Nothing says summer quite like grilled corn on the cob. Dress it with pops of citrus, cilantro, and smoked paprika, and you've got yourself the makings of a sweet summer evening. This grilled cilantro, lime + paprika corn on the cob is packed with all of those beloved summery flavors.
Up until this past Saturday, I had never grilled anything from start to finish on an actual grill. Sure, I had used a grill pan, and I had nervously nudged around some veggies before while Dan took a grilling break. But tending to each step in the grill process? Never had I ever.
Originally, I solicited Dan's assistance to grill these beauties. He happily agreed, but as he was walking the ears of corn out to our deck he paused and swung back around to face me and said, "I think it's about time you learn how to do this so that you can use the grill for recipes this summer."
The grill has always intimidated me. Maybe it's the idea of pairing an open flame with long locks or the fact Dan once bid adieu to the hair on his left arm after a grilling incident (note to self: do not allow the grill to fill with propane for 10 minutes before igniting). I'm not exactly sure why, but I've always kept a safe distance from the fiery fella that resides on our balcony.
With a bit of reassurance and Dan's abbreviated lesson on the to-do's and do-not-ever's of grilling, I took the tray from Dan, strut out the door, and placed those ears of corn right on the grill. After Dan double-checked my work and triple-verified that the corn silk catching fire was all part of the process, I shooed him away and carefully tended to them on my own until their exteriors were charred and their interiors were sweet and steamy.
Then, I brushed on some virgin coconut oil, sprinkled them with paprika, spritzed them with fresh lime juice, garnished with chopped cilantro, and seasoned with sea salt and black pepper.
I'm not sure if it was beginner's luck or the magic of the seasonings, but this grilled cilantro, lime + paprika corn on the cob was the best corn on the cob I've ever had.
Pops of sweetness from the corn kernels are balanced by the acidity of the lime juice and the smokiness of the paprika. And the coconut oil melds perfectly with the cilantro and offers a savory richness.
I swear, there's something a little magical about this sweet corn.
📖 Recipe
Grilled Cilantro, Lime + Paprika Corn on the Cob
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn
- 2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil
- smoked paprika, to taste
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly-ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat grill over high until hot.
- If you want a bit of a char on the corn, pull back a few of the husks on each ear of corn. Place the corn directly on the grill, cover, and grill for 15 to 20 minutes or until the husks are charred on all sides, rotating occasionally. Remove and let cool until they can safely be handled.
- Remove the husks and silk from each ear of corn. You can either discard the husks completely or fold them back to use as handles.
- Use a pastry brush or your hands to spread the coconut oil over each ear of corn. Place the corn on a serving platter, sprinkle with the smoked paprika, spritz with the fresh lime juice, sprinkle with cilantro, and season with sea salt and black pepper. Serve.
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Celeste Jackson says
You're a better woman than I am. I've yet to grill anything in all my years of cooking. Looks great and love the cilantro and lime! and love that you don't have to soak it like we always have.
Ashley says
You could totally handle the grill, mom! It's way easier and less frightening than I thought it would be. Also, I did a bunch of research on soaking vs. not soaking the corn, and apparently it's a totally unnecessary step. Never would have known.
Kennedy Cole says
If there's anything better than grilled corn, then I have not yet seen it.
I love corn grilled, roasted, steamed, or sautéed. So basically, I love corn in any form!
I'll have to save this recipe to my summer grilling list!
I recently made a cooking and baking blog, too.
http://kcolescreativecorner.com
I would greatly appreciate it if you would check it out!
Thanks so much!
Ashley says
Haha, so true!! There's something magical about that pop of sweetness, isn't there? Thanks for taking the time to comment, Kennedy! I'll be sure to checkout your blog too; it sounds wonderful!
Nichole Kraft, Food Writing Copyeditor says
How funny that you've always been intimidated by the grill--I have, too! I always let my husband handle it. But you've given me courage with this recipe. Besides, I've never had grilled corn on the cob, even though every summer I say I'm going to try it. And this recipe has everything I love in regards to flavor, so now I have no excuse. ;)
Ashley says
Oh my goodness! You HAVE to try corn on the cob this summer, Nichole. It's simple and so welcoming to so many toppings. I hope you have a chance to try this recipe... and husband-free grilling :)
Lise says
This sounds fantastic! We grill corn all the time and just eat it the "old fashioned" way with butter and salt and love it, your recipe will definitely make it even better. One suggestion I would share is that we always soak the the corn with the husks on for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This allows it to steam/roast and infuse the earthy husk flavor into the corn before the husks eventually dry out and darken. This way there are less black bits of husk to get off that delicious corn. You can infuse the water too, I use a bit of lime juice but anything can be added. I'm glad you enjoyed grilling! Just think of all the great things you'll make in the future.
Jen says
What a drool-worthy recipe!
Ashley says
Thanks, Jen!
Alicia Ogard says
Hi thank you for this recipe! I have made a few of your recipes this one was pretty good! Also, I am psychology major so I got so excited when I read your bio and it said your a psychologist! Please keep making amazing vegan recipes! Whenever I post your recipes on snap chat people are like wow being vegan looks amazing!
Ashley says
So glad you're enjoying the recipes, Alicia! Thanks for sharing them with others on snap chat—means so much. And cheers to studying psychology—it's the best! :)
Bill baskind says
I have been grilling corn on the cab for years. I found that when I cut the kernels off the cob and add them to my already wonderfully delicious corn bread recipe the results are beyond wonderful. Thanks for your info
Paul J Sorensen says
We've always grilled corn the old fashioned way: strip the husks and silk, wrap in foil to grill, and finish with butter and salt.
I can't wait to try this method. I'm practically drooling on my keyboard. Thanks for a fresh recipe!
Ashley says
Hope you enjoy it, Paul!
Esther says
We loved this recipe. It was quick and easy. I made the corn in the oven.
Ashley says
Wonderful to know you enjoyed it, Esther! Also, great to know it can be made in the oven. Very helpful. Thanks for taking time out of your day to share your feedback—means a lot to me and is helpful for others considering making the recipe, too. :)
Sharon says
Can I use this recipe on corn that is not in the husks?
Ashley says
Hi, Sharon! Absolutely. You can grill the corn with the husks removed if you prefer a char or even boil the corn and apply the same seasonings and toppings. Hope this helps. Enjoy!