Secret Grilled Corn
- Elevate your summer cookouts with this irresistible secret grilled corn recipe.
- Perfectly charred corn with smoky paprika, butter, lime, and fresh cilantro creates an explosion of flavor.
- The ultimate side dish for barbecues that’s ready in under 15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 ears fresh corn, husks removed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, juiced
- Optional: 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- Optional: 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Optional: 2 tbsp sliced green onions
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400-425°F).
- Remove husks and silk from corn, rinse under cold water, and pat dry.
- Brush corn with olive oil and season evenly with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place corn directly on the grill grates perpendicular to prevent kernels from falling through.
- Grill corn, turning every 2 minutes, until evenly charred, about 8-10 minutes total.
- Look for kernels to brighten in color with slight caramelization marks.
- Remove from grill and immediately brush with melted butter and lime juice.
- Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and any optional toppings like cotija cheese.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- For juicier corn, soak the ears in cold water for 10 minutes before grilling.
- Create different heat zones on your grill – high heat for initial charring and medium heat for finishing.
- For picture-perfect grill marks, resist the urge to constantly turn the corn.
- Leftover corn can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or kernels can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear of corn
- Calories: 175
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 85
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 15
Keywords: secret grilled corn, grilled corn recipes, charred corn side dish, summer corn salad, smoky corn flavor