As summer unfolds, few delights rival the simple pleasure of fresh, sweet corn. But elevate that experience from delightful to truly unforgettable with this recipe for Grilled Corn on the Cob with Basil Butter. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a celebration of seasonal flavors, combining the smoky char of perfectly grilled corn with the vibrant, aromatic richness of homemade basil compound butter. Year after year, this recipe anchors our summer menu, transforming a humble vegetable into a gourmet experience that’s surprisingly easy to achieve.
Living amidst the bountiful cornfields, we’re fortunate to have access to the absolute finest fresh corn on the cob each summer. Its inherent sweetness and tender kernels are often perfect on their own, requiring minimal fuss. However, for those moments when you crave an extra layer of indulgence, crafting a luxurious Herb Butter is the ultimate upgrade. For this particular recipe, we’ve chosen the classic freshness of basil, enhanced with a subtle whisper of cayenne pepper for a gentle kick. If you’re planning a full summer BBQ, be sure to explore more of our Best Grilling Recipes to complete your feast!
The Sizzle of Summer: Why Grilled Corn Reigns Supreme
Grilling corn on the cob isn’t just a cooking method; it’s a ritual that signifies summer gatherings and outdoor feasts. The benefits are numerous, making it a superior choice for preparing this seasonal favorite:
- Effortless Preparation: Say goodbye to giant pots of boiling water. Grilling is often a more convenient and less messy approach, especially when entertaining.
- Unparalleled Flavor Depth: The high heat of the grill imparts an exquisite smoky char and subtle caramelization to the corn kernels. This unique flavor profile cannot be replicated by other cooking methods, adding a gourmet touch to your summer corn.
- Elevated Presentation with Compound Butter: While delicious on its own, corn truly shines when paired with a gourmet compound butter. This simple addition transforms your corn into a show-stopping side dish, impressive enough for dinner guests yet comforting enough for a family meal.
- Hands-On Experience: There’s something inherently satisfying about grilling, and watching the corn transform over an open flame adds to the anticipation of a delicious meal.
Mastering the Grill: Techniques for Perfect Corn on the Cob
Achieving perfectly grilled corn is simple, and you have a couple of fantastic options depending on your preference for char and smokiness. Each method yields delicious results, making this versatile vegetable a BBQ staple.
- Direct Grilling (Husks Removed): For those who love a pronounced smoky flavor and attractive grill marks, removing the husks and silk entirely before grilling is the way to go. This method allows the corn to directly absorb the smoky essence of the grill while developing a delightful caramelization on the kernels. Ensure your grill grates are clean and oiled to prevent sticking. Turn the corn frequently to achieve even cooking and charring on all sides.
- Grilling in Husks (The Soaking Method): An incredibly easy and often preferred method involves soaking the corn in its husks. Submerge the ears of corn in a sink or large basin filled with cold water for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours. This soaking prevents the husks from burning directly on the grill and essentially steams the corn within its natural wrapper, resulting in incredibly tender, juicy kernels. A significant bonus of this technique? The silk peels off effortlessly with the husk after cooking, making cleanup a breeze. Grill the soaked cobs directly over medium-high heat, turning every few minutes, until the husks are charred and the corn inside is tender, typically 15-20 minutes.
- PRO-Tip for Grilling Success: Regardless of the method you choose, preheating your grill to a consistent medium-high temperature is crucial. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve those desirable grill marks without overcooking or drying out the corn.
Crafting the Perfect Basil Butter: A Compound Masterpiece
Compound butter, or beurre composé, is a culinary secret weapon. It’s simply softened butter infused with various sweet or savory ingredients, transforming an everyday staple into a flavor powerhouse. Our Basil Butter is an elegant example, elevating simple grilled corn to new heights. Here’s how to make it and maximize its potential:
- The Foundation: Room Temperature Butter: The key to a smooth, evenly mixed compound butter is to start with butter that is truly at room temperature. Let a stick sit on your counter for at least an hour until it’s soft enough to easily combine with other ingredients.
- Flavor Infusion: Once softened, mix in your minced fresh basil and a few pinches of cayenne pepper for a subtle warmth. We recommend using good quality sea salt to taste, even if you’re using salted butter, as it helps to bring out the flavors.
- Endless Customization: The beauty of compound butter lies in its versatility. Don’t stop at basil and cayenne! Consider adding citrus zest (lemon or lime), other fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill, minced garlic, or a pinch of smoked paprika. For a sweeter version, imagine honey, cinnamon, or even a dash of maple syrup. The options are truly limitless, allowing you to tailor the butter to any dish or palate.
- Forming and Chilling: After thoroughly mixing, chill the butter briefly to firm it up. This makes it easier to work with. For elegant presentation and perfectly portioned servings, transfer the butter to a sheet of plastic wrap and roll it into a neat log. Twist the ends to secure. Once firm, you can easily slice off rounds as needed.
- Beyond Corn: While spectacular on grilled corn, this basil butter is also phenomenal on warm steaks, roasted chicken, baked potatoes, or simply spread on crusty bread. It’s a culinary multitasker that will become a go-to in your kitchen.
