Ah, summer—when the grill calls your name and corn on the cob becomes the star of every barbecue. This recipe, with its zesty lime and rich garlic butter, brings an unforgettable twist to this classic. Imagine the sweet kernels, charred to perfection, each bite a burst of sunshine and flavor.
Steps
- Trim the tops and bottoms of corn husks to remove the hairy ends, which can catch fire. Submerge the corn with husks in water for 20 minutes before grilling.
- Heat your grill to high (500°F). Place the corn on the grill, then reduce the heat to medium/high (400°F). Cover and cook for 18-20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes until the husks are charred on all sides.
- As the corn cooks, melt a stick of butter in a small saucepan. Add 4 pressed garlic cloves and bring to a simmer. Stir in 1/2 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, and the juice from half a lime. Mix well, heat for another minute, then take off the heat.
- Once grilled, carefully peel back the husks without removing them completely, using them as handles if eating outdoors. If dining indoors, you may remove the husks entirely to avoid mess.
- Liberally brush the corn with the prepared butter mixture while it’s still hot and serve right away.
Ingredients
- 10-15 fresh ears of corn, husks on
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick or 8 tablespoons)
- 4 large garlic cloves, pressed
- 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Juice of 1/2 lime
FAQ
- How do I prepare corn for grilling?
- Begin by trimming the tops and bottoms of the corn husks to avoid the hairy parts catching fire. Soak the corn with the husk on in water for 20 minutes before grilling.
- What is the ideal grilling temperature for corn?
- Preheat your grill to high heat (around 500°F). Once ready, arrange the corn on the grill, then reduce the heat to medium/high (approximately 400°F). Cover and cook for 18-20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes until the husks are charred on all sides.
- Can I use a simple butter rub instead of the garlic lime butter?
- Yes, you can use plain salted butter if you are short on time or prefer a simpler taste. However, the garlic lime butter adds a delightful Spanish flair that is worth trying.
- What ingredients do I need for the garlic lime butter sauce?
- To create the sauce, you’ll need 1 stick of unsalted butter, 4 pressed garlic cloves, 1/2 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon each of salt and ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin, and juice from half a lime.
- How should I serve the grilled corn?
- Once the corn is grilled, carefully peel back the husk without removing it completely, as it can be used as a handle. Generously brush the corn with the prepared butter mixture and serve it immediately for the best flavor.
Tips
- Soak the corn with the husks on in water for 20 minutes before grilling to prevent the husks from catching fire and to help the corn cook evenly in its own natural moisture.
- Preheat the grill to high heat (500°F) and then lower it to medium/high (400°F) once the corn is on the grill. This helps create a nice char without burning the corn.
- When grilling, rotate the corn every 5 minutes to ensure an even char on all sides and a uniform cooking.
- Use the peeled husks as a handle when serving the corn. This makes it easier to eat and adds a rustic touch to your presentation.
Equipment
- BBQ Grill
- Grill Brush (for cleaning the grill)
- Small Saucepan (for melting and mixing the butter sauce)
- Garlic Press (for pressing garlic cloves)
- Basting Brush (for applying the butter sauce to the corn)
