Garlic Butter Grilled Corn – Juicy, Smoky & Irresistible

Are you in search of the quintessential summer side dish? The one that perfectly embodies a warm, sunny afternoon, the sound of cheerful chatter, and the unmistakable scent of a barbecue in full swing? We understand completely. It’s the quest for a recipe that is not only straightforward but also utterly delicious and destined to have everyone asking for more. Fortunately, your search ends here. We are delighted to share our definitive recipe for Garlic Butter Grilled Corn – Juicy, Smoky & Irresistible. This is more than just corn on the cob; it’s a culinary highlight that will elevate your barbecue skills to a new level.

Picture this: sweet, plump corn kernels, kissed by the flames of the grill to caramelise their natural sugars. Now, imagine them being generously coated in a luscious melted butter, infused with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs. Every mouthful offers a sublime harmony of sweet, savoury, smoky, and juicy notes. This is the side dish that is guaranteed to be the star of your next family get-together or garden party. Let’s fire up the grill!

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Garlic Butter Grilled Corn Recipe

We are firm believers that the finest recipes are often the most simple, and this one is a perfect example of that principle. It’s a guaranteed hit with guests for very good reason. Here is why we are confident you will adore this easy grilled corn recipe:

• Incredibly Flavourful: The blend of smoky char from the grill, the inherent sweetness of the corn, and the decadent, savoury garlic butter is nothing short of heavenly. It satisfies every craving.
• Effortlessly Simple: With just a few common ingredients and some easy-to-follow steps, you can produce a side dish that tastes as if it were prepared by a professional chef.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Be it a relaxed weekend barbecue, a family potluck, or a bonfire evening, this grilled corn is always a welcome addition. It’s a truly versatile and cherished summer side dish.
• Quick to Prepare: You can have these corn cobs prepped and ready for the grill in less than 10 minutes, giving you more precious time to unwind and enjoy the company of your friends and family.
• Customisable: We provide you with a fantastic base recipe, but feel free to add your own flair with different herbs, spices, or even a sprinkle of cheese to make it uniquely yours.

The Essential Ingredients for Perfect Grilled Corn

The true charm of this recipe is its simplicity. We place our focus on using high-quality, fresh ingredients to allow the natural flavours to take centre stage. You won’t require an extensive shopping list for this one!

• Fresh Corn on the Cob: 6-8 cobs, with husks and silk removed. Choose corn with vibrant green, tightly wrapped husks and plump, juicy kernels.
• Unsalted Butter: 115g (1/2 cup), brought to room temperature so it’s soft. Using unsalted butter gives you complete control over the final saltiness.
• Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced very finely. For the most robust and authentic flavour, we always recommend using fresh garlic.
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped finely. This adds a lovely touch of freshness and a dash of vibrant colour.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, or adjusted to your preference.
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, freshly cracked, or adjusted to your preference.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Garlic Butter Grilled Corn – Juicy, Smoky & Irresistible

Are you ready to create the most amazing grilled corn you’ve ever tasted? We have streamlined the process into four easy steps. Just follow our lead, and you will be serving up perfectly cooked, flavour-packed corn in a flash.

Step 1: Prepare the Corn

First things first, we need to get the corn ready for the grill. Carefully peel the husks from each ear of corn, pulling them down towards the base. You can snap off the stems or leave them attached to serve as a handy handle. Gently remove all of the fine, silky strands from the cobs. Give the corn a brief rinse under cold running water and then pat it thoroughly dry with a clean tea towel. Ensuring the corn is dry helps the butter to adhere properly and promotes a beautiful char on the grill.

Step 2: Mix the Glorious Garlic Butter

Now, let’s create the flavour powerhouse. In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, the finely minced fresh garlic, and the finely chopped parsley. Season with the salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Using a fork, mash everything together until it is thoroughly combined into a fragrant, beautiful compound butter. This step can be done in advance; the butter will keep in the fridge for a couple of days. Just be sure to let it return to room temperature before you plan to use it.

Step 3: Grill to Smoky Perfection

Preheat your barbecue to a medium-high temperature, aiming for around 200-230°C (400-450°F). Arrange the prepared corn cobs directly on the hot grill grates. Close the lid and allow them to cook for approximately 10-15 minutes, turning them every few minutes. We are aiming for the kernels to become tender and develop some lovely dark, charred spots across the surface. This charring is not just for appearance; it imparts a wonderful smoky depth to the garlic butter corn.

Step 4: Baste and Serve

As soon as the corn is tender and has a nice char, it’s time for the final flourish of flavour. With a pastry brush, generously coat the hot corn cobs with your garlic butter mixture. The heat from the corn will melt the butter instantly, allowing it to soak into every single crevice. Roll the cobs in the butter to ensure they are completely covered. Serve them straight away while they are piping hot, wonderfully juicy, and dripping with that delicious butter.

