Garlic Butter Grilled Corn – Juicy, Smoky & Irresistible

Have you ever been on the hunt for a side dish that becomes the star of every summer gathering? You know the kind we mean—it’s vibrant, bursting with flavour, and vanishes from the serving platter in mere moments. Well, we believe your search is now over. We’re here to share our definitive recipe for Garlic Butter Grilled Corn – Juicy, Smoky & Irresistible. This is far more than your average corn on the cob; it’s a taste sensation that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of a sun-filled British barbecue. The sweet pop of the kernels, the smoky char from the flames, and a lavish coating of rich, savoury garlic butter unite to form a side dish that is truly spectacular.

We urge you to set aside the boiling pan. Once you’ve experienced grilled corn, you’ll be a convert for life. The direct heat from the barbecue caramelises the corn’s natural sugars, deepening its sweetness and imparting a wonderful smoky flavour. When you combine this with our simple yet luxurious garlic and herb butter that seeps into every nook and cranny, you create something quite special. Let’s fire up the barbecue and make some magic happen!

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Grilled Corn Recipe

We believe the finest recipes are those that provide exceptional flavour without any unnecessary fuss, and this one is a perfect illustration. It’s a surefire hit that will delight everyone, from the pickiest of eaters to the most seasoned food enthusiasts. The combination of fresh, straightforward ingredients yields a side dish that feels both comforting and wonderfully elegant.

• Incredibly Flavourful: The smoky notes from the grill, the inherent sweetness of the corn, and the fragrant, rich garlic butter come together in a perfect harmony of tastes.
• Wonderfully Simple: With only a handful of essential ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, this is the ideal easy grilled corn recipe for cooks of any experience level.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a casual family barbecue, a garden party, or just making a weeknight tea, this corn will fit in beautifully.
• Quick to Prepare: You can have these cobs ready to serve in under 30 minutes, which means less time spent at the grill and more time enjoying the sunshine with your favourite people.

The Essential Ingredients for Perfect Garlic Butter Corn

The charm of this recipe lies in its elegant simplicity. We always suggest using the freshest ingredients you can source to make the flavours truly sing. The quality of your sweetcorn and butter will make a significant difference to the final result.

• 4 Fresh Corn on the Cob: Seek out cobs with bright green, tightly-wrapped husks and kernels that are plump and full of milky goodness.
• 115g Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature, which makes it much easier to mix.
• 3-4 Cloves Garlic: Freshly minced or grated for the most potent and aromatic flavour.
• 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley: Chopped finely. You could also try using chives or coriander for a different twist.
• 1/2 tsp Sea Salt: Or adjusted to your preference.
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper offers the best aroma and taste.
• A Pinch of Red Chilli Flakes (Optional): For a lovely, subtle warmth.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Garlic Butter Grilled Corn

Ready to get grilling? We’ve outlined the method in simple, manageable steps. Follow our guide, and you’ll be serving the best corn of your life before you know it. This is a classic summer barbecue recipe that we’re sure you’ll come back to.

1. Prepare the Cobs: Begin by pulling away the husks and removing all the fine, silky threads from each corn cob. Give them a swift rinse under cold water and then pat them dry with a kitchen towel. This helps the butter to adhere properly.
2. Mix the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine your softened butter with the minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, sea salt, and black pepper. If you’d like a little kick, this is the moment to add the chilli flakes. Use a fork to mix everything until it is smooth and well-combined. This mixture is the heart and soul of our garlic butter corn.
3. Grill the Corn: Preheat your barbecue to a medium-high temperature, which is around 200°C (400°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent any sticking. Place the corn cobs directly onto the hot grill. Cook them for 15-20 minutes, turning them every 4-5 minutes, until the kernels are lovely and tender with a beautiful char on all sides.
4. Apply the Butter: During the final 5 minutes of cooking time, begin to generously brush the grilled corn on the cob with your garlic butter mixture. As the butter melts, it will sizzle and drip, creating a wonderfully fragrant smoke that infuses the corn with even more flavour. Turn the cobs as you brush to ensure they get an even coating.
5. Serve Straight Away: Once the corn is beautifully charred and glistening with butter, remove it from the heat. Give it one last generous brush with any leftover garlic butter and serve immediately while it’s piping hot. For an extra flourish, you can sprinkle over some more fresh parsley or a little grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Ever Grilled Corn

We’ve prepared this recipe more times than we can count, and in doing so, we’ve discovered a few key tricks that ensure perfect results every single time.

