Corn Seasoning – 4 Ways to Dress Up Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a classic treat any time of the year, but sweet corn is at its best during the summer months. Its natural sweetness and crunchy texture make it the perfect canvas for pairing with different seasonings and flavors.
There are unlimited seasoning options to take your already delicious corn to new levels, transforming it into a culinary delight. Perhaps you prefer sweet or tangy flavors. Or, you enjoy earthy and citrusy flavors better.
Seasoning options range from classic flavors such as butter, salt, or herbs to more unique and exotic combinations such as Asian-inspired soy glaze.
Get ready to discover new ways to unlock tantalizing flavors with various corn seasonings.
1. Classic Flavors
Although there is certainly room to experiment with different flavors, sometimes you just want the comfort and satisfaction of familiar tastes. Let’s explore how to enhance the timeless simplicity of corn on the cob with classic flavors.
Butter and Salt Combination
When it comes to classic corn seasonings, butter and salt are a match made in heaven. It is a simple yet delicious seasoning. It adds a natural sweetness and an element of savoriness to each bite.
For incredible results, start by applying butter evenly to the warm corn. The heat melts the butter allowing it to seep into the nooks and crannies. Then, sprinkle a pinch of salt over the buttered corn to add a savory element. This simple seasoning combination transforms corn into an irresistible treat.
Garlic and Herb Butter
Garlic and herb butter adds a delightful aromatic kick with a burst of freshness to elevate the taste of the corn.
To make a delectable garlic-infused herb butter seasoning, start by preparing the ingredients. Mince fresh garlic and finely chop your favorite herbs. The right amount of herbs depends on your preferred tastes. Some herbs that work wonders on corn on the cob include rosemary, marjoram, parsley, and lemon thyme.
Soften your unsalted butter and get it to room temperature. Softening the butter enables it to mix well with the other ingredients. Once softened, put all the ingredients into a mixing bowl. Whisk them until the garlic and your yummy herbs are evenly distributed. Spread the garlic and herb butter onto the hot corn, let it melt, and watch as the butter perfectly coats the kernels.
2. Spicing It Up
Whether you prefer a hint of smokiness, a fiery kick, a tangy zest, or aromatic blends, an array of spices adds a new level of deliciousness to corn. Below are some ways to spice up your grilled corn.
Chili Lime Seasoning
Chili and lime seasonings add a burst of vibrant and zesty flavors to the corn. It is a delightful balance of heat and citrusy freshness. The heat from the chili adds a satisfying kick, while tangy lime zest brightens the overall flavor profile, creating an irresistible blend.
Chipotle Mayo Coating
Are you ready to add a smoky, creamy twist to your corn? Chipotle mayo coating is a flavor-packed combination that adds new levels of richness, smoky notes, and velvety textures for a mouthwatering corn and cob experience.
To prepare your chipotle mayo, combine ½ a cup of mayonnaise with 1-2 tablespoons of adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers. Adjust the quantities depending on your preferred level of creaminess or spiciness. Stir the ingredients until they are well-mixed to create a smooth, creamy chipotle-infused mayo.
Using a brush, spread a generous amount of the chipotle mayo onto your grilled corn, ensuring the kernels are properly covered. If you like, you can add a finishing touch with a sprinkle of your favorite flavored toppings. Consider trying crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, or fresh lime juice for a burst of freshness.
3. International Twists
Time to try out some international twists for flavoring corn!
Parmesan and Herb Coating
The parmesan cheese adds a rich, nutty flavor. On the other hand, the chopped herbs complement it with a hint of freshness and add more depth to the flavor profile.
To make a parmesan and herb coating, grate or finely shred parmesan cheese. Then, chop your preferred fresh herbs. Combine the grated parmesan cheese with chopped herbs and roll your grilled corn around in the mixture. For more of an Italian twist, you can use basil pesto. Roll the corn in the basil pesto and then sprinkle parmesan cheese on top.
Asian-Inspired Soy Glaze
If you are craving some Asian flavors, try out this Asian-inspired soy glaze. The soy sauce brings on an umami taste, while the honey adds a touch of sweetness. You can also add minced garlic for subtle pungency.
To create the glaze, add all the ingredients to a saucepan. Simmer them over medium heat while stirring continuously until all the ingredients are well combined, and the flavors meld together.
You will know it’s ready when it gets slightly thick. Heating the glaze helps caramelize it for more enhanced flavors. Once done, brush the soy glaze onto the grilled corn with a basting brush.
Mexican Street Corn Seasoning
Mexican street corn is another international twist you should definitely try. This recipe works on fresh corn but can also be made with canned corn if that’s all you have.
Mexican street corn, or elote, is sometimes called crazy corn. You roast fresh corn, coat the warm corn with a mayo and sour cream mixture and then dust the corn with Tajin and cotija cheese.
When making this, do not use Miracle Whip! Go with the real thing. Trust me. You can use Mexican crema if you don’t have sour cream. The cotija adds saltiness, and the Tajin adds heat and spice with chili lime.
4. Sweet Delights
These twists for corn are for those of you with a sweet tooth.
Cinnamon Sugar Dusting
Cinnamon sugar dusting is a classic way to add warmth and sweetness to your corn on the cob. To make the dusting, combine equal parts of granulated sugar with ground cinnamon. Mix them until well combined, and then sprinkle over the grilled corn.
Maple Syrup and Pecan Drizzle
Maple syrup adds a rich, caramel-like sweet taste, while pecans add a nutty flavor and an irresistible crunch. Simply drizzle warm maple syrup over grilled corn. Then, sprinkle crushed pecans for that added crunch.
FAQs
Conclusion
As you can see, your options for seasoning corn on the cob are unlimited. If you want simple and classic seasonings, choose the classic butter and salt combination or garlic and herb butter. If you want some heat, try out the chili lime corn seasoning or chipotle mayo coating.
If your taste buds feel explorative, try some international twists such as parmesan and herb coating or Asian-inspired soy glaze. Finally, season your corn with cinnamon sugar dusting, maple syrup, and pecan drizzle for a delightfully sweet treat.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings to discover new ways to dress up your corn.
Inspired? Pin it!
