Introduction
This delicious corn on the cob recipe, enhanced with garlic butter and smoky seasoning, is perfect for summer barbecues or cozy family dinners. With a few simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can create a mouth-watering dish that everyone will love. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and the steps to make this flavorful dish.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
4 whole corn cobs
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp parsley or coriander/cilantro, roughly chopped (optional garnish)
Seasoning:
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (or ordinary), plus more for garnish if desired
2 tsp cooking/kosher salt
2 tsp black pepper
Garlic Butter:
50g/3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 garlic clove, finely minced
Prep Time
Prep time for this recipe is approximately 10 minutes. This includes cutting the corn and preparing the seasoning and garlic butter.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is about 8 minutes on the grill or 25 to 30 minutes in the oven. In total, you will need approximately 40 minutes to complete this dish. This recipe yields 4 servings, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and the fun experience of eating corn on the cob!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Corn Cutting
Cut the corn – Using a sharp knife and a non-slip cutting board, cut off both the base and the pointy end of the corn. Stand the corn upright and cut it into halves, then cut each half again to create quarters. To cut more easily, bang the knife into the top of the corn to lock it in place and then keep tapping it down. Once halfway through, you can rock the knife downwards. Alternatively, for a simpler method, cut half-length ribs. Shorter ribs can make cutting easier.
Cooking
BBQ (best!) or oven – Preheat the BBQ on high or set the oven to 200°C/375°F (180°C fan).
Garlic Butter
Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely minced garlic and cook for 20 seconds until aromatic. Remove from the heat and keep warm, typically by placing it next to the BBQ.
Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, smoked paprika, cooking/kosher salt, and black pepper to create the seasoning mix.
Season Corn
Place the cut corn in a large bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the corn and toss to coat. Gradually sprinkle the seasoning mix over the corn, tossing in between to ensure an even coating. Much of the seasoning will stick to the corn kernels, enhancing their flavor.
BBQ Instructions
For BBQ, place the corn on the grill with the kernel side down. Cook for approximately 8 minutes or until charred spots appear, and watch as the corn begins to curl into “ribs.” Afterward, turn the corn to cook each cut side for an additional minute.
Oven Instructions
For oven cooking, place the corn on a baking sheet with the kernel side up, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Note that corn will not curl as much and won’t develop charred spots as it does on the BBQ.
Butter It
Once cooked, transfer the corn back into the bowl and pour the prepared garlic butter over it. Toss to ensure the garlic butter coats the corn evenly.
Serve
Arrange the corn on a serving plate and sprinkle with chopped parsley or coriander/cilantro for garnish, if desired. Grab the corn and enjoy eating it like ribs! Remember to suck the seasoned garlic butter from the cob; it’s often considered the best part of the dish.
Notes
Note 1
Use a sharp knife and ensure your cutting board is stable to avoid accidents while cutting.
Note 2
Cutting shorter ribs can simplify the process, especially if you find it challenging to cut through the cob.
Cook techniques
Corn Cutting
Using a sharp knife on a non-slip cutting board, carefully cut off both ends of the corn cob. Stand the cob upright and slice it into quarters. For easier cutting, bang the knife down with your hand or cut the corn in half lengthwise to create shorter ribs.
BBQ Cooking
Preheat the BBQ on high. Brush the corn with olive oil and season generously. Place the corn on the BBQ with the kernel side down, cooking for approximately 8 minutes until you see charred spots. Rotate each cut side for an additional 1 minute to achieve a nice char.
Oven Cooking
Preheat the oven to 200°C/375°F (180°C fan). Prepare the corn by brushing with olive oil and seasoning it. Place the corn with the kernel side facing up on a baking tray and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until cooked through.
Garlic Butter Preparation
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Add finely minced garlic and sauté for about 20 seconds until fragrant. Keep the garlic butter warm for later use.
Serving
Once cooked, transfer the corn back into a bowl. Drizzle with the warm garlic butter and toss to coat. Serve on a plate, garnished with parsley or coriander/cilantro if desired, and enjoy by eating the corn like ribs.
FAQ
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn cobs?
Yes, you can use frozen corn. However, the cooking times may vary, and you may not achieve the same level of char.
What is the best way to store leftover corn?
Leftover corn can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How can I adjust the flavor of the seasoning?
You can customize the seasoning by adding other spices such as cayenne pepper for heat or herbs like oregano for additional flavor.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
Yes, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop. Just follow the same seasoning and cooking method as you would on the BBQ.
Is there a vegan alternative for the garlic butter?
Yes, you can use a plant-based butter substitute and follow the same method to make garlic butter.
Conclusion
This delicious garlic butter corn recipe offers a simple and flavorful way to enjoy sweet corn. The combination of smoked paprika and garlic elevates the taste, making it an irresistible side dish for any meal. Whether cooked on the BBQ or in the oven, the charred and juicy kernels paired with rich garlic butter create a delightful eating experience.
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