Smoky Barbecued Corn

Published: June 6, 2025

by eva

Smoky Barbecued Corn is a delightful addition to any summer gathering or backyard barbecue. This recipe combines the sweet flavor of fresh corn with aromatic spices, creating a smoky and savory side dish that everyone will love. Perfect for picnics, cookouts, or casual family dinners, this easy-to-make recipe adds a unique twist to traditional corn on the cob. The vibrant lime wedges provide a refreshing zing that enhances the overall experience.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: With just 5 minutes of prep time, you can have this dish ready in no time.
Bold Flavors: The combination of cajun seasoning and smoked paprika creates a rich, smoky taste that elevates simple corn.
Versatile Side Dish: Smoky Barbecued Corn pairs well with various main dishes, making it suitable for any occasion.
Perfect for Summer: Enjoy the flavors of summer with this grilled delight that’s ideal for outdoor entertaining.
Vegetarian-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for vegetarians and can be enjoyed by everyone at the table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delectable recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Importance of Each Tool

Barbecue grill or griddle pan: Essential for achieving that smoky flavor and charred texture.
Large pot: Used for boiling the corn briefly before grilling to ensure tenderness.
Tongs: Perfect for turning the corn while grilling to achieve even cooking.
Basting brush: Handy for applying oil and spices evenly on the corn.

Ingredients

For the Corn

4 corn-on-the-cobs (with husks)
Sunflower oil spray
1 tsp cajun seasoning
1 tsp smoked paprika
2 limes, cut into wedges

How to Make Smoky Barbecued Corn

Step 1: Prepare the Corn

Preheat or light your barbecue grill. If using a griddle pan, place it over high heat.
Remove the outer husk leaves from each corn cob until only one layer remains.
Pull out the silk threads from each cob.
Place the corn in a large pot of boiling water for 5 minutes until tender. Drain well.

Step 2: Season the Corn

Peel back the husks gently without removing them completely.
Spray each corn cob lightly with sunflower oil.
Rub cajun seasoning and smoked paprika onto each ear of corn.

Step 3: Grill the Corn

Place the prepared corn on the barbecue grill or griddle pan.
Grill for about 10 minutes, turning regularly until tender and slightly charred.

Step 4: Serve with Lime Wedges

Remove from heat and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

Enjoy your Smoky Barbecued Corn as a delightful side dish at your next gathering!

How to Serve Smoky Barbecued Corn

Serving Smoky Barbecued Corn is a delightful way to enjoy this summer treat. Here are some flavorful serving suggestions that will enhance your barbecue experience.

With Fresh Lime

Squeeze fresh lime juice over the corn for a zesty kick that balances the smoky flavors perfectly.

Topped with Feta

Crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy and salty contrast, making each bite more indulgent.

Drizzled with BBQ Sauce

A drizzle of your favorite smoky BBQ sauce can elevate the taste and add an extra layer of flavor.

Paired with Cilantro

Fresh cilantro sprinkled on top brings a refreshing taste and enhances the overall presentation.

Served with Avocado Salsa

A side of avocado salsa provides creaminess and complements the smoky profile of the corn beautifully.

How to Perfect Smoky Barbecued Corn

To create the best Smoky Barbecued Corn, follow these simple tips for maximum flavor and tenderness.

Use Fresh Corn: Always choose fresh, in-season corn for the sweetest taste and best texture.
Pre-boil for Tenderness: Boiling the corn briefly ensures it becomes tender before grilling, leading to better results.
Don’t Skip the Spices: The combination of cajun seasoning and smoked paprika is key; don’t be afraid to adjust to your taste.
Turn Regularly on Grill: Ensure even cooking by turning the corn every few minutes while grilling to achieve that perfect char.
Let It Rest: Allowing the corn to rest for a few minutes after grilling allows flavors to settle before serving.
Experiment with Toppings: Try different toppings like cheese or herbs to discover new flavor combinations you love.

Best Side Dishes for Smoky Barbecued Corn

Pairing sides with your Smoky Barbecued Corn can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement its flavor well:

Grilled Veggies: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus grilled alongside add color and nutrition.
Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad balances the smokiness with its cool, comforting texture.
Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast that pairs well with barbecued flavors.
Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans provide hearty satisfaction alongside your corn on the grill.
Cornbread: Moist cornbread adds sweetness and is perfect for soaking up any juices from your main dish.
Watermelon Salad: A light watermelon salad gives a sweet finish that refreshes the palate after rich barbecued foods.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Smoky Barbecued Corn, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

Skipping the soaking step – Failing to soak corn can result in tough kernels. Always soak the corn in water for at least 5 minutes before cooking.
Neglecting husk preparation – Leaving too many outer husks can burn during grilling. Remove most of the husks but leave one layer for moisture retention.
Over-spicing the corn – Adding too much seasoning can overpower the natural sweetness of the corn. Use spices sparingly and taste as you go.
Not turning frequently – Forgetting to turn the corn can lead to uneven cooking and charring. Turn the cobs every few minutes for consistent grill marks.
Serving without lime – Skipping lime wedges misses out on a crucial flavor boost. Always serve with lime for a zesty finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Smoky Barbecued Corn in an airtight container.
It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Smoky Barbecued Corn

Wrap individual cobs tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Smoky Barbecued Corn

Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place corn on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave – Wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until hot.
Stovetop – Heat in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until warmed evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Smoky Barbecued Corn?

Smoky Barbecued Corn is grilled corn-on-the-cob seasoned with spices, giving it a delicious smoky flavor. It’s perfect as a side dish or snack.

How do I prepare corn for grilling?

To prepare corn, remove most of the husks and silk threads. Soak it briefly in water before grilling to ensure tenderness and prevent burning.

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen corn, but fresh corn provides better flavor and texture. If using frozen, thaw it completely before grilling.

What dishes pair well with Smoky Barbecued Corn?

Smoky Barbecued Corn pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, salads, or other barbecue sides like coleslaw or potato salad.

Can I customize the seasoning?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different spices or marinades depending on your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

Smoky Barbecued Corn is not only quick and easy but also brings vibrant flavors to any summer gathering. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various spices or toppings. Whether served at a backyard barbecue or as part of a cozy dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try today!

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