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Platter of grilled corn cobs with butter and cilantro

Grilled Corn

This easy grilled corn is the best way to enjoy summer produce and it's surprisingly healthy too. The quick cooking time makes it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a big holiday potluck. I love how the simple heat of the grill transforms the kernels into something smoky and sweet. What makes this version different is the high-heat sear that locks in the moisture before the cob dries out. It's the secret to that juicy snap in every bite.
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Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Keyword: grilled corn
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 5
Calories: 226kcal

Ingredients

  • 5 whole yellow sweet corn Husked and cleaned of all silk for a smooth eating surface.
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil Used to coat the corn before grilling because it handles high temperatures without smoking.
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt Fine crystals used to enhance the natural sweetness of the kernels.
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter Softened and used to coat the hot corn for a rich, creamy finish.
  • 0.5 teaspoon paprika Dusted over the buttered corn for a mild earthy flavor and bright color.
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro Finely chopped to add a burst of freshness to the smoky corn.

Instructions

  • Place the 5 husked yellow sweet corn cobs into a large clear glass mixing bowl and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of avocado oil. Use your hands to rub the oil over every kernel until the cobs are slick and shiny. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sea salt over them while turning the cobs so the seasoning sticks to the oil. You'll see the corn turn a deeper, more yellow as the oil coats the surface. The oil shouldn't be dripping off but every cob must have a thin, even layer. (I used to use butter for this step but it burned too fast, avocado oil has a much higher smoke point.) Rub the oil at room temperature, this prevents the seasoning from clumping in one spot and ensures even heat distribution.
    Raw corn cobs coated in oil and salt in a glass bowl
  • Place the cobs directly onto the grill grates over medium-high heat (about 400°F). Let them sit without moving for exactly 3 minutes to get those first deep marks. Use long metal tongs to rotate each cob one-quarter turn once you see the bottom kernels turning opaque and bright. You'll hear a distinct popping sound as the moisture inside the kernels heats up and expands. The smell of toasted corn should fill the air as the first brown spots appear. Go past 5 minutes without turning and the kernels will shrivel and become tough. Grill at 400°F not 300°F, high heat creates the char quickly before the inside of the cob gets mushy.
    Corn cobs with char marks on a hot grill
  • Continue rotating the 5 cobs every 2 to 3 minutes until all sides have patchy dark brown spots. Total grill time should be about 10 to 12 minutes depending on the thickness of your corn. Move the cobs to the cooler side of the grill if the char gets too dark before the kernels feel tender. The corn is ready when the kernels look slightly plump and the char marks are scattered across the entire surface. You'll see a light steam rising from the cobs when you lift them. Skip the rotation and one side will be burnt while the other stays raw. Rotate every 2 minutes, the consistent movement prevents the sugars from carbonizing too deeply in one spot.
    Fully charred corn cobs on the grill

Notes

Store the grilled corn in a sealed plastic bag or airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you won't eat it by then, you can freeze the kernels for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the cobs in a pan with 2 tablespoons of water and cover tightly with foil. Bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes until the center is hot. Check for a sour smell or slimy texture as signs of spoilage.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 226kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 520mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g