There’s nothing quite like biting into a perfectly grilled ear of corn, where sweet kernels burst with flavor and smoky aromas dance through the air. Now, imagine celebrating Memorial Day with this star of your BBQ show—Memorial Day Grilled Corn on the Cob. Picture it sizzling away beside juicy burgers and colorful veggie skewers as laughter fills the air; it’s pure bliss!
Now, let me take you down memory lane—a time when my family gathered around our backyard grill, laughter mingling with the scent of charred goodness. The corn was always a highlight, slathered in butter and sprinkled with salt. It was a delicious mess we savored as we shared stories and soaked in the sun. That’s what this recipe is all about; creating memories while enjoying every bite of that sweet, smoky goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This easy-to-make dish is perfect for any summer cookout or family gathering. The vibrant colors and enticing aromas will steal the spotlight at your BBQ. You can easily customize it with your favorite seasonings or toppings for an added kick. Plus, it’s a fun way to enjoy fresh corn during summer months when it’s at its sweetest!
The first time I served this grilled corn at a barbecue, my friends begged for seconds—and thirds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Corn on the Cob: Look for bright green husks; they should feel firm and moist to ensure maximum sweetness.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over seasoning; melted or softened works well.
- Salt: Simple yet essential; flaky sea salt adds a delightful crunch to each bite.
- Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper enhances flavor without overpowering the sweetness of the corn.
- Optional Seasonings: Experiment with chili powder or garlic powder for an exciting twist!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepping your ingredients is half the battle; let’s dive into making this delicious dish together!
Prep Your Corn: Start by shucking your fresh corn on the cob. Remove all those pesky silk strands until you see gleaming yellow kernels peeking out at you.
Soak Your Corn (Optional): If you’re feeling adventurous, soak your cobs in water for about 30 minutes before grilling. This step can help keep them moist while grilling!
Preheat Your Grill: Fire up that grill to medium-high heat—around 400°F (200°C) is ideal for getting those beautiful char marks.
Grill Your Corn: Place your corn directly onto the grill grates once they’re hot enough. Grill each side for about 2-3 minutes until you see nice grill marks forming.
Add Butter and Seasonings: After removing from heat, slather those bad boys in melted butter and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper while they’re still hot!
Serve & Enjoy!: Gather everyone around and serve your Memorial Day Grilled Corn on the Cob immediately while they’re still warm. Watch them disappear like magic!
Enjoy these sweet bites that are guaranteed to bring smiles all around—even if you’re holding onto some buttery fingers!
You Must Know
- Grilling corn on the cob brings a smoky sweetness that elevates any summer gathering.
- The charred bits add depth, while butter and spices create a flavor explosion that delights everyone’s taste buds.
- Enjoy this classic dish with endless customization options, making it perfect for any palate.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by soaking the corn in water for 30 minutes before grilling to keep it moist. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, then cook the corn for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally until charred and tender.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to spice things up! Try adding chili powder or garlic powder to butter for an extra kick. You can also experiment with flavored oils or fresh herbs for a unique twist on classic grilled corn.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover corn in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, wrap in foil and place on a grill or in an oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Make sure to soak the corn husks before grilling; this helps prevent burning and keeps them moist.
- For easier eating, cut the kernels off the cob after grilling for delicious salads or sides.
- Don’t forget to keep an eye on your corn; overcooking can lead to tough kernels.
Creating my Memorial Day Grilled Corn on the Cob feels like a rite of passage each summer; it’s always a hit at family gatherings and brings everyone together around the grill.
FAQ
What is the best way to season grilled corn on the cob?
Try butter, salt, pepper, and any favorite spices for maximum flavor.
Can I grill corn without husking it?
Yes! Grilling corn in husks adds moisture and flavor while keeping it tender.
How do I know when my grilled corn is done?
Look for bright yellow kernels with some char marks; they should be tender but not mushy.
Memorial Day Grilled Corn on the Cob
Memorial Day Grilled Corn on the Cob is a must-have summer delight, featuring sweet, smoky flavors that elevate any barbecue. Perfectly grilled, this dish will be the star of your outdoor gatherings.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 4 ears fresh corn on the cob
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder or garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- Shuck the corn, removing all silk strands until bright yellow kernels are visible.
- Soak the corn in water for 30 minutes to retain moisture while grilling (optional).
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C).
- Place the corn directly on grill grates and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until char marks appear.
- Remove from heat and immediately slather with melted butter, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For a flavorful twist, mix spices into the melted butter before applying it to the corn.
- Cut kernels off the cob after grilling for use in salads or as taco toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear of corn (90g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
