Smoky Summer Grilled Corn On The Cob Recipe for All
Summer sizzles with this mouthwatering grilled corn on the cob recipe that brings backyard barbecue magic to your plate.
Kernels bursting with smoky flavor dance with golden-charred edges that promise pure deliciousness.
Sweet corn meets perfectly caramelized surfaces, creating an irresistible side dish that steals the show at every gathering.
Seasoned with a blend of spices and brushed with melted butter, this corn elevates simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.
Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crisp texture and rich, smoky notes that make taste buds sing.
You’ll want to fire up the grill and wow everyone with this incredibly simple yet spectacular summer staple.
Let the corn become the star of your next outdoor feast.
How to Grill Corn On The Cob Perfectly
Grill Preparation Crank up your grill to its highest setting and let it heat up for about 10 minutes until it's blazing hot.
Corn Coating Lightly brush each ear of corn with a smooth layer of olive oil to help create that perfect golden-brown char.
Grilling Technique Place the corn directly on the grill grates, rotating frequently to ensure even cooking and beautiful caramelized marks on all sides.
Flavor Boosters Once the corn is perfectly grilled, give it a quick squeeze of fresh lime juice and sprinkle with a touch of zesty Aleppo pepper for an extra flavor punch.
Final Touch Finish with a light pinch of sea salt and serve immediately while the corn is steaming hot and bursting with smoky goodness.
Tips for Corn Seasoning and Toppings
Brush melted butter mixed with minced garlic or herbs onto the corn while grilling for an extra layer of rich, aromatic taste.
Experiment with different spice combinations like smoked paprika, chili powder, or za'atar to create unique flavor profiles that complement the corn's natural sweetness.
Rotate corn every 2-3 minutes to ensure even caramelization and prevent burning, creating beautiful grill marks and smoky flavor throughout.
After grilling, roll the hot corn in crumbled cotija cheese or sprinkle with grated parmesan for a creamy, salty finish that takes the dish to the next level.
Best Ways to Serve Grilled Corn
Summer Picnic Companion: Perfect side dish for backyard barbecues, potlucks, and outdoor gatherings with friends and family.
Flavor Boost Toppings: Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese, drizzle tangy chili-lime mayo, or dust with smoked paprika for extra zesty experience.
Versatile Meal Pairing: Excellent alongside grilled meats like chicken, steak, or fish, complementing main course with smoky and vibrant corn flavors.
Quick Presentation Trick: Serve corn on a rustic wooden board with fresh herbs scattered around for an Instagram-worthy summer meal display.
After-Grill Storage Advice for Corn
Fresh Corn Refrigeration: Store uncooked corn in the refrigerator's crisper drawer, wrapped loosely in a damp paper towel inside a perforated plastic bag. Keep for maximum 2-3 days to maintain sweetness and crisp texture.
Leftover Grilled Corn Storage: Cool grilled corn completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate and consume within 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on a skillet to maintain flavor and prevent drying.
Corn Cutting and Freezing Technique: After grilling, slice kernels off the cob using a sharp knife. Spread kernels on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Frozen corn kernels stay fresh for up to 3 months and work great in salads, soups, and side dishes.
Make-Ahead Marination Magic: Prepare corn ahead by seasoning with olive oil, salt, and spices up to 6 hours before grilling. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator. This technique allows flavors to deeply penetrate the corn, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Calories: 80 kcal
Servings: 7
Ingredient List for Grilled Corn On The Cob
For Corn Base:
Corn On The Cob: Fresh summer sweetness packed with juicy kernels, look for bright green husks and plump ears without brown spots.
Olive Oil: Creates delightful golden char and helps seasonings stick to the corn, choose extra virgin for richer flavor.
For Seasoning:
Salt: Enhances natural corn sweetness, use fine sea salt for even distribution.
Aleppo Pepper: Adds warm, fruity heat with mild intensity, great for creating complex flavor profile.
Lime: Brings bright, zesty acidity that cuts through richness and awakens corn's natural taste, select firm fruits with vibrant green color.
Tools & Accessories for Corn Grilling
Grill: High-heat outdoor or indoor grill for perfect charring.
Tongs: Essential for safely turning and moving corn on the grill.
Basting brush: Helps evenly coat corn with olive oil before grilling.
Cutting board: For preparing corn and cutting lime if needed.
Sharp knife: To cut lime for optional seasoning.
Serving platter: To present and serve grilled corn.
Mexican street corn elevates classic grilled corn on the cob with zesty cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime. Creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors invite you to savor summer’s most irresistible side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
6 ears of corn, husks and silk removed
Extra virgin olive oil (to brush)
Kosher salt
1 lime, halved (optional)
Aleppo pepper (optional, or red pepper flakes)
Instructions
Preparation: Fire up the outdoor grill to maximum temperature, meticulously cleaning grates to create ideal high-heat cooking surface.
Oil and Season: Lovingly massage olive oil across each corn ear, ensuring complete coverage, then position ears directly on searing hot grill grates at a precise angle to generate stunning crosshatch char marks.
Grilling Technique: Vigilantly rotate corn every few minutes using long-handled tongs, allowing each side to caramelize and develop rich golden-brown exterior with tantalizingly blackened edges – this process typically unfolds over 10-12 minutes.
Flavor Enhancement: Immediately after removing corn from grill while intensely hot, unleash a generous cascade of fresh lime juice to awaken natural sweetness, then sprinkle Aleppo pepper for nuanced heat and complexity.
Finishing Touch: Delicately dust with kosher salt, creating a harmonious flavor balance that elevates the corn’s inherent deliciousness, and serve without hesitation to capture peak temperature and vibrancy.
Notes
Prep for Perfect Char: Clean grill grates thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure beautiful grill marks.
Oil Evenly: Coat corn completely with olive oil for optimal caramelization and prevent drying out during grilling.
Watch Carefully: Rotate corn every 2-3 minutes to achieve consistent golden-brown color without burning.
Season Strategically: Add lime, Aleppo pepper, and salt immediately after grilling to maximize flavor impact while corn is piping hot.
Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.
Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.
Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.
Mia Reynolds
Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist
Expertise
Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners
Education
New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont
Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont
Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.
Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.