This Garlic Butter Grilled Corn on the Cob is a summer favorite! It’s sweet, juicy corn slathered in rich garlic butter, making every bite totally delicious.
Grilling gives it a smoky flavor that’s hard to resist. I can’t help but go back for seconds—it’s simply that good! 🌽 Plus, it’s a breeze to make—just grill, butter, and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn: Fresh corn is the star here! Look for ears that are bright green with moist husks. If fresh corn isn’t available, you can use frozen corn, but grilled flavor will be less intense.
Butter: I prefer unsalted butter to better control the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, consider using a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or margarine—it works well, just check for flavors.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but garlic powder can be a quick substitute in a pinch. Use about half a teaspoon of powder for every clove of fresh garlic.
Herbs: Fresh parsley and cilantro are great for garnishing, but if you don’t have either, try chives or even green onions. They’ll add a nice touch!
Lime: Lime wedges brighten the dish beautifully, but lemon works just as well. It’s a nice twist if you like a different flavor.
How Can I Get Perfectly Grilled Corn?
Grilling corn can be straightforward, but ensuring it’s cooked just right takes a little know-how. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure the corn cooks evenly and gets those tasty grill marks.
- Brush the garlic butter generously over all sides of the corn. The more you coat it, the better the flavor!
- Place the corn on the grill, turning every 2-3 minutes to cook evenly. You’re looking for nice golden-brown grill marks; this should take about 10-15 minutes.
- Once done, don’t forget to brush on any leftover garlic butter. It adds an extra layer of yum!
How to Make Garlic Butter Grilled Corn on the Cob
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Corn:
- 6 ears of corn, husked and cleaned
For the Garlic Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 10-15 minutes to grill, making it a quick and tasty addition to your meal. In total, you’ll be enjoying this mouth-watering garlic butter corn on the cob in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that your corn will cook evenly and get those lovely grill marks.
2. Make the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika if you’re using it. Stir everything together until it’s mixed nicely. This will be the tasty garlic butter that adds so much flavor!
3. Coat the Corn:
Take each ear of corn and brush the garlic butter mixture generously over it. Make sure to coat all sides so every bite is packed with flavor!
4. Grill the Corn:
Place the corn on the hot grill and turn it occasionally to prevent burning. Grill for about 10-15 minutes, or until the corn is tender and you see those beautiful grill marks.
5. Add More Garlic Butter:
Once the corn is cooked, carefully remove it from the grill. If you like extra flavor, feel free to brush any remaining garlic butter over the top of the corn.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle the grilled corn with chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh touch. Serve it up with lime wedges so everyone can squeeze some juice on their corn if they choose.
7. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy your Garlic Butter Grilled Corn on the Cob while it’s warm and fresh off the grill. It’s a delightful side that everyone will love!
Can I Use Frozen Corn for This Recipe?
While fresh corn is preferred for grilling, you can use frozen corn if needed. Thaw the corn and pat it dry before grilling to avoid excess moisture. Wrap the corn in foil with the garlic butter mixture to help retain flavor and moisture while grilling.
What Can I Substitute for Unsalted Butter?
If you’re looking for a healthier option or a dairy-free substitute, you can use olive oil or vegan butter. Both options will still provide a great flavor, but if using olive oil, be sure to adjust the amount to a similar texture—about 1/3 cup should do just fine!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Corn?
If you have any leftovers, wrap the corn in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can grill it again for a few minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
Can I Make the Garlic Butter Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the garlic butter mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before brushing it onto the corn, as it will solidify when chilled.
