothing beats the joy of freshly grilled corn on the cob. Learning How to Make Perfect Grilled Corn on the Cob Recipe means you’ll get that sweet, juicy bite infused with a slightly smoky char every time you fire up the grill. This simple yet flavorful dish is a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with almost any meal, and once you master this method, grilled corn will become a star at your cookouts, weeknight dinners, and casual get-togethers alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, using just a handful of essential ingredients that highlight the natural sweetness of the corn while adding a touch of buttery richness and optional fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor.
- 4 whole corn on the cob: Fresh corn ensures maximum sweetness and juicy kernels, the heart of any great grilled corn.
- 2 tbsp/30g melted salted butter: Adds a luscious, savory layer and helps develop that enticing grilled aroma.
- Softened salted butter: For finishing touches, delivering melt-in-your-mouth goodness straight on the hot corn.
- Finely chopped parsley (optional): A fresh, vibrant garnish that brightens the dish and makes it look as good as it tastes.
How to Make How to Make Perfect Grilled Corn on the Cob Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Start by heating your BBQ grill until it’s very hot—this high heat is crucial for creating those classic grilled char marks that bring flavor and texture to the corn. A well-preheated grill seals in the juices and ensures even cooking.
Step 2: Peel the Husk Off the Corn
Remove the husk from each ear of corn completely. This exposes the kernels directly to the grill’s heat, allowing for those beautiful smoky charred spots. This step also helps the natural sweetness of corn to caramelize as it cooks.
Step 3: Place Corn on the Grill
No need for oil or additional seasoning at this point—just place the corn directly on the grill grates. The simple contact between the corn and the hot bars is what starts the transformation from fresh cob to grilled delight.
Step 4: Grill Until Tender and Slightly Charred
Turn the corn every couple of minutes for about 10 minutes total. Watch for little charred bits to develop; they’re like bursts of smoky magic! The kernels should become tender when pierced with a knife but maintain their juiciness. Avoid overcooking, as that leads to dry and sad corn.
Step 5: Brush with Melted Butter
In the last minute of grilling, brush the corn generously with melted butter and roll it around on the grill for an extra layer of flavor and shine. This final step locks in moisture and enriches the overall taste.
Step 6: Serve with Softened Butter and Parsley
Serve the grilled corn with softened salted butter for spreading, and if you want to add a fresh, herbaceous note, sprinkle with finely chopped parsley. This finishing touch makes the dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve How to Make Perfect Grilled Corn on the Cob Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of parsley, a dusting of smoked paprika, or even a squeeze of lime juice bring a burst of fresh flavor and elevate the presentation. Softened butter is essential and can be infused with garlic or herbs for a lovely twist.
Side Dishes
Grilled corn on the cob shines as a side for barbecued meats, salads, and grilled vegetables. Think smoky ribs, fresh tomato salad, or black bean salsa—each enhances and complements the smoky-sweet corn flavor splendidly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the corn standing upright in a cute holder or cut the kernels off the cob after grilling to toss into salads or salsas. You can also add a spicy mayo drizzle or sprinkle with cotija cheese for a fun Mexican street corn version that’s sure to wow any guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover grilled corn on the cob, wrap each ear tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making for easy reheating and snacking later.
Freezing
You can freeze grilled corn kernels (cut off the cob first) in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. This way, you capture that summer sweetness to enjoy anytime, just remember to blanch fresh corn before freezing for best texture retention.
Reheating
Reheat leftover grilled corn gently on the grill or in a hot oven wrapped in foil. This prevents it from drying out and keeps the buttery, juicy goodness intact. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that fresh-off-the-grill texture.
FAQs
Can I grill corn with the husk on?
Yes, grilling corn with the husk on steams the kernels, resulting in a milder, less charred flavor. For that classic grilled corn with smoky spots, peeling the husk off is recommended as shown in this recipe.
How do I know when the corn is perfectly grilled?
Look for tender kernels that yield when pierced with a knife, and those irresistible little charred bits on the surface. Juiciness is key, so avoid cooking until the corn appears shriveled or dry.
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?
Absolutely, but salted butter adds an extra layer of savory flavor that complements the sweetness of the corn beautifully. If using unsalted, you might want to sprinkle a bit of salt on the corn before serving.
Is it necessary to brush the corn with butter before grilling?
Brushing with melted butter in the last minute is important to enhance flavor and keep the corn moist. You don’t need to apply butter at the start since the heat does its magic on the natural corn sugars.
Can I add other seasonings or herbs?
Definitely! While parsley is a great fresh option, you can experiment with chili powder, garlic powder, or grated cheese for exciting flavor twists. The basic method remains the same, giving you a tasty canvas to customize.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully satisfying about grilling fresh corn to perfection, and once you know How to Make Perfect Grilled Corn on the Cob Recipe, you’ll never look at corn the same way again. It’s quick, simple, and endlessly delicious—so fire up that grill and treat yourself to this little taste of summer anytime you want. Your friends and family will thank you!
