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Savory Grilled Corn on the Cob with Garlic Butter

grilled corn on the cob with garlic butter - featured image

A quick and easy grilled corn on the cob recipe slathered with a flavorful garlic butter, perfect for summer BBQs and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob
  • 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling after grilling (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a small mixing bowl, combine 4 tablespoons (60g) of softened unsalted butter, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended. If adding smoked paprika, fold it in now. Set aside to let the flavors meld for about 10 minutes.
  2. Peel back the green husks of each ear of corn without detaching them completely; remove the silk threads carefully. Pull the husks back up to cover the corn again, or leave the corn husk-free if you prefer a more charred finish. Pat the corn dry if needed.
  3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F (204°C).
  4. Using a basting brush, generously coat each ear of corn with the prepared garlic butter.
  5. Place the corn directly on the grill grates. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes with tongs to get an even char and prevent burning. Keep brushing with garlic butter every turn to build layers of flavor and moisture.
  6. Check for doneness: the corn should have a few golden-brown char marks and smell fragrant with garlic and butter. The kernels will be tender but still have a satisfying snap when bitten.
  7. Remove the corn from the grill and give it a final brush of garlic butter. If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese or extra fresh parsley for garnish.
  8. Serve hot off the grill with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Keep the grill at medium-high heat to avoid burning the garlic butter. Baste frequently and turn the corn every 2-3 minutes for even cooking and flavor. Fresh garlic is preferred for best aroma. For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with vegan butter or olive oil and lemon juice with apple cider vinegar.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled corn, garlic butter, summer BBQ, easy side dish, corn on the cob, grilled vegetables, vegetarian