This Garlic Butter Grilled Corn on the Cob is the perfect side dish for summer cookouts! It’s sweet and smoky, bursting with flavor from the garlic and buttery goodness.
You’ll love the simple prep—just slather the corn with garlic butter and throw it on the grill. Every bite is a tasty treat that’ll make you want seconds (or thirds)! 🌽😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn: Fresh corn on the cob is the star here! Look for vibrant, firm ears with bright green husks. If fresh corn isn’t available, you can use frozen corn, but grilling will give that smoky flavor that canned corn can’t replicate.
Unsalted Butter: I love using unsalted butter because you can control the saltiness of the dish. If you want a healthier option, olive oil can work well too! Just remember, it will change the flavor slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best taste, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder. Just use about 1 teaspoon instead of the fresh garlic cloves. I recommend fresh for that real pop of flavor!
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and a hint of freshness. If you don’t have it, cilantro is a good alternative, or you can leave it out altogether. No pressure—this dish is tasty either way!
How Do I Grill Corn Perfectly Without Burning It?
Grilling corn can be tricky, but with a few steps, you can achieve that perfect char without burning. First, keep your grill at medium-high heat—this will help cook the corn evenly. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure to husk the corn completely and remove all the silk before grilling.
- Brush the corn with your garlic butter mixture generously. This helps it stay moist while cooking.
- Place the corn on the grill, then turn it every 2-3 minutes. This ensures an even cook and prevents burning.
- Grill for about 10-15 minutes, and keep an eye out for charred spots. If it gets too dark, move it to a cooler part of the grill.
- For extra flavor, add another layer of garlic butter in the last few minutes!
Following these tips will help you serve up perfectly grilled corn every time! Enjoy your grilling!
How to Make Garlic Butter Grilled Corn On The Cob
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Corn:
- 6 ears of corn, husked
For The Garlic Butter Mixture:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
For Garnishing:
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 10-15 minutes to grill. In total, you can have your garlic butter grilled corn ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick, tasty side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by heating your grill to medium-high heat. This will help cook the corn evenly and give it a lovely char.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the minced garlic. Stir well until it’s nicely combined and you smell that delightful garlic aroma.
3. Husk the Corn:
Take your ears of corn and remove the husks and silk. Rinse the corn under cold water to clean it and pat it dry with a towel. This helps the butter stick to the corn better.
4. Coat the Corn:
Using a brush or a spoon, spread the garlic butter mixture all over each ear of corn. Make sure they are generously coated for that delicious flavor!
5. Season the Corn:
Sprinkle salt and pepper over the corn. This adds a nice kick and enhances the overall taste.
6. Grill the Corn:
Place the corn on the preheated grill. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally so it cooks evenly. You’re looking for that beautiful char on the corn.
7. Extra Flavor (Optional):
If you want an extra burst of flavor, brush on some additional garlic butter onto the corn during the last few minutes of grilling.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once the corn is grilled to perfection, take it off the grill and sprinkle with chopped parsley and paprika, if using. These will add a nice pop of color and freshness.
9. Enjoy!
Serve your warm grilled corn with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty twist. Dig in and enjoy the tasty garlic butter goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Corn Instead of Fresh Corn?
Yes, you can use frozen corn! Just thaw the corn completely and pat it dry before brushing with garlic butter. Keep in mind that the grilling time may be slightly shorter, so watch for that perfectly charred flavor!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Corn?
Store any leftover grilled corn in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can either warm it on the grill for a few minutes or use the microwave for about 1 minute, just until heated through.
Can I Make Garlic Butter in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the garlic butter mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a quick re-melt in the microwave before brushing it on the corn.
What Other Seasonings Can I Use?
If you want to switch things up, feel free to experiment with other spices! Chili powder, cumin, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can add a delicious twist to your garlic butter grilled corn.
