Flavorful Corn on the Cob Recipe with Easy Herb Compound Butter
A quick and easy recipe for juicy, tender corn on the cob topped with a fresh, garlicky herb compound butter that transforms a simple summer staple into a flavorful delight.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked and cleaned
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the herb compound butter: In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened butter, parsley, chives, thyme, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly incorporated. Set aside or refrigerate if you want it firmer (about 5 minutes).
- Cook the corn: Fill a large pot with about 2 inches (5 cm) of water and bring to a boil. Place a steamer basket in the pot, add the corn, cover with a lid, and steam for 7-10 minutes until kernels are tender but still crisp. Alternatively, boil corn directly in water for 5-7 minutes.
- Drain and dry: Remove corn from pot and pat dry with a kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
- Apply herb butter: While corn is still hot, spread a generous spoonful of herb compound butter evenly over each ear so it melts into every kernel.
- Optional grilling step: After applying butter, place corn on a preheated grill for 2-3 minutes per side to add smoky char and deepen flavor.
- Season to taste: Sprinkle extra flaky salt or your favorite seasoning blend just before serving.
Notes
Use softened butter for easy spreading and melting. Fresh herbs provide the best flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted in a pinch. For a dairy-free version, use vegan margarine or coconut oil. Avoid overcooking corn to maintain crisp texture. Let compound butter chill for 30 minutes if time allows to meld flavors. Microwaving corn wrapped in a damp paper towel for 3-4 minutes is a quick alternative cooking method.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear of corn with h
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: corn on the cob, herb butter, summer recipe, easy side dish, grilled corn, compound butter, quick corn recipe