Choosing the Freshest Corn

The corn itself is the hero of this dish. We always recommend choosing fresh, locally sourced sweetcorn when it’s in season (typically late summer in the UK). Look for husks that are a vibrant green and feel slightly moist to the touch. You can gently peel back a small section to check the kernels—they should be plump, bright, and arranged in neat, tightly packed rows.

To Soak or Not to Soak?

You may have come across advice to soak corn in water prior to grilling. This technique is mainly for cooking corn within its husk, as it helps to steam the kernels and prevents the husk from burning. As our recipe involves shucking the corn first to get that lovely direct-flame char, soaking is not a necessary step.

Mastering the Grill

The secret to perfectly cooked corn is all about heat management. A consistent medium-high heat is what you are aiming for. If the grill is too hot, the kernels can burn on the outside before they are cooked through. If it’s not hot enough, you won’t get that beautiful char. Keep the lid down as much as you can to maintain a steady temperature and turn the cobs regularly to ensure they cook evenly.

Flavour Variations to Try

While our classic garlic and parsley butter is a guaranteed winner, we encourage you to get creative! Here are a few alternative combinations we love:

• Cheesy Italian: Add 2 tablespoons of finely grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano to the butter mixture.
• Spicy Lime & Coriander: Replace the parsley with fresh coriander, and add the zest and juice of one lime along with a finely diced red chilli.
• Smoky Paprika: Mix in a teaspoon of smoked paprika and a pinch of ground cumin for a wonderfully deep, smoky flavour.

What to Serve with Your Smoky Garlic Butter Corn

This garlic butter grilled corn is an incredibly versatile side dish, pairing wonderfully with almost any main you might cook on the barbecue. It is a fantastic accompaniment to classic burgers, grilled sausages, or a perfectly cooked steak.

For a meal that is truly special, we highly recommend serving it alongside our Tasty Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Delicious Easy. The creamy, spicy sauce on the chicken provides a brilliant contrast to the sweet, buttery corn. And if you’re a true corn aficionado, why not try another variation? Our recipe for How To Make The Ultimate Wingstop Style Cajun Corn At Home offers a spicier alternative that will also delight your guests.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We’ve compiled answers to some of the most common queries to help you on your grilling journey.

Can I make this in the oven?

Absolutely! If the great British weather isn’t playing ball, you can achieve a similar result indoors. Place the shucked corn on a baking sheet and roast at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, turning them over halfway through. Brush with the garlic butter during the final 5 minutes of cooking. You won’t get that same smoky char, but it will still be utterly delicious.

Can I use frozen corn?

While fresh is certainly best for grilling, frozen corn on the cob can be used. Ensure you thaw the cobs completely and pat them thoroughly dry before you place them on the grill. They may cook a little more quickly than fresh corn, so be sure to keep a close eye on them.

How do I store leftover grilled corn?

In the unlikely event that you have any leftovers, you can keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them on the grill, in the oven, or in the microwave. You can also slice the kernels off the cob and add them to salads, salsas, or pasta dishes for a burst of flavour.

Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?

Yes, you can! The garlic butter can be prepared up to a week beforehand and stored in the fridge. For longer storage, you can even freeze it in an ice cube tray. Just allow it to soften to room temperature before you plan to use it.

The Nutritional Value of Sweetcorn

Beyond being incredibly tasty, sweetcorn also offers some fantastic nutritional benefits. It is a good source of dietary fibre, which is important for digestive health, and it contains key vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, magnesium, and B vitamins. As an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, it also provides a sustained release of energy. For more detailed information, you can explore the health benefits of sweetcorn on a trusted site like BBC Good Food.

Conclusion: Your New Favourite BBQ Side Dish

And there we have it—our simple, foolproof recipe for the most wonderful Garlic Butter Grilled Corn – Juicy, Smoky & Irresistible. It’s a dish that celebrates the joy of summer cooking: fresh ingredients, bold flavours, and the undeniable magic of the barbecue. This recipe is more than just a side; it’s a reason to gather your friends and family, light the grill, and create some delicious new memories.

We are confident this will become a regular feature at your summer get-togethers. So, the next time you are planning a barbecue, make sure these golden, glistening cobs are on your menu. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments below. We love hearing about your culinary creations!