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Perfect Garlic Butter Grilled Corn on the Cob

garlic butter grilled corn on the cob - featured image

A simple and delicious grilled corn on the cob recipe slathered in garlic butter, perfect for summer BBQs. The smoky grill char and buttery garlic flavor make it a crowd-pleasing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husks intact
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Gently peel back the husks without removing them entirely, removing the silk threads underneath. Fold the husks back over the corn. (5 minutes)
  2. Submerge the corn in cold water for 15-20 minutes to help steam the corn on the grill and keep it juicy. (15-20 minutes)
  3. While the corn soaks, combine melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Let it sit so the flavors meld. (5 minutes)
  4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F or 190°C). If using charcoal, wait until coals are glowing red with a light layer of ash. (5-10 minutes)
  5. Place the soaked corn directly on the grill grates. Turn every 3-4 minutes for about 15 minutes total, until husks are charred and kernels are tender. (15 minutes)
  6. Carefully peel back the husks and remove them and any remaining silk. Brush the corn thickly with the garlic butter mixture. Return the corn to the grill for 2-3 minutes per side, turning to get a nice char and let the butter soak in. Watch for flare-ups! (6-8 minutes)
  7. Remove the corn from the grill, brush with any leftover garlic butter, and sprinkle extra fresh parsley or flaky sea salt if desired. Serve immediately while warm. (2 minutes)

Notes

Soaking the corn in water before grilling helps steam the kernels and keeps them juicy. Apply garlic butter in two stages to avoid burning the garlic. Use medium-high heat to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with vegan butter or olive oil. If no grill is available, roast corn in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes wrapped in foil, then broil for a few minutes to char.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled corn on the cob, garlic butter corn, summer BBQ side, easy grilled corn, smoky corn recipe