Memorial Day Grilled Corn (Printer-friendly)

Grilled corn on the cob with four herbed butters: parsley-chive, basil-lemon, cilantro-lime, parmesan-paprika.

# What You'll Need:

→ Corn

01 - 8 ears fresh sweet corn, husked

→ Basic Ingredients

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - Salt, to taste
04 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Herbed Butters

05 - 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
06 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
07 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
08 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
09 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
10 - 1 clove garlic, finely minced
11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
13 - 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
14 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
15 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400–450°F). Clean and oil the grates so the corn does not stick.
02 - Brush each ear of corn lightly with 2 tablespoons olive oil, then season evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
03 - Place the corn directly over the heat. Turn occasionally until kernels are tender and lightly charred in spots, about 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a platter and keep warm.
04 - Portion the softened butter into four equal portions (about 1/4 cup each) in four small bowls to prepare the flavored butters.
05 - To the first portion, add 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley, 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives and 1/2 clove finely minced garlic. Stir until evenly combined and smooth.
06 - To the second portion, fold in 2 tablespoons finely chopped basil and 1 teaspoon lemon zest. Mix thoroughly to release the herb oils and distribute the citrus.
07 - To the third portion, mix in 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro, 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice and 1/2 clove finely minced garlic until homogenous.
08 - To the fourth portion, stir in 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes until well combined.
09 - Taste a small amount of each butter and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt or a splash more citrus if needed.
10 - Serve the grilled corn hot with the four herbed butters in small bowls for spreading or offer pre‑smeared cobs so guests can choose their preferred flavor.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • You get to play chef and let everyone slather their corn with whichever herbed butter whispers to them first.
  • Somehow, smoky grilled corn and fresh herbs work their charm on any crowd, making even the shyest guest reach for seconds.
02 -
  • If the butter is too cold, mixing in the herbs will be a frustrating arm workout—let it soften until truly spreadable.
  • Rotating the corn steadily keeps the kernels juicy and prevents any sad burnt patches.
03 -
  • Chop herbs at the last moment for the brightest pop of color and aroma.
  • Let your guests mix and match butter styles—sometimes the accidental mashups are best.
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