Summer's here, and what better way to celebrate than with a vibrant, flavorful dish that's as easy to make as it is delicious to eat? Forget bland, boiled corn – prepare yourself for Opie's BBQ Spicy Corn! This recipe transforms humble corn on the cob into a sweet, smoky, and spicy masterpiece, perfect for barbecues, picnics, or a simple weeknight dinner. It's one of those easy recipes that always impresses, a true crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. This healthy meal is ready in minutes, making it an ideal quick dinner idea for busy weeknights. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game!
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of fresh corn, shucked
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind!)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Alternatively, you can broil the corn in your oven. If grilling, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
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Spice it Up: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, BBQ sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Remember, you can always add more spice, but you can't take it away!
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Grill or Broil: Grill the corn, turning occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes, or until kernels are tender and slightly charred. If broiling, place the corn about 6 inches from the broiler element and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, turning as needed, until tender and slightly charred.
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Coat & Serve: Using a basting brush, generously coat the grilled corn with the BBQ spice butter mixture. Let it sit for a minute to soak in the flavors.
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Garnish & Enjoy: Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious dish!
Tips for the Best BBQ Spicy Corn:
- Corn Selection: Choose fresh, in-season corn for the best flavor. Look for ears with tightly packed kernels and moist husks.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spiciness. Start with less and add more gradually.
- BBQ Sauce Choice: Experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your favorite flavor profile. Sweet, smoky, or tangy – the choice is yours!
- Make it Ahead: The BBQ spice butter mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
Variations:
- Cheese Please: Sprinkle grated cheddar, parmesan, or Monterey Jack cheese over the corn before serving.
- Herb Infusion: Add other herbs like parsley or oregano to the spice butter for an extra layer of flavor.
- Lime Zest: Incorporate lime zest into the spice butter for a brighter, citrusy kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 8-12g
- Protein: 3-5g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Fiber: 2-3g
This recipe is a great example of delicious and healthy food recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights. It's quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. Enjoy this simple yet impressive dish – you'll be making it again and again!