Description

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of summer with this Best Grilled Corn on the Cob with Garlic Herb Butter recipe. Fresh ears of corn are perfectly grilled to achieve a caramelized, smoky char, then slathered with a rich, homemade garlic herb butter bursting with parsley, chives, thyme, and a hint of lemon. This easy yet flavorful side dish is perfect for BBQs, family dinners, or any occasion that calls for a delicious, buttery, and aromatic corn on the cob.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Corn:

6-8 ears of fresh corn, husks removed
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Garlic Herb Butter:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
3-4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat

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Instructions

Prepare Garlic Herb Butter: In a bowl, mash the softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, fresh parsley, chives, thyme leaves, salt, black pepper, and fresh lemon juice until all ingredients are well combined. Roll the butter mixture into a log shape using plastic wrap and refrigerate to firm up while you prepare the corn.
Prepare the Corn: Remove the husks and silk from each ear of corn. Pat the corn dry with a clean towel. Brush each ear evenly with olive oil or melted butter and season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400-450°F if using a gas grill, or use the hand test of 3-4 seconds if using charcoal. Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Grill the Corn: Place the prepared corn directly on the grill grates. Grill for 12-15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes to ensure even cooking and to develop a beautiful golden-brown char. The kernels should caramelize and develop a smoky flavor without burning.
Apply Garlic Herb Butter: Remove the corn from the grill and immediately slice the chilled garlic herb butter into rounds. Rub the butter generously onto the hot corn, allowing it to melt thoroughly and coat each kernel. Serve the corn immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic herb butter mixture.
You can prepare the garlic herb butter a day ahead and refrigerate it to let the flavors meld.
If you don’t have a grill, the corn can also be cooked on a grill pan or roasted in the oven, but grilling gives the best smoky flavor.
Make sure to turn the corn regularly on the grill to avoid burning and ensure even cooking.
Use fresh herbs for the brightest flavor in the butter; dried herbs won’t provide the same vibrant taste.