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Flavorful Brown Sugar Smoked Paprika Grilled Corn on the Cob

brown sugar smoked paprika grilled corn - featured image

This grilled corn on the cob recipe features a sweet and smoky glaze made from brown sugar and smoked paprika, perfect for easy summer BBQs. It delivers a caramelized, juicy, and flavorful side dish that’s quick and simple to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked and cleaned
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Remove the husks and silk from the corn. Rinse each ear under cold water and pat dry with a clean towel.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir well to blend.
  3. Add melted butter and olive oil to the dry mix and whisk until smooth and sticky.
  4. Using a brush or hands, evenly coat each ear of corn with the brown sugar paprika glaze, covering all sides.
  5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F (190°C).
  6. Place glazed corn directly on grill grates. Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes to avoid charring and to get even grill marks.
  7. Check doneness by piercing with a fork; corn should be tender and have a smoky aroma. Move to cooler part of grill if browning too fast.
  8. Remove from grill and let cool for 1-2 minutes. Serve warm, optionally brushing leftover glaze on top.

Notes

Use medium heat to avoid burning the sugar glaze. Turn corn every 2-3 minutes for even cooking and caramelization. Apply glaze in layers during grilling for a sticky coating. Fresh corn is best; frozen can be used if fresh is unavailable. For vegan option, substitute butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled corn, brown sugar, smoked paprika, summer BBQ, easy side dish, caramelized corn, smoky corn, corn on the cob