Pro Tips for the Best Grilled Corn on the Cob

We’ve prepared our fair share of grilled corn on the cob over the years, and in that time, we’ve picked up a few helpful hints. Here are our best tips to ensure you get it right every time:

• Pick the Perfect Corn: The fresher your corn, the more sweet and succulent it will be. Look for cobs that feel substantial for their size and have bright green, tightly-fitting husks. Steer clear of any with husks that appear dry or brown.
• To Soak or Not to Soak: You may have seen recipes that recommend soaking corn in its husk before grilling. This method steams the corn and stops the husk from catching fire. However, to achieve that signature smoky char, our preferred method is to grill the shucked cobs directly on the grates. Both techniques are valid, so feel free to see which you prefer!
• Embrace the Char: Don’t be timid about getting a bit of colour on the corn! Those dark, caramelised areas are packed with flavour. This is thanks to the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that gives browned food its distinctive taste.
• Butter at the End: We always advise adding the butter after the corn is cooked. Applying it during the grilling process can cause flare-ups from the dripping butter and may result in the garlic and herbs burning before the corn is ready.

Fun Variations and Topping Ideas

While our classic garlic and parsley butter is a triumph, there’s always room for a little creativity! Here are some of our favourite ways to put a personal spin on your grilled corn:

Spice It Up

For those who appreciate a bit of heat, try adding 1/2 teaspoon of chilli flakes, smoked paprika, or just a pinch of cayenne pepper to the butter. This introduces a lovely warmth that beautifully balances the sweetness of the corn.

Get Cheesy

After coating the corn in the garlic butter, sprinkle over some finely grated Parmesan cheese. The warmth from the corn will melt it slightly, forming a delicious, savoury, cheesy coating. Crumbled feta or Mexican-style cotija cheese also work wonderfully.

Herb Heaven

Feel free to exchange the parsley for other fresh herbs. Finely chopped coriander brings a zesty, almost citrus-like note, whereas chives will add a delicate onion flavour. A little fresh dill can also provide a delicious and surprising twist.

What to Serve with Your Garlic Butter Grilled Corn

This incredibly versatile BBQ corn is a perfect partner for almost any main dish you might be cooking on the grill. It truly is the ultimate team player on a summer dinner plate. We particularly enjoy serving it with classic barbecue staples like juicy burgers, grilled sausages, or a perfectly seared steak.

If you’re putting together a larger meal, this corn is an ideal accompaniment to flavourful grilled meats. For an unforgettable feast, consider serving it with these Tasty Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, which introduce a delightful sweet and spicy element. It also pairs exceptionally well with seafood. Just imagine a smoky, buttery cob of corn alongside The Best Quick Blackened Shrimp Recipe for a fantastic surf-and-turf style meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this recipe in the oven?

Of course! If you don’t have a barbecue, you can get a very similar result using your oven. Preheat it to 200°C (400°F). Place the corn cobs on a baking tray and roast for 20-25 minutes, turning them over halfway through, until they are tender. To get a charred effect, you can place them under the grill for a minute or two on each side. Afterwards, coat them generously with the garlic butter as instructed.

How do I store leftover grilled corn?

On the rare occasion that you have any leftovers, you can keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The corn is quite tasty eaten cold, perhaps with the kernels sliced off and tossed into a salad. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, in the oven, or for a few moments back on the barbecue.

Can I use frozen corn?

While we always prefer fresh corn for its superior sweetness and texture, frozen corn cobs are a viable alternative. You must thaw them completely and pat them very dry before grilling. They might not have the same crisp “bite” as fresh corn, but they will still be absolutely delicious once coated in garlic butter.

What’s the best way to shuck corn without making a mess?

We have a great tip for this: use the microwave! Put a single ear of corn (husk still on) into the microwave and cook on high power for 2-4 minutes. Using an oven glove, carefully remove it, slice off the wide stem end, and the corn cob should slide out cleanly, free of its silk!

Can I prepare the garlic butter in advance?

Yes, absolutely. The garlic butter can be prepared up to 3 days ahead of time and kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can even freeze it for as long as 3 months. Just remember to let it come to room temperature so it becomes soft and spreadable before you need to use it.

Get Ready to Grill the Best Corn of Your Life!

So, there we have it—our straightforward, reliable guide to making the most delicious, juicy, and smoky garlic butter grilled corn. This recipe is a testament to the fact that you don’t need complex methods or fancy ingredients to create something truly memorable. It’s a pure celebration of summer flavours that is sure to bring joy to everyone at your table.

We encourage you to fire up that barbecue, assemble your ingredients, and prepare to savour a real taste of sunshine. We’re confident that once you’ve tried it, this will become your signature recipe for every barbecue you host from this day forward.

Have you tried our garlic butter grilled corn? We would be thrilled to see what you’ve made! Please tag us on social media or drop a comment below to tell us how it went. Happy grilling!