The Best Grilled Corn On The Cob Recipe for Summer Cookouts

Grilled corn on the cob crafts ordinary summer gatherings into memorable feasts with its smoky, charred essence.

Sweet kernels caramelize beautifully when kissed by open flames, creating an irresistible side dish that elevates any meal.

Outdoor cooking brings out rich, natural flavors that traditional boiling simply cannot match.

Summer barbecues demand this simple yet spectacular accompaniment that connects people through shared culinary experiences.

Crisp textures and golden-brown edges make this dish a sensory delight for friends and family.

Professional and amateur grillers alike appreciate how minimal ingredients can produce maximum taste sensations.

Regional variations add unique twists, ensuring no two corn experiences are exactly alike.

Fire up your grill and get ready for a mouthwatering journey that celebrates seasonal ingredients.

Why Grilled Corn On The Cob Is a BBQ Essential

• Unleash Smoky Flavor Explosion: Grilling corn creates an incredible charred taste that transforms ordinary corn into a mouthwatering delicacy with deep, rich smoky notes that dance on your palate.
• Super Quick Summer Side Dish: This recipe takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for spontaneous backyard gatherings or weeknight dinners when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize Your Corn Adventure: The method allows endless personalization with optional toppings like zesty lime and spicy Aleppo pepper, letting each cook craft their unique version of this classic summer favorite.
• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Impact: Using only olive oil, salt, and optional garnishes, this recipe proves that simple techniques can produce restaurant-worthy results with minimal preparation and cooking skills required.

What You Need for Grilled Corn Perfection

Main Ingredients:

Fresh Corn: Sweet summer corn with husks removed, perfect for grilling and achieving a delicious charred exterior.

Olive Oil: Helps corn brown evenly and prevents sticking to the grill grates, adds a subtle richness.

• Salt: Classic seasoning that enhances the corn's natural sweetness and flavor.
• Aleppo Pepper: Optional spice with a mild, fruity heat that adds complexity to the grilled corn.
• Lime: Optional bright citrus that provides a tangy freshness and balances the corn's sweetness.

• Grill: High heat source that creates beautiful char marks and caramelizes the corn's natural sugars.

Grilling Instructions for Juicy, Charred Kernels

Step 1: Prepare the Grill

Fire up your grill to high heat, allowing it to warm up for about 10 minutes until it’s sizzling hot and ready for some corn magic.

Step 2: Coat Corn with Oil

Gently brush each ear of corn with a light coating of olive oil, ensuring every kernel gets a smooth, glistening surface.

Step 3: Grill the Corn

• Rotate corn every 2-3 minutes
• Cook for approximately 10 minutes total
• Look for golden-brown spots and a slightly smoky appearance

Step 4: Season and Serve

• Squeeze fresh lime juice over the corn
• Sprinkle Aleppo pepper for a subtle kick
• Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors

Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy immediately while the corn is hot and bursting with smoky, sweet goodness. The combination of charred kernels, zesty lime, and warm spices will make your taste buds dance with delight.

Helpful Grilling Tips for Corn Lovers

• Rotate Evenly: Turn corn frequently to ensure uniform charring and prevent burning on one side.
• Oil Matters: Use a light, even brush of olive oil to help corn caramelize and prevent sticking to grill grates.
• High Heat Magic: Grill at high temperature to create those beautiful, deep char marks that enhance natural sweetness.
• Fresh is Best: Choose fresh, in-season corn for maximum flavor and juiciness during grilling.
• Seasoning Hack: Experiment with different spices like Aleppo pepper or try adding butter for extra richness after grilling.

Keeping Grilled Corn Fresh for Days

• Refrigerate: Store leftover grilled corn in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat: Warm corn on the cob by wrapping in damp paper towels and microwaving for 30-45 seconds, or quickly grill again for 1-2 minutes to restore crispy texture.
• Repurpose: Transform cold corn into delicious salads, salsas, or cut kernels into pasta dishes for a fresh, smoky flavor boost.

Best Pairings for Corn on the Cob

• Pair with Zesty Margaritas: The charred, smoky corn pairs perfectly with a tangy margarita, where the lime and tequila complement the corn's grilled flavors and Aleppo pepper kick.
• Match with Grilled Protein Companions: Serve alongside barbecued chicken, skirt steak, or pulled pork to create a complete summer meal that highlights the corn's robust, caramelized exterior.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Combine chopped grilled corn kernels with a light cucumber and tomato salad dressed in cilantro vinaigrette, adding brightness and texture to balance the corn's smoky profile.
• Enhance with Mexican-Inspired Dips: Offer creamy cotija cheese dip or classic guacamole as accompaniments, which will beautifully echo the corn's grilled notes and provide a cool contrast to the charred kernels.

Creative Ways to Dress Up Grilled Corn

• Smoky Mexican Street Corn: Brush corn with mayonnaise instead of olive oil, then grill until charred. Roll in crumbled cotija cheese, sprinkle with chili powder, and squeeze fresh lime juice for an authentic street food experience.
• Herb-Infused Grilled Corn: Mix softened butter with chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, and thyme before brushing on corn. Grill as usual and finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt for an aromatic summer side dish.
• Spicy Asian-Inspired Corn: Create a glaze with soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha. Brush corn while grilling and rotate frequently. After cooking, garnish with toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions for a bold, tangy flavor profile.
• Garlic Parmesan Corn: Combine melted butter with minced garlic and grated parmesan cheese. Brush corn during grilling and sprinkle additional cheese after removing from heat. Finish with chopped fresh parsley for a rich, savory variation.

Grilled Corn On The Cob Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Mexican street corn dazzles taste buds with smoky, charred kernels glazed in creamy sauce. Zesty lime, tangy cotija cheese, and spicy chili powder create an irresistible summer sensation you’ll crave at every backyard barbecue.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 6 ears of corn, husks and silk removed

Cooking Oil:

• Extra virgin olive oil (to brush)

Seasonings and Optional Garnishes:

• Kosher salt
• 1 lime, halved (optional)
• Aleppo pepper (optional, or red pepper flakes)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat outdoor grill to maximum temperature, ensuring grates are clean and well-prepared for direct high-heat cooking.
2. Carefully coat each corn ear with a delicate layer of olive oil, ensuring complete and even coverage across the entire surface.
3. Place corn directly on hot grill grates, positioning ears perpendicular to metal bars to create beautiful crosshatch char marks.
4. Rotate corn systematically every 2-3 minutes using long-handled tongs, allowing each side to caramelize and develop deep golden-brown exterior with slight blackened edges.
5. Monitor cooking process closely, watching for consistent golden-brown coloration and avoiding excessive burning, which typically requires approximately 10-12 minutes total cooking time.
6. Once corn reaches desired level of charring, carefully remove from grill using tongs and transfer to serving platter.
7. While corn is still piping hot, squeeze fresh lime juice generously across surface to enhance natural sweetness and add bright citrus notes.
8. Sprinkle Aleppo pepper over corn for subtle heat and complex flavor profile, ensuring even distribution.
9. Finish with a delicate pinch of kosher salt to elevate and balance overall taste experience.
10. Serve immediately while corn remains warm and flavors are most vibrant.

Notes

• Brush corn with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance grilling performance.
• High heat is crucial for achieving perfect charred marks and smoky flavor.
• Rotate corn frequently to ensure even cooking and beautiful caramelization on all sides.
• Total grilling time is approximately 10 minutes for optimal texture and color.
• Optional lime and Aleppo pepper add zesty, spicy dimensions to the classic grilled corn.
• Serve immediately after grilling to enjoy maximum freshness and temperature.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Side Dish
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg