Delicious Corn on the Cob Recipe Easy Juicy Grilled and Microwave Ready
A flexible and foolproof corn on the cob recipe that can be grilled for a smoky flavor or microwaved for quick, juicy results. Perfect for busy evenings or backyard barbecues.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes (grilling) or 4-5 minutes per ear (microwave)
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes (grilling) or 15 minutes (microwave)
- Yield: 2-4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- Fresh corn on the cob (ears with bright green husks and plump kernels)
- 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, softened
- Salt to taste (kosher or sea salt)
- Freshly cracked black pepper (optional)
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili flakes
- Fresh herbs (chopped parsley or cilantro)
- Lemon or lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Corn: For grilling, gently peel back the husks without detaching them, remove the silk threads, and fold husks back into place. Soak the ears in cold water for 10 minutes to avoid burning. For microwaving, leave husks intact to lock in moisture.
- Grill the Corn: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). Place the soaked corn directly on the grill grates. Cook for 15-20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes with tongs to char evenly. The husks may blacken, but don’t worry—that’s flavor! The kernels should be tender and lightly browned.
- Microwave the Corn: Place one or two ears of corn with husks on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 4-5 minutes per ear (depending on your microwave wattage). Let cool briefly before husking—the steam inside will have cooked the kernels perfectly.
- Butter and Season: Once cooked, spread softened butter evenly over the hot corn. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings or herbs you like. A squeeze of lemon or lime adds a lovely bright contrast.
- Serve: Arrange on a platter and enjoy immediately. The corn should be juicy, tender, with a little smoky char from grilling or a sweet steamed flavor from the microwave.
Notes
Soak husks before grilling to prevent burning. Leave husks on when microwaving to lock in moisture. Let corn cool briefly before husking after microwaving to avoid steam burns. Butter spreads best when corn is hot. For dairy-free options, substitute butter with olive oil or plant-based spreads.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One medium ear of co
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 19
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: corn on the cob, grilled corn, microwave corn, easy corn recipe, summer side dish, juicy corn, quick corn recipe