Grilled Corn On The Cob, A Summer Treat

Nothing says summer like buttery grilled corn on the cob – that perfect balance of smoky char and sweet crunch. While a classic salt-and-butter version is heavenly (we'll show you how to master it), today we're also revealing:

• 3 secret tricks for the juiciest grilled corn every time (hint: it's all in the soak!)
• Unexpected global toppings from Mexican elote to Japanese shichimi
• How to adapt this for indoor cooking when rain ruins your BBQ plans

Best part? You need just 4 ingredients and 15 minutes for this crowd-pleasing side that pairs perfectly with juicy oven-baked burgers (20-min, no grill needed!) or this easy recipe for roast chicken

I love BBQ season! It's a time to enjoy sunny days with friends and family, indulging in the best summer foods like sautéed green beans with garlic and olive oil, coleslaw, finger foods, and grilled recipes.

If you’re looking for another quick and delicious dish, don’t miss my zucchini scarpaccia - an easy Italian tart in 30 minutes. It’s a fuss-free summer recipe that’s perfect for busy days or when you want something a little different.

This recipe is an ideal addition to gatherings, summer parties, birthdays, and any special occasion. Even on chilly days, I love making it on the Reversible Cast Iron Griddle on the stove. The warm, buttery taste is unbeatable, especially alongside spicy chicken, making it a perfect summer side dish.

📖 Variations

• Mexican Elote-Style: Brush with mayo, roll in cotija cheese, dust with chilli powder + lime zest. Serve with lime wedges.
• Garlic Parmesan: Brush melted butter mixed with minced garlic, then top with Parmesan cheese and parsley.
• Honey Sriracha: Combine melted butter, honey, and Sriracha for a sweet and spicy glaze.
• Herb Butter: Mix softened butter with parsley, chives, and thyme, then spread on top.
• Barbecue Glaze: Brush with your favourite barbecue sauce for a smoky flavour.
• Lemon Pepper: Combine melted butter, lemon zest, and black pepper for a bright and tangy twist.
• Cajun Spice: Sprinkle Cajun seasoning for a bold, spicy flavour.
• Pesto Spread: Use pesto sauce for a fresh, herbaceous touch.
• Coconut Lime: Brush with coconut milk and sprinkle with lime zest and shredded coconut for a tropical vibe.
• Buffalo Ranch: Mix melted butter, buffalo sauce, and ranch seasoning for a creamy, tangy kick.
• Pro Seasoning Mix: 2 parts smoked paprika + 1 part garlic powder + 1 part brown sugar. Shake on after buttering!

7 alternative ways to cook corn

1. Boiling: Boil in a pot of salted water for 5-7 minutes until tender. Serve with butter and salt.
2. Microwaving: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cook on high for 3-5 minutes per piece until tender.
3. Roasting: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roast on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes until tender and slightly charred.
4. Steaming: Steam in a steamer basket over boiling water for 5-7 minutes until tender.
5. Grilling with Husks: Soak in water for 15-30 minutes, then grill over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and charred. Pro tip: "For extra flavour, soak husks in salted water 30 mins before grilling.
6. Grilling with Foil: Wrap in foil with butter and seasonings, then grill over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until tender.
7. Instant Pot: Add 1 cup of water, place veggies on a trivet, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 2-3 minutes, followed by a quick release.
8. Foil-Wrapped Grilled Corn: Brush with butter, wrap tightly in foil, and grill 15-20 mins. Unwrap carefully (steam burns!) for juicy, evenly cooked corn.
9. Oven 'Grilled' Corn: Broil husked cobs 6" from heat for 8-10 mins, turning once. Spritz with water to prevent drying.

💭Expert Tips

• Soak corn in water for 15-20 minutes before grilling to keep it juicy. Rotate occasionally for even charring.
• Make yours tastier by brushing it with melted butter and adding your favourite seasoning before grilling.
• Wrap it in foil before grilling to keep it juicy and flavorful.
• No grill? Use a cast-iron grill pan on high heat. Get criss-cross marks by rotating the corn 45° halfway through cooking.

❓ Grilled Corn On The Cob FAQs

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Grilled Corn on the Cob

Claudia Ciorteanu

Savor the simple pleasure of freshly grilled or boiled, slathered in butter and sprinkled with salt. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings, it's a quintessential summer treat that brings joy to every bite.

5 from 9 votes

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 165 kcal

Equipment

• ▢
  1 Cast Iron Grill or a griddle pan
• ▢
  1 kitchen tong

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

• ▢ 4 corn on the cob
• ▢ 3.5 tablespoons melted butter use vegan butter for the vegan option
• ▢ Salt to taste

Instructions

 

• Preheat the grill pan to high heat until it's nice and hot. Add the corn to the grill and cook, turning often to ensure even charring, until the kernels are charred all over, about 10-15 minutes. For bold char marks, grill husk-free corn directly over flames, turning every 2 mins.
• Once the corn is cooked, carefully transfer it to a plate. While still warm, spread butter evenly over each cob and season generously with salt.
• Next, cover the buttered and seasoned corn with aluminium foil, allowing it to rest for 2-5 minutes. This resting period helps the flavours to meld together and allows the corn to become even more tender and tasty
• After the brief resting time, uncover the corn and serve it immediately, either as a delightful side dish or as a standalone snack.

Video

Notes

• Start with fresh corn on the cob, removing the husks and silk before grilling.
• Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before adding the corn.
• Place the corn directly over the heat, turning occasionally until charred and tender.
• Rotate the corn often to cook evenly on all sides.
• Use a fork to check tenderness; it should pierce easily when cooked.
• Let it rest for a few minutes and cool slightly for easier handling.
• Enjoy fresh off the grill as a side or with your favourite toppings.
• Add a bit of butter and sprinkle with salt, pepper, or any herbs and spices you like. 
• Dietary Note: One plain cob ≈ 100 cal. Add 50 cal/tbsp butter. Try Greek yogurt (25 cal/tbsp) for a lighter option.

Nutrition

Calories: 165kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 3gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 92mgPotassium: 246mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 474IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 0.5mg

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