Grilled Corn on the Cob: Turn Simple into Sensational Now

Summer’s calling, and what better way to answer than with grilled corn on the cob? Picture this: sweet, smoky corn kissed by the grill, topped with a punchy chili-lime butter that’s got a little spice, a lot of zing, and all the flavor you crave. Inspired by James Martin’s genius, this recipe is your ticket to BBQ stardom or a quick dinner upgrade. Want to master the grill? Peek at our grilling techniques guide and get ready to shine!

Ingredients for Grilled Corn on the Cob

• 6 ears of fresh corn on the cob
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Zesty Chili-Lime Butter

• 7 ounces unsalted butter, softened (about 1 3/4 sticks)
• 2 fresh chilies, finely chopped
• Zest and juice of 2 limes
• 1 tablespoon chipotle paste
• 1 spring onion, thinly sliced
• A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
• A handful of fresh mint, chopped
• Pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Ready to whip up something delicious? Let’s move on to the how-to!

How to Make Grilled Corn on the Cob

1. Heat your barbecue until the coals are white-hot, or crank your oven to 425°F.
2. Brush those corn ears with olive oil, then grill them for 10 minutes—give ’em a turn or two—or roast in the oven for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
3. While the corn sizzles, mix up that chili-lime butter: blend the softened butter with chopped chilies.
4. Add spring onion, chipotle paste, lime zest and juice, plus the herbs and a dash of salt and pepper. Spread it on plastic wrap, roll into a log, chill until firm, then slice into 6 rounds.
5. Plate your grilled corn on the cob and top each ear with a butter slice. Serve it up hot!

Want to switch things up? Check out these tasty twists.

Flavor Twists to Try

• Seaweed Butter: Stir 1 tablespoon dried seaweed into 7 ounces softened butter.
• Parsley-Lemon Butter: Mix 1 small bunch of chopped parsley and the zest and juice of 1 lemon with 7 ounces butter.
• Chipotle Solo: Combine 2 tablespoons chipotle paste with 7 ounces butter for a smoky kick.

Why You’ll Love This

This grilled corn on the cob recipe is a breeze to whip up, yet it’s fancy enough to impress your crew. The chili-lime butter—loaded with fresh herbs and a smoky chipotle twist—turns simple corn into a flavor explosion. Try the variations too; they’re perfect for keeping things exciting! For more buttery inspiration, check out James Martin’s collection at Quadrille. What’s your go-to corn topping? Share your tricks in the comments—I’m all ears!