If you’re on the lookout for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing side that bursts with fresh flavors, this Grilled Corn with Herb Butter Recipe is exactly what you need. Perfectly smoky, tender grilled corn meets a luscious, aromatic herb butter that melts into every silky kernel. It’s a simple yet dazzling way to elevate a humble vegetable into a star of your summer BBQ or any meal that craves a touch of sunshine on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a vital role in creating that irresistible balance of smoky, buttery, herby goodness. Freshness and quality here truly shine through, so don’t skip on the fresh herbs or ripe corn if you want that perfect pop.
- 4 ears fresh corn on the cob: Choose sweet, plump ears for the best flavor and juiciness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: The creamy base that carries all the herbaceous notes beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a bright, mild earthiness to the butter.
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped: Brings a subtle oniony flavor that’s fresh and lively.
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped: Offers an aromatic, slightly sweet herbal depth.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses a gentle pungency that wakes up the butter mixture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances every flavor and balances the butter’s richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a slight bite and warmth to round out the seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Lifts and brightens the whole dish with a fresh citrus zing.
How to Make Grilled Corn with Herb Butter Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Start by heating your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking the corn evenly while giving it those coveted char marks that add smokiness and texture. A hot grill will seal in the corn’s natural sweetness as it cooks.
Step 2: Prepare the Corn
Husk the corn carefully, peeling away all the outer layers and clearing every bit of the silk strands. No one wants silky threads slipping into that perfect bite, so take your time making sure it’s clean. This also helps the heat penetrate evenly during grilling.
Step 3: Make the Herb Butter
In a bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with the minced garlic and freshly chopped herbs: parsley, chives, and basil. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and add a squeeze of lemon juice. Mix everything until it’s evenly blended, releasing the fresh aromas that will soon infuse the corn.
Step 4: Brush Corn with Olive Oil
Coat each ear of corn with a thin layer of olive oil. This extra step helps prevent sticking to the grill grates and adds a subtle fruity flavor that complements the herb butter perfectly. Make sure it’s brushed evenly for the best grill marks.
Step 5: Grill the Corn
Place the corn directly on the grill grates over medium heat. Turn the ears every few minutes to ensure all sides develop a tender, smoky char—this should take about 10 to 15 minutes. The goal is silky, juicy kernels with just a touch of char for that delightful depth of flavor.
Step 6: Slather with Herb Butter and Serve
Once the corn is hot off the grill, immediately slather it generously with the fresh herb butter. The heat melts the butter, seeping into every nook and cranny, making each bite rich, flavorful, and downright addictive. Serve right away and prepare for compliments!
How to Serve Grilled Corn with Herb Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Grilled Corn with Herb Butter Recipe by adding a sprinkle of extra chopped herbs like parsley or chives on top for color and an extra hit of freshness. A light dusting of smoked paprika or grated Parmesan can add a fun twist if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
This grilled, buttery corn pairs beautifully with just about anything from classic BBQ fare like grilled chicken or ribs to fresh summer salads. Its bright, herbaceous notes make it an excellent contrast to smoky meats and creamy elements like coleslaw or avocado salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the kernels off the cob after slathering with herb butter and toss them into a mixed green salad or use them as a zesty topping for tacos. You can also serve smaller portions on skewers as an appetizer that’s easy to grab and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover grilled corn, wrap it tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 2 days, though it’s always best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze cooked corn on the cob by wrapping each ear in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. Frozen corn is best eaten within 1 to 2 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the corn and warm it gently on a grill or in the oven wrapped in foil. Avoid microwaving if possible as it can make the kernels rubbery. Reapply a little more herb butter after reheating to refresh that luscious flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Fresh corn really shines in this Grilled Corn with Herb Butter Recipe because of its natural sweetness and tenderness. Frozen corn won’t grill the same way on the cob, so if using frozen, consider grilling corn kernels separately or opt for fresh when possible.
What herbs can I substitute if I don’t have parsley, chives, or basil?
Feel free to experiment! Cilantro, thyme, or tarragon can be wonderful alternatives. The key is to use fresh herbs that complement buttery richness without overwhelming the delicate corn flavor.
How do I know when the corn is done on the grill?
The corn is ready when it is tender to the touch, with a slight char on the kernels all around. It should take about 10-15 minutes over medium heat, but keep turning it so it cooks evenly without burning.
Can I prepare the herb butter ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making the herb butter in advance lets the flavors meld beautifully. Store it in the fridge and bring to room temperature before spreading on the hot corn for the best melting and flavor release.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan or dairy-free diet?
You can easily adapt the Grilled Corn with Herb Butter Recipe by swapping the butter for a vegan margarine or coconut oil blend and ensuring the herbs and seasonings remain fresh. It still delivers on flavor with that perfect fresh herb punch.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Grilled Corn with Herb Butter Recipe, it will become your go-to summer favorite. It’s one of those dishes that feels effortlessly special and always brings people together around the table. So fire up your grill, grab some fresh corn, and make sure to slather it in that heavenly herb butter—you’re in for a deliciously unforgettable treat!
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Grilled Corn with Herb Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Grilled Corn with Herb Butter recipe features fresh corn on the cob grilled to perfection and coated with a flavorful blend of garlic, fresh herbs, and lemon-infused butter. A simple yet delicious side dish perfect for summer barbecues or a quick, tasty snack.
Ingredients
Corn
- 4 ears fresh corn on the cob
Herb Butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C), to ensure the corn cooks evenly with a nice char.
- Prepare the corn: Husk the corn by removing the outer leaves and carefully strip away all the silk strands to prevent bitterness and ensure clean grilling.
- Make the herb butter: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, chives, basil, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Brush with olive oil: Lightly brush each ear of corn with olive oil. This helps to add flavor and prevent the corn from sticking to the grill grates.
- Grill the corn: Place the corn directly on the grill over medium heat. Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning every few minutes to ensure even cooking and developing a slight char on all sides. The corn should be tender when done.
- Apply herb butter and serve: Once the corn is hot off the grill, generously slather it with the prepared herb butter for a rich, flavorful finish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, you can soak the corn in water for 15 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Adjust the herbs in the butter according to your preference or availability.
- Grilled corn pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, salads, or as a standalone appetizer.
- If you don’t have a grill, the corn can be cooked on a stovetop grill pan or broiled in the oven as alternatives.
