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Flavorful Grilled Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter

grilled corn on the cob with herb butter - featured image

A quick and easy summer BBQ recipe featuring fresh corn grilled to smoky perfection and slathered with a homemade herb butter blend for vibrant, buttery flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Husk and clean 4 ears of fresh corn, removing all silk threads. Rinse under cold water and pat dry.
  2. In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons softened unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon chopped thyme, 1 minced garlic clove, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional). Mix until well incorporated.
  3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C). If using charcoal, wait until coals are glowing red with a light layer of ash.
  4. Place the corn directly on the grill grates. Cook for about 10-12 minutes total, turning every 2-3 minutes using tongs to ensure even charring.
  5. During the last few minutes of grilling, generously brush the herb butter over each ear. The heat will melt the butter, locking in fresh herb flavors.
  6. Check that the corn is tender with some charred spots but not burnt. Kernels should look plump and juicy.
  7. Transfer the corn to a platter and add an extra dollop of herb butter on top if desired. Serve hot immediately.

Notes

If fresh herbs are unavailable, use one-third the amount of dried herbs. For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the butter for a spicy kick. If the butter hardens while brushing, warm it slightly again. Avoid microwaving leftovers to prevent drying out; reheat gently under a broiler or on a grill.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled corn, corn on the cob, herb butter, summer BBQ, easy side dish, grilled vegetables, summer recipe