This Garlic Butter Grilled Corn on the Cob is a summer favorite! Juicy corn is slathered with a tasty garlic butter that melts right in, making it super yummy!
I can’t help but smile when I munch on this corn; it’s like a party in my mouth! Perfect for backyard BBQs, just be ready to get buttery fingers and a happy tummy! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn: Fresh corn on the cob is best for grilling because it’s sweet and juicy. If you don’t have fresh corn, frozen corn can be a backup, but it won’t have the same charred flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute, but use about 1 teaspoon instead of cloves. Personal choice: I love the strong aroma of fresh garlic!
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt. If you want to go dairy-free, try olive oil or a plant-based buttery spread for a similar taste.
Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the dish, but you can use other herbs like cilantro or chives if you prefer. It’s all about what you like!
Parmesan Cheese: For a cheesy flavor, grated parmesan is great. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, any hard cheese like Pecorino or nutritional yeast will work nicely.
How Do You Grill Corn to Get That Perfect Flavor?
Grilling corn is easy, but to get the best flavor, here are some tips:
- Before grilling, make sure to husk the corn properly and rinse it to remove silk. The grill can get messy with all that fibers if not done right.
- The key to flavor lies in that garlic butter mix! Be generous with the butter on all sides of the corn. This not only adds flavor but helps achieve that beautiful golden color.
- When grilling, keep an eye on your corn! Turn it every few minutes to ensure even cooking. You want those pretty grill marks—it’s part of the charm.
- After grilling, don’t skip brushing on more garlic butter; it really boosts the flavor just before serving!
Enjoy your fresh, grilled corn, and don’t hesitate to play around with toppings! Maybe some lime juice for a zesty twist!
How to Make Garlic Butter Grilled Corn On The Cob
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 6 ears of fresh corn on the cob, husked
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Additions:
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
- Grated parmesan cheese (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 5-10 minutes of prep time and another 10-15 minutes for grilling, making for a total of around 20-25 minutes. Perfect for a quick and tasty barbecue side!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure your corn gets that nice char and smokiness.
2. Make the Garlic Butter:
In a bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat). Mix it all together until everything is well blended. This garlic butter will be the star of your corn!
3. Prepare the Corn:
Next, husk the corn and remove all the silk. Rinse the ears under water to clean them up a bit. You want them nice and fresh for grilling!
4. Coat the Corn:
Using a brush, coat each ear of corn generously with your garlic butter mixture. Make sure to cover all sides so every bite is packed with flavor!
5. Grill the Corn:
Place the buttered corn directly on the hot grill. Cook it for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. You’ll want to see nice grill marks and feel that tender corn beneath your fingers.
6. Add More Flavor:
Once the corn is done grilling, take it off the grill and brush on any remaining garlic butter for extra flavor. Yum!
7. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, you can sprinkle the grilled corn with chopped parsley and some grated parmesan cheese before serving. This adds a nice touch!
8. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve the grilled corn warm and enjoy that delicious garlic butter flavor!
Can I Use Frozen Corn Instead of Fresh?
While fresh corn is ideal for this recipe, you can use frozen corn if that’s what you have. Just thaw the corn before grilling, and pat it dry to avoid excess moisture on the grill. The cooking time may be slightly reduced, so keep an eye on it!
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Garlic?
No worries! If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can substitute it with garlic powder. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder mixed into the melted butter instead of the fresh cloves. It won’t have the same punch, but it will still add flavor!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Corn?
To store leftovers, let the corn cool down first. Then, wrap it in foil or place it in an airtight container in the fridge. It should be good for about 3-5 days. You can reheat it on the grill or in the microwave, brushing on a little more garlic butter for extra flavor!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! If you like it spicy, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes to your taste. Alternatively, drizzle some sriracha or your favorite hot sauce over the corn just before serving for an extra kick!
