This Garlic Butter Grilled Corn on the Cob is a summer treat! The sweet corn is slathered with creamy garlic butter and grilled to perfection—yum!
Every bite is full of buttery goodness, and it makes a great side for BBQs. I love serving it with extra napkins, because it can get a little messy. Just the way we like it! 🌽
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn: Fresh, sweet corn is the star here. Look for ears with bright green husks and plump kernels. If fresh corn isn’t available, frozen corn can be used; just adjust grilling time for thawed kernels.
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. I enjoy using herb-infused oils occasionally for a twist.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a bold flavor. If you don’t have fresh, try using garlic powder, but note that you’ll want less—about 1/4 teaspoon per clove. I love using roasted garlic for a sweeter taste.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a beautiful pop of color and flavor. If you don’t have it, cilantro or chives can be good substitutes. I sometimes even mix herbs for extra layers of taste!
How Do You Get Perfectly Grilled Corn Every Time?
Grilling corn is simple, but a few tricks can help you achieve the best results. Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat; this ensures those lovely char marks.
- Brush the garlic butter mixture onto the corn generously to lock in flavor.
- Place corn directly on the grill grates, making sure to turn them often so they cook evenly—about every 3-4 minutes.
- Grill until the corn is tender and has nice grill marks, about 10-15 minutes. You can test by squeezing a kernel; it should be juicy!
Leave some of that leftover garlic butter for a final brush after grilling for an extra kick. Enjoy your grilling adventure!
How to Make Garlic Butter Grilled Corn On The Cob
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Corn:
- 6 ears of corn, husked and cleaned
For the Garlic Butter:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
For Serving:
- Lime wedges (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare and 10-15 minutes to grill, totaling around 20 minutes. It’s a quick and easy side dish perfect for any barbecue or summer gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will help give your corn those nice, charred grill marks and make it cook evenly.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and paprika (if you’re using it). Stir everything until it’s well combined, creating a tasty garlic butter sauce.
3. Prepare the Corn:
Take each ear of corn and brush it generously with the garlic butter mixture. Make sure every part of the corn is well coated, as this will add lots of flavor while grilling!
4. Grill the Corn:
Place the buttered corn directly on the grill grates. Grill the corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning the ears occasionally. Cook until the corn is tender and has beautiful grill marks.
5. Finish and Serve:
Once the corn is nice and tender, remove it from the grill and give it a final brush with any leftover garlic butter mixture. Serve it hot, with lime wedges on the side if you like. Enjoy your delicious garlic butter grilled corn on the cob!
Can I Use Frozen Corn for This Recipe?
While fresh corn is best for grilling, you can use frozen corn if that’s what you have! It’s best to thaw the corn kernels completely before grilling. To do this, place them in the fridge overnight or put them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for a quicker thaw. You can then skew the thawed corn onto skewers for easier handling on the grill.
How Can I Store Leftover Corn on the Cob?
Any leftover corn can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the grill for a few minutes or in the microwave. If using the microwave, cover the corn with a damp paper towel to keep it moist while reheating.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No problem! You can use dried herbs in place of fresh parsley. A general guideline is to use one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh, so around 1 teaspoon of dried parsley should work well. Just mix it into the garlic butter mixture as you would with fresh herbs.
Can I Make the Garlic Butter Mixture in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the garlic butter mixture a day ahead. Just combine all the ingredients and store it in the refrigerator. Give it a quick stir before using it, as the butter may solidify when chilled. This can save you time on grilling day!
