Nothing says summer quite like grilled corn on the cob. Sweet corn is grilled until charred, creating a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with melted butter and seasonings. Whether you are planning a backyard barbecue, family dinner, picnic, or cookout, this grilled corn is the crowd's favorite.
This corn tastes best when served alongside grilled chicken tikka, tangdi kebab, quinoa, or Greek salads. The pure taste of summer.
Why you'll love this recipe?
- Easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Perfect side dish for summer BBQ parties.
- Ready in less than 20 minutes.
- Customizable with different toppings.
In India, I was grilling corn directly over a gas stove. I must say this is one of the classic Indian street foods popularly known as street-style bhutta (masala butta). There are many ways to prepare this. Every region has its own unique way, and you can find carts preparing butta directly over charcoal near beaches, outside parks, or on popular shopping streets in India.
Check out our boiled corn with Cajun seasoning, summer recipes, and 4th of july party food ideas.
Ingredients
Fresh corn on the cob: Key ingredient. The natural sweetness of the corn caramelizes on the grill, creating a smoky, sweet flavor.
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Fat: Butter or olive oil.
Spices: garlic powder, onion powder, pepper powder, salt, red chile powder.
Check out the recipe card for the full list of ingredients.
Grill the corn
- Prepare an outdoor grill for high and direct heat.
- Remove husks and silk from the corn.
- Place the corn directly on the hot grill.
- Keep rotating the corn as dark spots appear and kernels develop some char spots on all sides, and they are uniformly cooked.(approx 10 minutes)
Season the corn
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, pepper powder, salt, and red chile powder to the melted butter and mix well.
- Rub each corn with lemon juice, followed by the butter-spice mixture prepared above.
- Place the corn on the grill for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute. (optional)
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Tips
- Vary the spices to taste.
- Use fresh sweet corn for the best flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days.
Other toppings
Pesto and cheese
Garlic herb butter: Minced garlic mixed with parsley, cilantro, or oregano, then blended with butter.
For Indian street-style butta: Along with butter, include a salt-and-lemon rub, or spicy green chili chutney, or chaat masala, red chili powder, and salt.
Check out our Mexican street-style corn (Elote).
Recipe FAQs
Grilling corn on the cob usually takes 10-15 minutes over medium-high heat.
No. Do not boil the corn before grilling. Grilling the corn directly is time-saving and creates distinct smoky flavors.
Husks help steam the corn, while the removed husks create a smoky flavor and char.
Yes. Reheat in the grill just before serving.
More summer BBQ side dishes
Recipe card
Best Grilled Corn on the Cob | Easy Summer BBQ Side Dish
Equipment
- Grill
Ingredients
- 4 Corn on the cob
- 4 tablespoon Butter melted
- ¼ teaspoon Garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon Onion powder
- Pepper powder to taste
- Salt to taste
- ½ teaspoon Red chile powder cayenne
- 1 to 2 tablespoon Lemon juice
- Coriander leaves cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Grill the corn
- Prepare an outdoor grill for high and direct heat.
- Remove husks and silk from the corn.4 Corn on the cob
- Place the corn directly on the hot grill.
- Keep rotating the corn as dark spots appear and kernels develop some char spots on all sides, and they are uniformly cooked.(approx 10 minutes)
Season the corn
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, pepper powder, salt, and red chile powder to the melted butter and mix well.4 tablespoon Butter, ¼ teaspoon Garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon Onion powder, Pepper powder, Salt, ½ teaspoon Red chile powder
- Rub each corn with lemon juice, followed by the butter-spice mixture prepared above.1 to 2 tablespoon Lemon juice
- Place the corn on the grill for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute. (optional)
- Garnish and serve immediately, and enjoy.Coriander leaves
Notes
- Vary the spices to taste.
- Use fresh sweet corn for the best flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days.
Other topping ideas
- Pesto and cheese
- Garlic herb butter: Minced garlic mixed with parsley, cilantro, or oregano, then blended with butter.
- For Indian street-style butta: Along with butter, include a salt-and-lemon rub, or spicy green chili chutney, or chaat masala, red chili powder, and salt.
- Check out our Mexican street-style corn (Elote).
Nutrition
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Note: We originally posted this grilled corn on the cob in May 2018. It has now been modified in June 2026 with Expert Chef Tips, FAQs, Storage Instructions, etc.
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