Irresistible Grilled Corn On The Cob Recipe – Summer’s Perfect Side

Fancy grilled corn on the cob reinvents an ordinary side dish into a culinary masterpiece that sparks excitement.

Summertime gatherings come alive with this mouthwatering delicacy that beckons friends and family around the grill.

Each kernel promises a smoky, caramelized sensation that dances between rustic charm and gourmet elegance.

the magic happens when simple ingredients meet expert techniques, creating a sensory experience that lingers long after the first bite.

Seasoned and grilled to perfection, this corn elevates any outdoor meal with its irresistible appeal.

Vibrant and bold, the dish captures the essence of warm-weather celebrations with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Fancy Grilled Corn on the Cob

• Unlock Smoky Flavor: The high-heat grilling method caramelizes natural corn sugars, creating irresistible charred edges that burst with robust, smoky goodness.
• Quick Summer Delight: This recipe delivers restaurant-quality corn in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for spontaneous backyard gatherings or fast weeknight side dishes.
• Customize Your Kick: Simple yet versatile, the recipe allows personal flair with lime juice and Aleppo pepper, transforming basic grilled corn into a zesty, gourmet experience.
• Nutrition Powerhouse: Low in calories and packed with fiber, this grilled corn offers a healthy alternative to heavy side dishes while satisfying hunger and taste buds.

Key Ingredients for Grilled Corn on the Cob

• Corn On The Cob: Sweet summer corn with bright kernels that provide the main star of the dish, best when locally sourced and at peak freshness.
• Lime: Bright citrus that adds tangy zest and enhances the corns natural sweetness, choose firm and heavy limes for maximum juice.

• Aleppo Pepper: Mild and fruity Middle Eastern spice with a subtle heat that complements grilled corn, offers a unique flavor profile.
• Salt: Classic seasoning that enhances the corns natural flavors, use sea salt or kosher salt for best results.

• Olive Oil: Helps create a beautiful char and prevents corn from sticking to the grill, choose extra virgin for best flavor and quality.

How to Make the Best Grilled Corn on the Cob

Step 1: Fire Up The Grill

Preheat your grill to high heat, giving it about 10 minutes to reach maximum temperature for perfect grilling.

Step 2: Brush Corn With Oil

Grab each ear of corn and use a basting brush to evenly coat with olive oil, ensuring a smooth and shiny surface.

Step 3: Grill To Perfection

Place corn directly on hot grill grates, turning occasionally to create beautiful char marks. Aim for about 10 minutes total cooking time, rotating for even browning.

Step 4: Remove Carefully

Using tongs, transfer grilled corn from the grill to a serving platter, being cautious of hot surfaces.

Step 5: Add Zesty Flavor Boost

• Fresh lime juice
• Aleppo pepper
• Pinch of salt

Squeeze lime juice over corn, sprinkle Aleppo pepper, and add a light salt touch to elevate the taste.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Plate the corn while it’s piping hot and enjoy the smoky, charred goodness right away for the best taste experience.

Tips for Grilling Perfect Corn on the Cob

• Brush Strategically: Apply olive oil evenly to ensure perfect caramelization and prevent burning during grilling.
• Rotate Consistently: Turn corn every 2-3 minutes to achieve uniform char marks and prevent single-sided scorching.
• Customize Char Level: Adjust grill time based on your preferred level of charring, from light golden to deep smoky brown.
• Enhance Flavor Boost: Experiment with different seasoning blends like chili powder, smoked paprika, or garlic powder for extra zest.
• Serve Immediately: Grill corn just before serving to maintain optimal temperature and preserve the corn's sweet, fresh taste.

Storing and Reheating Grilled Corn on the Cob

• Refrigeration: Store leftover grilled corn in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Wrap each ear individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Warm corn gently in the microwave by placing ears on a microwave-safe plate and heating for 30-45 seconds. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop by wrapping corn in aluminum foil and placing in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Drizzle a little olive oil before reheating to restore some of the original grilled flavor and prevent corn from becoming tough.
• Freezing: For longer storage, remove kernels from the cob and place in freezer-safe bags.

