Grilled Corn with Spicy Herb Butter
Grilled Corn with Spicy Herb Butter Recipe - Ingredients and Steps
Introduction
Grilled corn with spicy herb butter is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for summer cookouts and barbecues. The combination of sweet corn, savory butter, and spicy herbs creates a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress your guests.
History
Grilled corn with spicy herb butter is a popular dish that has been enjoyed for generations. Corn has long been a staple food in many cultures, and grilling it brings out its natural sweetness and flavor. The addition of spicy herb butter adds a modern twist to this classic dish, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts.
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 0.5 tbsp of chopped garlic
- 1 cup of coarsely chopped fresh basil
- 0.5 tsp of ground cumin
- 0.5 tsp of ground black pepper
- 0.25 tsp of chili powder
- 12 ears of corn, husks removed and halved
- 24 bamboo skewers
How to prepare
- Rinse the corn and drain it well.
- In a container, mix together the butter, garlic, basil, cumin, black pepper, and chili powder.
- Thread each corn cob onto an individual skewer and brush them with vegetable oil. Place the corn on the edge of the hottest part of the grill and cook them slowly for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked corn halves onto a serving plate. Brush each half with 0.5 tbsp of the butter mixture and serve immediately.
Variations
- Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the spicy herb butter for a tangy twist.
- Sprinkle the grilled corn with crumbled feta cheese or grated Parmesan for added flavor.
- Mix in chopped fresh cilantro or parsley to the herb butter for a different flavor profile.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to soak the bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using them to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Brushing the corn with vegetable oil before grilling helps to prevent it from sticking to the grill grates.
- Cook the corn slowly over indirect heat to ensure that it cooks evenly and does not burn.
- Be sure to brush the corn with the spicy herb butter immediately after removing it from the grill to allow the flavors to melt into the hot corn.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled corn with spicy herb butter pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or vegetarian dishes. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
Grilling the corn over indirect heat allows it to cook slowly and evenly without burning. This technique helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the corn while infusing it with smoky flavor from the grill.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use salted butter instead of unsalted butter if desired.
- Substitute dried herbs for fresh herbs if fresh herbs are not available.
- Use olive oil or coconut oil in place of vegetable oil for brushing the corn.
Make Ahead Tips
The spicy herb butter can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply reheat it before brushing it onto the grilled corn.
Presentation Ideas
Arrange the grilled corn on a platter and garnish with additional chopped herbs for a beautiful presentation. Serve it with a side of extra spicy herb butter for dipping.
Pairing Recommendations
Grilled corn with spicy herb butter pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, or tofu. It also goes well with a crisp white wine or a cold beer.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftover grilled corn can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply wrap the corn in foil and place it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of grilled corn with spicy herb butter contains approximately 250 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of grilled corn with spicy herb butter contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of grilled corn with spicy herb butter contains approximately 12 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of grilled corn with spicy herb butter contains approximately 3 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Grilled corn is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and folate. The herbs in the spicy herb butter also provide additional vitamins and minerals.
Alergens
This recipe contains dairy (butter) and may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.
Summary
Grilled corn with spicy herb butter is a delicious and nutritious dish that is relatively low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. It is a great addition to any summer meal.
Summary
Grilled corn with spicy herb butter is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for summer cookouts and barbecues. With a few simple ingredients and some basic grilling techniques, you can create a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Grilled Corn with Spicy Herb Butter. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my aunt in the countryside. She had a beautiful garden filled with fresh herbs and vegetables, and she loved to cook with them. As soon as I arrived, she told me that we were going to make grilled corn with a special herb butter that she had learned to make from a friend.
We went out to the garden and picked some fresh corn on the cob. My aunt showed me how to shuck the corn and remove all the silk. Then, she brushed the ears with olive oil and placed them on a hot grill to cook. While the corn was grilling, she took out a bowl and started mixing together softened butter, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. The smell of the herbs and spices mingling together was intoxicating.
Once the corn was cooked and had nice char marks, my aunt spread the herb butter generously over each ear. The butter melted and coated the corn in a fragrant, spicy goodness. As soon as I took my first bite, I knew that this recipe was something special. The combination of the smoky grilled corn and the zesty herb butter was a flavor explosion in my mouth.
I asked my aunt where she had learned to make this delicious dish, and she told me that her friend, Maria, had shared the recipe with her. Maria was a fantastic cook who loved to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. She had a knack for creating unique and mouthwatering dishes that always impressed everyone who tried them.
My aunt called Maria and asked if I could come over and learn how to make the grilled corn with spicy herb butter from her directly. Maria graciously agreed, and a few days later, I found myself in her cozy kitchen, surrounded by the aromas of herbs and spices.
Maria showed me how to make the herb butter step by step, explaining the importance of using fresh ingredients and adjusting the seasonings to taste. She also gave me some tips on grilling the corn to perfection, making sure it was cooked through but still had a nice crunch to it.
As we sat down to enjoy our grilled corn together, Maria told me about how she had come up with the recipe. She had been inspired by a trip to Mexico, where she had tasted elote, a popular street food made with grilled corn topped with mayonnaise, cheese, and spices. Maria had put her own twist on the dish, creating a buttery, herb-infused version that was a hit with everyone who tried it.
I was so grateful to Maria for sharing her recipe with me, and I couldn't wait to make it for my own family and friends. Over the years, I have cooked this grilled corn with spicy herb butter countless times, each time receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe.
I love how this dish reminds me of that summer day in my aunt's garden, surrounded by the scents of herbs and the sounds of laughter. It brings back memories of learning from Maria, a talented cook who taught me to always be adventurous in the kitchen and to never be afraid to try new flavors.
As I sit here now, preparing to make this dish once again for a family gathering, I can't help but feel grateful for the people who have inspired me along the way. Cooking is not just about following a recipe; it's about sharing stories, creating memories, and bringing joy to those you love. And for that, I am forever thankful.