Grilled corn on the cob is not just a side dish; it’s the golden ticket to your summer BBQ dreams. Picture this: sweet, juicy kernels bursting with flavor, kissed by the smoky embrace of the grill. As you bite into that perfectly charred cob, the warm sun on your face and laughter of friends and family in the air, you can’t help but feel like you’ve hit the culinary jackpot. This grilled corn on cob Memorial Day essential side brings sunshine to your palate and joy to your gatherings. For more inspiration, check out this more side dish recipes recipe.
Now imagine this: you’re at a Memorial Day picnic, and someone passes you a steaming hot cob of grilled corn. The buttery aroma wafts through the air as you slather it with an array of toppings. Just like that, your taste buds are dancing, and your heart is singing! Get ready for a flavor explosion that promises to elevate your cookout game to legendary status.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Grilled corn on the cob is super easy to prepare, making it perfect for last-minute BBQs
- The sweet and smoky flavor combination will have everyone coming back for seconds
- The vibrant yellow cobs add a pop of color to any table spread
- Customizable with various toppings, it’s versatile enough to satisfy all taste preferences
Ingredients for Grilled Corn on Cob Memorial Day Essential Side
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Fresh Corn on the Cob: Select ears that are bright green with moist husks for maximum sweetness.
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Butter: Use unsalted butter for spreading; it allows you to control the saltiness in each bite.
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Salt: A sprinkle of coarse sea salt enhances the natural sweetness of the corn.
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Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a little kick to balance out the sweetness.
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Optional Toppings: Consider grated Parmesan cheese or chili powder for added flavor flair.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Grilled Corn on Cob Memorial Day Essential Side
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill
Fire up your grill and set it to medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C). This ensures those lovely grill marks while keeping things juicy.
Step 2: Prepare Your Corn
Husk the corn completely, removing all silk strands. Rinse under cold water if needed; this helps prevent burning during grilling.
Step 3: Soak or Brush
For extra juiciness, soak your cobs in water for about 15 minutes before grilling. Alternatively, brush them lightly with olive oil if you want a quicker approach.
Step 4: Grill Away
Place the corn directly on the grill grates. Turn every few minutes until they’re evenly charred—this usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
Step 5: Butter and Season
Once grilled to perfection, remove them from heat and slather with butter while they’re still hot. Sprinkle salt and pepper liberally.
Step 6: Serve with Flair
Transfer to plates and serve immediately with optional toppings like Parmesan cheese or chili powder for an extra flavor kick!
Now that you’ve mastered this delightful grilled corn on cob Memorial Day essential side, get ready to bask in compliments from friends and family as they devour every last kernel!
You Must Know
- Grilled Corn on the Cob is a Memorial Day essential side that elevates your outdoor barbecue
- Its smoky sweetness and buttery goodness create a flavor explosion
- Plus, it’s easy to prepare and customize, making it a crowd-pleaser
- Get ready for compliments!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by soaking the corn in water for about 30 minutes to enhance moisture during grilling. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, then place the corn directly on the grill grates. Turn every few minutes until charred and tender, about 10-15 minutes.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with toppings! Try adding spices like chili powder or parmesan cheese for a zesty kick. You can also swap out butter for flavored spreads like garlic herb or even jalapeño cream cheese for an adventurous twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover grilled corn in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, wrap it in foil and place it on a preheated grill or bake at 350°F until heated through, usually about 10 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly grilled corn, make sure to soak your corn beforehand for juicy kernels
- Avoid overcooking by keeping an eye on the grilling time
- Experiment with unique seasonings to elevate your grilled corn game
Sometimes I think my friends come over just for this grilled corn. One memorable summer night, we had a cookout where they devoured every ear and begged for seconds—now that’s what I call success!
FAQs :
What makes Grilled Corn on Cob a Memorial Day Essential Side?
Grilled corn on the cob stands out as a Memorial Day essential side due to its vibrant flavor and ease of preparation. The smoky char from grilling enhances the natural sweetness of the corn, making it a crowd-pleaser at barbecues. Additionally, it pairs well with various dishes, from burgers to salads, adding a burst of freshness to your holiday spread. Its simplicity allows for various toppings, making it customizable to suit different tastes. This versatility and delightful taste make grilled corn an iconic choice for celebrating the holiday. For more inspiration, check out this additional recipe ideas recipe.
How can I enhance the flavor of Grilled Corn on Cob?
To enhance the flavor of grilled corn on the cob, consider brushing it with flavored butter or oil before cooking. Adding herbs like cilantro or parsley can elevate its taste. You might also sprinkle some chili powder, lime juice, or cheese after grilling for a zesty twist. For those who love spice, try adding hot sauce or jalapeños for extra kick. These simple additions will transform your corn into a flavorful side that everyone will love.
Can I prepare Grilled Corn on Cob in advance?
While grilled corn on the cob is best enjoyed fresh off the grill, you can prepare it in advance by pre-cooking it slightly. Boil or steam the corn for about 5 minutes before chilling it in ice water. When it’s time to serve, simply grill each ear for a few minutes to achieve that perfect charred flavor. This method saves time during your Memorial Day gathering while still delivering delicious results.
What are some popular toppings for Grilled Corn on Cob?
Popular toppings for grilled corn on the cob include classic options like butter and salt. For a more adventurous flavor profile, try adding Parmesan cheese, lime juice, and chili powder for a Mexican street corn vibe. Other great choices are garlic herb butter or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to find your favorite combination that complements this Memorial Day essential side perfectly.
Conclusion for Grilled Corn on Cob Memorial Day Essential Side :
In summary, grilled corn on the cob is a must-have for any Memorial Day gathering due to its delicious taste and easy preparation. By exploring various flavor enhancements and toppings, you can create a dish that suits every palate. Whether enjoyed plain or dressed up with spices and herbs, this essential side is sure to be a hit among your guests. Make your holiday memorable by including this delightful recipe in your barbecue lineup!
Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Grilled corn on the cob is the ultimate summer side dish, bursting with sweet, juicy flavors and a smoky char that elevates any BBQ. Perfect for Memorial Day gatherings or casual cookouts, this easy recipe allows for endless topping possibilities, ensuring every bite is a delight. Impress your guests with this vibrant addition to your table that brings joy and nostalgia to every outdoor meal.
Ingredients
- 4 ears fresh corn on the cob
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or 1 teaspoon chili powder for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375°F or 190°C).
- Husk the corn completely and rinse under cold water.
- Soak the cobs in water for 15 minutes to retain moisture while grilling.
- Place the corn directly on the grill grates and turn every few minutes until evenly charred, about 10-15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and slather with butter while hot. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately with optional toppings like Parmesan cheese or chili powder.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear of corn (90g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, brush the corn with olive oil before grilling. - Experiment with different toppings such as garlic herb butter or lime juice for a unique twist.