Charcoal-Grilled Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob
Sweet corn grilled over charcoal and slathered with a fragrant garlic herb butter for a smoky twist. This american-inspired grilling (vegetarian) ready in about 22 minutes pairs ears, husked fresh corn on the cob, softened unsalted butter, finely minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 140 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, husked fresh corn on the cob
- 4 tbsp, softened unsalted butter
- 3, finely minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your charcoal grill to medium heat, around 350°F, allowing the coals to become covered with white ash.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 4 tbsp softened unsalted butter with 3 finely minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until well combined.
- Step 3: Place the 4 husked ears of corn directly on the grill grates and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until the kernels are tender and charred in spots.
- Step 4: Remove the corn from the grill and immediately brush each ear generously with the garlic herb butter while still hot, allowing the butter to melt into the kernels.
- Step 5: Serve warm as a smoky, buttery side perfect for any grilled meal.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Charcoal-Grilled Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob 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 Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob?
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 softened unsalted butter from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Charcoal-Grilled Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob?
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 Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob 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.
Is Charcoal-Grilled Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
