Perfect Grilled Corn on the Cob Recipe with Easy Herb Butter Spread
A simple and satisfying grilled corn on the cob recipe featuring a flavorful herb butter spread that enhances the sweet, smoky corn with fresh herbs and a touch of lemon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked and cleaned
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 small clove fresh garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, a few grinds for seasoning
Instructions
- Prep the Corn: Husk the corn and remove all silk threads. Rinse the ears under cold water and pat dry with a towel. (About 5 minutes)
- Make the Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine softened unsalted butter with chopped parsley, chives, minced garlic, lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until herbs are evenly distributed. (About 5 minutes)
- Preheat the Grill: Heat grill to medium-high, around 375°F (190°C). For charcoal, let coals burn down to a consistent heat with a light layer of ash.
- Grill the Corn: Place corn directly on grill grates. Turn every 2–3 minutes for even charring, cooking for 10–12 minutes total until kernels are tender, blistered, and lightly charred without burning. Keep lid closed as much as possible.
- Butter It Up: Remove corn from grill and immediately spread a generous amount of herb butter over each ear while still hot. Butter will melt into kernels. (About 3 minutes)
- Serve: Serve hot on a platter, optionally garnished with extra chopped herbs or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
Notes
If you want a dairy-free option, substitute butter with a plant-based spread and use lemon zest instead of juice. For smoky or spicy variations, add smoked paprika or cayenne to the herb butter. To prevent sticking, brush corn lightly with oil before grilling. Avoid overcooking to keep kernels juicy. Herb butter can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear of corn
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 230
- Fat: 17
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: grilled corn, corn on the cob, herb butter, summer recipe, BBQ side dish, easy grilled corn, smoky corn, fresh herbs