Pairing Grilled Corn with Your Favorite Dishes

• Spice Up with Mexican Fiesta Pairing: Pair the grilled corn with zesty margaritas to complement the lime and Aleppo pepper flavors. The tangy cocktail cuts through the corn's richness, creating a vibrant taste explosion that transports you straight to a beachside cantina.
• Match with Protein Power: Serve alongside grilled chicken or skirt steak to create a complete summer meal. The charred corn adds smoky depth to the protein, while the lime and pepper enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Cool Down with Creamy Contrast: Add a side of creamy avocado salsa or cilantro-lime crema to balance the corn's smoky heat. These cool, smooth accompaniments provide a refreshing counterpoint to the grilled corn's intense char and spice.
• Wine Lover's Delight: Choose a crisp, chilled sauvignon blanc or a light Mexican lager to perfectly complement the corn's bright, smoky character. These drinks cut through the richness and enhance the corn's natural sweetness.

Variations of Grilled Corn on the Cob

• Herbaceous Herb Corn: Brush corn with a mixture of chopped fresh herbs like basil, thyme, and parsley mixed with olive oil before grilling for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Mexican Street Corn: After grilling, coat corn with mayonnaise, sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, and fresh cilantro for an authentic elote-style experience.
• Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn: Wrap each ear of corn with thin bacon strips before grilling, securing with toothpicks, to infuse a rich, smoky meat flavor into the sweet corn kernels.
• Parmesan Garlic Corn: After grilling, brush corn with melted butter mixed with minced garlic and grated parmesan cheese, creating a savory and creamy finish that enhances the natural sweetness of the corn.

Fancy Grilled Corn On The Cob Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

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

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Description

Mexican street corn explodes with zesty flavor, combining grilled sweet corn, tangy lime, and creamy cotija cheese. Spicy chili powder and fresh cilantro elevate this irresistible summer classic that you’ll crave at every backyard barbecue.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 ears of corn, husks and silk removed

Seasoning:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt

Garnish:

• 1 lime, halved
• 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper (or red pepper flakes)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a high-heat grill, allowing it to warm up for approximately 10 minutes until the temperature is consistent and ideal for grilling.
2. Using a culinary brush, meticulously coat each corn ear with extra virgin olive oil, ensuring a uniform and light coverage that will enhance caramelization.
3. Carefully place the olive oil-brushed corn directly onto the searing hot grill grates, positioning them strategically for optimal heat exposure.
4. Rotate the corn ears every 2-3 minutes, creating beautiful charred marks and promoting even cooking across all surfaces of the kernels.
5. Monitor the corn for approximately 10 minutes total, watching for a golden-brown exterior and slight blistering that indicates perfect caramelization.
6. Using heat-resistant tongs, gently transfer the grilled corn from the grill onto a serving platter, avoiding potential burns.
7. For a zesty flavor enhancement, squeeze fresh lime juice (approximately 1/2 lime per 2 ears of corn) over the hot grilled corn.
8. Sprinkle Aleppo pepper flakes generously across the corn, distributing the spice evenly for a balanced, warm heat.
9. Finish with a light dusting of kosher salt (about per ear) to heighten the corn’s natural sweetness and complement the smoky grilled flavor.
10. Serve immediately while the corn remains piping hot, ensuring the most enjoyable taste and texture.

Notes

• Perfect for summer cookouts and backyard gatherings with friends and family.
• Grilling brings out the corn’s natural sweetness, creating a caramelized and smoky flavor profile.
• Olive oil helps prevent sticking and ensures a beautiful golden-brown char on each ear.
• Turning the corn frequently guarantees even cooking and prevents burning or undercooking.
• Aleppo pepper adds a gentle, warm heat that complements the corn’s natural sweetness.
• Fresh lime juice brightens the dish, cutting through the richness and adding a zesty tang.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 70 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg