**Looking for the best smoky charcoal-grilled corn recipe?** This easy-to-make, deliciously smoky grilled corn on the cob is the perfect summer side dish for your BBQs and outdoor gatherings. Packed with smoky flavors, it’s a great way to elevate your corn on the cob game!
#### Ingredients:
– **4 ears of corn** (shucked)
– **2 tablespoons olive oil** (or melted butter)
– **1 teaspoon smoked paprika**
– **1/2 teaspoon garlic powder**
– **1/4 teaspoon salt** (or to taste)
– **Freshly ground black pepper** (to taste)
– **Lime wedges** (for serving, optional)
– **Fresh cilantro** (optional, for garnish)
#### Instructions:
1. **Preheat the Charcoal Grill:**
– Start by lighting your charcoal grill. Let the charcoal burn down until you have a steady medium-high heat with some visible flames and smoke. You want a smoky, but not overpowering, heat for grilling corn.
2. **Prepare the Corn:**
– Remove the husks and silk from the corn, leaving the cob exposed. Rinse the corn under cold water to remove any remaining husk pieces.
– Pat dry the corn with a paper towel and brush each ear with olive oil (or melted butter) to coat evenly.
3. **Season the Corn:**
– Sprinkle the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the corn, rubbing the seasonings in to ensure the flavors stick to the kernels.
4. **Grill the Corn:**
– Place the corn directly on the grill over the medium-high heat. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn is charred and cooked through. The kernels should be golden brown with some blackened spots, giving them that delicious smoky flavor.
5. **Serve:**
– Once the corn is grilled to perfection, remove it from the grill and serve immediately. For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze fresh lime juice over the corn and garnish with chopped cilantro.
6. **Optional Toppings:**
– For a more indulgent version, you can brush the grilled corn with melted butter and sprinkle with cotija cheese or chili powder for a Mexican-style elote!
#### Tips for Perfect Smoky Charcoal-Grilled Corn:
– **Soak the Corn:** If you prefer a softer texture, soak the corn (with the husks on) in water for 15-20 minutes before grilling. This will help the corn cook evenly and stay moist.
– **Keep the Grill Covered:** While grilling, try to keep the grill lid closed to enhance the smoky flavor. This traps the smoke and infuses the corn with even more of that delicious charcoal aroma.
– **Don’t Overcook:** Grilling the corn too long can dry it out. Aim for a balance between the charred exterior and juicy kernels.
#### Why Charcoal-Grilled Corn is the Best:
– **Smoky Flavor:** The charcoal grill gives the corn a deep, smoky flavor that you can’t achieve with a gas grill or stovetop.
– **Simple Ingredients:** Just a few seasonings and fresh corn are all you need to make this tasty side dish.
– **Perfect for BBQs:** This smoky grilled corn pairs perfectly with burgers, steaks, and other summer BBQ favorites.
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### Final Thoughts:
This **Smoky Charcoal-Grilled Corn** recipe is the ideal addition to your BBQ menu, providing a delicious smoky flavor and a satisfying crunch. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of grilling time, you’ll be serving up the best corn on the cob your guests will rave about. Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, and cookouts!
#### Related Keywords:
– Grilled corn recipe
– Smoky corn on the cob
– BBQ corn recipe
– Charcoal-grilled corn
– How to grill corn on charcoal
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