Smoky Barbecued Corn
Smoky Barbecued Corn is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of summer right to your backyard. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive barbecues with friends. The unique smoky flavor combined with the sweet juiciness of fresh corn makes this dish a standout. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and pairs beautifully with a variety of grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a vegetarian treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, this recipe fits perfectly into any busy schedule.
- Flavorful: The combination of cajun seasoning and smoked paprika gives this corn an irresistible smoky flavor.
- Versatile Side Dish: Great for picnics, barbecues, or a simple weeknight dinner, it complements many main dishes.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh corn enhances the taste and provides more nutrients compared to frozen options.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preference for a personalized touch.
Tools and Preparation
To make Smoky Barbecued Corn efficiently, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen or grilling area.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Barbecue grill
- Griddle pan
- Large pot
- Tongs
- Basting brush
Importance of Each Tool
- Barbecue grill: This is key for achieving that perfect smoky flavor and charred texture.
- Griddle pan: An excellent alternative if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill; it can mimic grilling effects indoors.
- Large pot: Necessary for boiling the corn before grilling, ensuring even cooking throughout.
Ingredients
For the Corn
- 4 corn-on-the-cobs (with husks)
- Sunflower oil spray
For the Seasoning
- 1 tsp cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
For Serving
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
How to Make Smoky Barbecued Corn
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
- Preheat or light your barbecue grill. If you’re using a griddle pan, place it over high heat.
- Remove the outer husk leaves from each ear of corn until only one layer remains.
- Pull out all silk threads from within.
Step 2: Boil the Corn
- Place the prepared corn in a large pot filled with boiling water.
- Boil for about 5 minutes until tender but not fully cooked through.
- Drain well and set aside to cool briefly.
Step 3: Prepare the Corn for Grilling
- Peel back the husks without removing them entirely; this will help protect the kernels while grilling.
- Lightly spray each ear of corn with sunflower oil.
- Rub cajun seasoning and smoked paprika evenly over the corn.
Step 4: Grill the Corn
- Place the prepared corn on the preheated barbecue or griddle pan.
- Grill for about 10 minutes, turning regularly until tender and slightly charred on all sides.
- Serve hot with lime wedges for squeezing over before enjoying!
Embrace this easy Smoky Barbecued Corn recipe at your next gathering and enjoy its vibrant flavors!
How to Serve Smoky Barbecued Corn
Serving Smoky Barbecued Corn is a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of summer. This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and toppings that enhance its smoky taste.
With Lime and Fresh Herbs
- Lime wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the corn for a zesty kick.
- Chopped cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro for a fresh, herbal touch.
As a Tasty Appetizer
- Corn skewers: Cut the corn into smaller pieces and serve on skewers for easy handling.
- Dipping sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces, like spicy mayo or garlic aioli, for added flavor.
Pairing with Grilled Proteins
- Grilled chicken: The smoky flavor of the corn complements the charred taste of grilled chicken.
- BBQ ribs: Enjoy the corn alongside tender barbecue ribs for a hearty meal.
Adding to Salads
- Corn salad: Mix the barbecued corn with diced tomatoes, avocado, and onions for a vibrant salad.
- Taco topping: Use as a topping for tacos, adding crunch and flavor to your favorite fillings.
How to Perfect Smoky Barbecued Corn
Achieving perfect Smoky Barbecued Corn requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your cooking game.
- Bold seasoning choice: Use cajun seasoning and smoked paprika liberally to enhance the smoky flavor.
- Pre-boil for tenderness: Boiling the corn before grilling makes it tender and juicy, ensuring even cooking.
- Turn regularly: Rotate the corn every few minutes on the grill to achieve an even char without burning.
- Use husks as a natural wrapper: Pulling back the husks helps retain moisture while imparting extra flavor during grilling.
Best Side Dishes for Smoky Barbecued Corn
Smoky Barbecued Corn shines when paired with delicious side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:
- Grilled Vegetables: A colorful mix of bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant adds vibrant flavors and nutrition.
- Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad provides a cool contrast to the warm smokiness of the corn.
- Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw offers a refreshing bite that complements grilled dishes perfectly.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with herbs adds texture and balances out heavier barbecue flavors.
- Baked Beans: Sweet baked beans provide a hearty side that pairs excellently with smoky dishes.
- Cornbread: Serve warm cornbread on the side for a comforting addition that echoes the corn theme.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Smoky Barbecued Corn, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to watch for:
- Skipping the Soak: Not soaking the corn can lead to uneven cooking. Always soak your corn in boiling water for 5 minutes to ensure tenderness.
- Over-seasoning: Using too much seasoning can overpower the corn’s natural flavor. Stick to one teaspoon of cajun seasoning and smoked paprika for a balanced taste.
- Ignoring the Grill Temperature: Cooking on a low heat will not give you the desired charred effect. Ensure your barbecue or griddle is hot before placing the corn on it.
- Failing to Turn Regularly: Leaving the corn unattended can cause burning. Make sure to turn the corn every few minutes for even cooking and charring.
- Not Serving with Lime: Skipping lime wedges means missing out on a delicious flavor boost. Always serve your smoky barbecued corn with lime for added zest.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Smoky Barbecued Corn in an airtight container.
- It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Smoky Barbecued Corn
- Wrap individual cobs tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Smoky Barbecued Corn
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the corn wrapped in foil directly on the rack, reheating for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place corn on a microwave-safe plate, cover it, and heat for 1-2 minutes until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of oil. Cook the corn for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Smoky Barbecued Corn vegan?
You can easily make this recipe vegan by simply omitting any butter or dairy-based toppings and using oil instead of butter spray.
What other seasonings work well with Smoky Barbecued Corn?
You can experiment with different spices such as chili powder, garlic powder, or even fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
While fresh corn is recommended for flavor, you can use frozen corn if thawed and drained properly before grilling.
What should I serve with Smoky Barbecued Corn?
This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, salads, or as part of a vegetarian BBQ spread.
Final Thoughts
Smoky Barbecued Corn is not only easy to prepare but also adds a delightful twist to any barbecue gathering. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various spices or serve alongside your favorite dishes. Try it at your next backyard barbecue!
Smoky Barbecued Corn
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of summer with Smoky Barbecued Corn, a quick and easy dish that transforms fresh corn on the cob into a tantalizing treat. Perfect for family gatherings or festive barbecues, this recipe combines the sweet juiciness of corn with a smoky kick from cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. In just 20 minutes, you can grill up tender corn that beautifully complements grilled meats or stands out on its own as a delicious vegetarian option. Serve it hot with zesty lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor, making every bite a delightful experience.
Ingredients
- 4 corn-on-the-cobs (with husks)
- Sunflower oil spray
- 1 tsp cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the barbecue grill or griddle pan to high heat.
- Remove outer husk layers from corn, leaving one layer intact. Remove silk threads.
- Boil prepared corn in a large pot of boiling water for about 5 minutes until tender but not fully cooked.
- Drain and let cool briefly; peel back husks without removing them entirely.
- Lightly spray corn with sunflower oil and rub with cajun seasoning and smoked paprika.
- Grill corn for about 10 minutes, turning regularly until charred and tender.
- Serve hot with lime wedges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear of corn (120g)
- Calories: 122
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 19mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
