Charcoal-Grilled Corn with Spiced Herb Butter
Sweet corn grilled over charcoal and slathered with a fragrant herb and chili butter, perfect as a smoky, flavorful side. This mexican-inspired grilling ready in about 22 minutes pairs ears fresh corn on the cob, husked, unsalted butter, softened, fresh cilantro, finely chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice. Mix until smooth and set aside.
- Step 2: Prepare your charcoal grill to medium-high heat, about 375-400°F. Place 4 husked ears of fresh corn directly on the grill grates.
- Step 3: Grill the corn for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes until the kernels are tender and charred in spots. Remove from grill and immediately spread the spiced herb butter evenly over each ear while still hot. Serve warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Charcoal-Grilled Corn with Spiced Herb Butter take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Charcoal-Grilled Corn with Spiced Herb Butter?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep unsalted butter, softened from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Charcoal-Grilled Corn with Spiced Herb Butter?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Charcoal-Grilled Corn with Spiced Herb Butter for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Charcoal-Grilled Corn with Spiced Herb Butter?
Mexican grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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