My childhood memories often drift to summer evenings spent on our back porch, sisters and I diligently picking sticky silk from each cob before my mom dropped them into boiling water. A messy, yet nostalgic chore! Thankfully, modern grilling techniques (and the ingenious soaking method) have streamlined this process considerably. Our yellow lab, Lambeau, might not be keen on silk cleanup, but she’s an expert at vacuuming up any fallen crumbs!
The first bite of freshly grilled, local sweet corn, slathered with homemade basil butter, is pure heaven. There’s nothing quite like enjoying corn picked just that morning from a nearby produce stand, then grilled over charcoal later that same evening. It’s a simple luxury that defines summer.
Beyond the Grill: Exploring Other Corn Cooking Methods
While grilling is our top recommendation for maximizing flavor, fresh sweet corn is incredibly versatile and can be cooked using various methods. For fresh, tender cobs, most techniques require only a few minutes. Older corn might benefit from a slightly longer cooking time.
- To Microwave Corn: A quick and easy option for single servings. Peel the corn, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and microwave for 3 minutes, flipping it halfway through.
- To Roast Corn: For a hands-off approach, preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Shuck the corn, wrap each cob snugly in aluminum foil, and roast directly on the oven grates for about 25 minutes, or until tender.
- To Cook in an Instant Pot: This method yields perfectly steamed corn with minimal effort. Remove the husks, and if your cobs are too large, break them in half. Add a trivet and 1 cup of water to your Instant Pot. For shucked corn, cook on high pressure for 2 minutes. If you prefer to cook with the husks on (for easier silk removal), increase the cooking time to 3-4 minutes. Perform a quick release of pressure and serve.
- To Prepare in an Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 370ºF (185ºC). If cobs are too long, break them in half. Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning once at the halfway point, until the kernels are tender and slightly caramelized.
- To Boil Corn: The traditional stovetop method. Place shucked corn in a pot of boiling salted water. For an extra touch of richness, you can boil it in milk, or a mixture of salted water and butter for a decadent “butter bath.” Cook for 3-5 minutes. For super fresh corn, cook for even less time to retain its crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Corn and Compound Butter
Selecting peak-season corn is key to a delicious outcome. Begin by examining the silk strands at the top of the cob; they should appear fresh, slightly damp, and have a yellowish-green hue, free from any signs of drying, sliminess, or deterioration. Gently peel back a small section of the husk to peek at the kernels. They should be plump, tightly packed, shiny, and reach all the way to the tip of the cob. Avoid cobs with missing kernels or those that appear dry or shriveled. Finally, the entire ear should feel firm and surprisingly heavy for its size, which indicates good moisture content and plump kernels, rather than being dehydrated or hollow.
To maintain its sweetness and freshness, store your ears of corn un-shucked (with the husks intact) in the refrigerator. The husks act as a natural protective layer, preventing the kernels from drying out and slowing down the conversion of sugars to starches, which diminishes sweetness. Avoid removing the husks until you are ready to cook. While fresh corn is best enjoyed on the day it’s purchased, it will typically keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can blanch and freeze corn kernels or whole cobs.
Compound butter, known as beurre composé in French, is essentially butter that has been softened and then thoroughly mixed with other ingredients to create a flavored spread. These additions can be either savory or sweet, drastically enhancing the butter’s taste profile. Savory compound butters often incorporate minced herbs (like basil, chives, parsley, rosemary), garlic, shallots, citrus zest, spices, or even wine reductions. Sweet variations might include honey, maple syrup, cinnamon, berries, citrus zest, or chocolate. The beauty of compound butter lies in its versatility and ability to add an instant burst of flavor to a wide range of dishes, from grilled meats and vegetables to toast and pancakes.
Explore More Summer Flavors
- Decadent Truffle Butter from Savory Experiments
- Savory Corn Cakes
- Fresh Corn and Black Bean Salsa
- Vibrant Corn, Basil, and Tomato Salad
- Easy Sweet Corn Casserole
- Spicy Mexican Corn Salad
- More delightful Side Dish Recipes
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Grilled Corn on the Cob with Basil Butter
5 minutes
12 minutes
17 minutes
6 servings
A simple recipe for grilled corn on the cob with incredibly flavorful homemade herb butter – the perfect summer side dish.
Ingredients
- 6-8 ears of corn on the cob, in husks
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
- 2-3 pinches cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- Sea salt, to taste
Instructions
- Begin by soaking your corn on the cob (husks on) in cool water for approximately 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the soaked corn directly on the grill grates and cook, turning every 2-3 minutes, for a total of 12-15 minutes, or until the husks are charred and the corn is tender.
- While the corn is grilling, prepare your basil butter. In a small bowl, combine the softened room-temperature butter with the minced fresh basil and cayenne pepper. Stir until well combined. Add a pinch or two of sea salt, tasting and adjusting as needed.
- Once the corn is cooked, carefully remove it from the grill. Pull back the husks (the silk should peel off easily with them). Generously spread the flavorful basil butter over the hot corn. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For the freshest grilled corn, choose cobs with vibrant, slightly damp silk, plump kernels that reach the tip, and a firm, heavy feel. Store un-shucked in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6
Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 237Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 485mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 3gSugar: 5gProtein: 4g
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