Grilled Corn Recipe
Grilling corn is a timeless summer tradition that brings out the natural sweetness of the kernels while adding a smoky char that elevates its flavor. This recipe, with its simple yet indulgent touches of butter and parsley, captures the essence of outdoor cooking with minimal effort and maximum taste.
Ingredients Overview
To create perfectly grilled corn, you’ll need just a few key ingredients. Fresh, whole ears of corn are the star, delivering sweetness and crunch. The butter, both melted for grilling and softened for serving, enhances every bite with rich, salty goodness. Garnishing with finely chopped parsley adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal. While the parsley is optional, the softened butter is essential—it melds with the hot corn to create a luxurious coating that’s impossible to resist.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Prepping the grill for the best results:
Begin by firing up your BBQ grill and preheating it to a high temperature. A hot grill is crucial for developing that signature char while keeping the corn tender and juicy. Make sure the grates are clean to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Properly cleaning and preparing the corn:
As you wait for the grill to heat up, remove the husks and silk strands from the corn. Be thorough when cleaning the silk—it tends to cling to the kernels and can burn during grilling. This step ensures that every bite of corn is smooth and enjoyable.
The correct grilling technique for juicy, tender corn:
Once the grill is hot, place the corn directly on the grates without using any oil. The natural sugars in the corn will caramelize, creating those irresistible charred marks. Grill for about 10 minutes, turning the corn every couple of minutes to cook it evenly. The goal is for the kernels to be tender when pierced with a knife but still full of juice. Overcooked corn becomes dry and loses its vibrant flavor, so be careful not to leave it on the grill too long.
Final touch: butter-brushing and garnishing:
In the last minute of grilling, brush each ear of corn generously with melted butter, allowing it to seep into the charred grooves and enhance the smoky flavors. Roll the corn around to ensure it’s evenly coated. Once off the grill, serve immediately with a generous spread of softened butter. For a pop of color and freshness, sprinkle some finely chopped parsley on top, although this is entirely optional.
Recipe Tips
- How to avoid overcooking the corn: Keep an eye on the kernels—they should be tender but still juicy. The moment they start shriveling, remove them from the heat.
- Techniques for achieving the ideal char: Rotate the corn every couple of minutes to ensure all sides get evenly charred.
- Why melted butter at the last minute makes a difference: Adding butter in the final minute enhances the flavor without causing it to burn, locking in moisture and richness.
- Timing tips for perfect texture: Aim for 8-10 minutes on a hot grill. Test by piercing a kernel with a knife; if it’s tender but not shriveled, it’s ready.
What to Serve with This Recipe
Grilled corn on the cob is a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of BBQ mains. For a balanced and hearty meal, serve it alongside grilled meats like steak, chicken, or ribs. Its slightly sweet and smoky flavor makes it a fantastic companion to savory dishes.
For a vegetarian feast, you can pair the corn with a vibrant summer salad or vegetable skewers. Roasted potatoes or coleslaw also complement the corn’s charred taste and buttery richness. And don’t forget beverages! A cold glass of iced tea, lemonade, or even a light beer will enhance the BBQ experience, cutting through the richness of the butter while refreshing the palate.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use oil instead of butter? While you can substitute oil for butter, it won’t give you the same creamy finish. Butter adds richness and flavor that oil simply can’t replicate.
- What if I don’t have a BBQ grill? No worries! You can achieve similar results by using a grill pan on your stovetop or even roasting the corn in the oven at a high temperature.
- How do I store leftover grilled corn? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. When reheating, you can either microwave it or place it back on the grill for a few minutes to warm through.
- Can I use unsalted butter instead? Yes, but be sure to add a pinch of salt to bring out the flavor of the corn.
Variations on the Recipe
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to jazz up this basic grilled corn recipe.
For a kick of heat, try adding chili powder or cayenne pepper to the melted butter before brushing it onto the corn. Cheese lovers can sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or crumbled feta over the hot corn for an extra layer of indulgence. You can also incorporate spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or garlic powder to infuse the corn with bold flavors.
For those without access to a BBQ grill, you can roast the corn in the oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through, or use a grill pan indoors to replicate the charred effect.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, grilling corn doesn’t go quite as planned.
If you find that your corn is undercooked, simply return it to the grill for a few more minutes, turning frequently to avoid over-charring. On the flip side, if your corn becomes overcooked and dry, brush it generously with butter and wrap it in foil to help it steam and regain some moisture.
If the corn isn’t charring evenly, check your grill’s heat distribution. Hot spots can cause uneven cooking, so move the corn around the grill to ensure consistent heat.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
Presentation is key when serving grilled corn at a gathering. For a rustic yet elegant look, serve the corn on a wooden board, with a small bowl of softened butter on the side for guests to help themselves. You can also wrap the ends of the corn in foil or parchment paper to make it easier for guests to hold and eat.
For a festive touch, arrange the corn on a large platter, sprinkle with parsley, and add colorful garnishes like lime wedges or a dusting of chili flakes. This simple yet thoughtful presentation will make your grilled corn the star of any summer BBQ.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp/30g salted butter, melted
- 4 whole ears of corn
- Softened salted butter, for serving (essential)
- Finely chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Begin by preheating your BBQ grill until it reaches a high temperature.
Remove the husks from the corn, ensuring all silk strands are cleaned off.
Place the corn directly onto the grill – no need to oil it. Grill the corn for around 10 minutes, rotating every couple of minutes. You’re looking for a slight char, with kernels that are tender when pierced with a knife yet still full of moisture. Avoid overcooking as this will result in dry, shriveled corn.
In the final minute of grilling, brush each ear of corn with melted butter, rolling it around to coat evenly.
To serve, accompany the corn with a generous spread of softened salted butter. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired!
Grilled Corn Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp/30g salted butter melted
- 4 whole ears of corn
- Softened salted butter for serving (essential)
- Finely chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your BBQ grill until it reaches a high temperature.
- Remove the husks from the corn, ensuring all silk strands are cleaned off.
- Place the corn directly onto the grill – no need to oil it. Grill the corn for around 10 minutes, rotating every couple of minutes. You’re looking for a slight char, with kernels that are tender when pierced with a knife yet still full of moisture. Avoid overcooking as this will result in dry, shriveled corn.
- In the final minute of grilling, brush each ear of corn with melted butter, rolling it around to coat evenly.
- To serve, accompany the corn with a generous spread of softened salted butter. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired!