There’s something undeniably delightful about the sight of vibrant yellow corn on the cob, glistening with a zesty lemon pepper seasoning. Imagine sinking your teeth into that juicy sweetness, while the citrusy tang dances on your taste buds. Whether it’s a summer barbecue or a cozy family dinner, lemon pepper corn on the cob is a dish that elevates any occasion.
This recipe isn’t just about flavor; it’s about memories. I remember those warm summer evenings when my family would gather around the grill, laughter and stories mingling with the aroma of charred corn wafting through the air. Each bite of lemon pepper goodness transports me back to those carefree days. Get ready for a flavor experience that will make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation makes lemon pepper corn on the cob the perfect side dish for any meal
- Bursting with fresh citrus flavors and a hint of spice, it tantalizes your taste buds
- Its bright yellow appearance adds color to your table, making it visually appealing for guests
- This versatile dish complements everything from barbecued meats to grilled veggies effortlessly
Ingredients for Lemon pepper corn on the cob
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Fresh Corn on the Cob: Select sweet, firm ears of corn in their husks for optimal freshness and flavor.
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Unsalted Butter: Softened butter enhances richness and helps the seasoning stick to the corn.
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Lemon Zest: Freshly grated lemon zest provides an intense burst of citrus flavor that brightens up the dish.
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Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice enhances acidity and balances out sweetness.
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Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a delightful kick that complements the other flavors beautifully.
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Salt: A pinch of salt amplifies all those wonderful flavors and ties everything together.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Lemon pepper corn on the cob
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Corn
Start by shucking your fresh corn on the cob, removing all husks and silk strands. Rinse under cool water to remove any remaining silk.
Step 2: Boil or Grill
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (or preheat your grill). If you’re boiling, add the corn and cook for about 5-7 minutes until tender but still crisp. If grilling, place corn directly over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until charred.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Pepper Mixture
In a small bowl, combine softened butter with freshly grated lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt. Mix until well combined; this will be your mouthwatering dressing!
Step 4: Coat Your Corn
Once cooked, remove corn from water or grill. Generously slather each ear with your lemon pepper butter mixture while it’s still hot so it’ll melt into every crevice.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer your beautifully coated lemon pepper corn onto serving plates. For extra flair, sprinkle additional black pepper or even more zest if you’re feeling adventurous!
Step 6: Dig In!
Grab some napkins because things might get messy! Take a bite of that zesty goodness and enjoy every moment as you savor this delightful side dish.
With its vibrant flavors and easy preparation, lemon pepper corn on the cob is sure to become a staple at your gatherings. So grab some friends, fire up that grill or stove, and let’s make some memories!
You Must Know
- This delightful lemon pepper corn on the cob recipe transforms any summer gathering into a flavor-packed fiesta
- With vibrant colors and tangy zest, it’s the perfect side dish for barbecues or picnics
- Plus, it’s easy to whip up and customizable to fit your taste buds!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling water and adding your corn to cook for about 5-7 minutes. While it’s cooking, mix together melted butter with lemon juice and pepper. Once your corn is perfectly tender, brush on that zesty mixture for a burst of flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to jazz up your lemon pepper corn on the cob by adding fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. You can also sprinkle some chili powder for a spicy kick or swap the butter for olive oil if you want a vegan option.
Storing & Reheating
To store leftover lemon pepper corn on the cob, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or grill briefly to retain its delicious flavors.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To maximize flavor, soak your corn in cold water before boiling
- This keeps it juicy and tender
- For even more zing, add grated Parmesan cheese right after brushing on the butter mixture
- Always taste before serving; adjust seasoning as needed!
Sometimes while cooking this lemon pepper corn on the cob, I think back to that BBQ where my cousin practically begged me for the recipe. It’s always nice when food brings people together! For more inspiration, check out this cooking tips for corn recipe.
FAQs:
What ingredients do I need for lemon pepper corn on the cob?
To prepare lemon pepper corn on the cob, you will need fresh corn on the cob, unsalted butter, lemon juice, and lemon pepper seasoning. You can also add salt to taste. Optionally, fresh parsley or cilantro can enhance the flavor. Make sure to select ripe and sweet corn for the best results. Gather these ingredients before you start cooking to ensure a smooth preparation process.
How do I cook lemon pepper corn on the cob?
You can cook lemon pepper corn on the cob by boiling or grilling it. For boiling, place the corn in a pot of salted water and cook for about 5-7 minutes until tender. If you prefer grilling, preheat your grill and cook the cobs for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until they are charred and tender. After cooking, brush them with melted butter and sprinkle with lemon pepper seasoning.
Can I use frozen corn for lemon pepper corn on the cob?
While fresh corn is preferred for its sweetness and texture, you can use frozen corn if needed. To make lemon pepper corn on the cob with frozen corn, simply thaw it first and then follow similar cooking methods as fresh corn. Keep in mind that frozen corn may lack some crunchiness compared to fresh options, but it will still absorb flavors well.
What are some variations of lemon pepper corn on the cob?
There are many delicious variations of lemon pepper corn on the cob that you can try. Consider adding other spices or herbs like garlic powder or chili flakes for an extra kick. You might also experiment with different types of cheese such as Parmesan or feta for a savory twist. Additionally, substituting lime juice for lemon can provide a refreshing change to this classic recipe. For more inspiration, check out this exciting side dishes recipe.
Conclusion for Lemon pepper corn on the cob:
Lemon pepper corn on the cob is a delightful dish that combines fresh flavors with simple ingredients. By using sweet corn, butter, and zesty lemon pepper seasoning, you create a perfect side dish suitable for any occasion. Whether you boil or grill your cobs, this recipe is easy to follow and adaptable to your taste preferences. Enjoy this vibrant dish at your next barbecue or family dinner!
Lemon Pepper Corn on the Cob
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Lemon Pepper Corn on the Cob is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that brings a burst of citrusy zest to your summer gatherings. Coated in rich butter, fresh lemon zest, and a hint of black pepper, this delightful recipe is perfect for barbecues or family dinners. Each juicy bite is a celebration of sweet corn’s natural flavors, making it an irresistible addition to any meal. Easy to prepare and visually appealing, it’s sure to impress your guests and create lasting memories around the table.
Ingredients
- 4 ears fresh corn on the cob
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Shuck and rinse the corn under cool water.
- Boil or grill the corn: Boil in salted water for 5-7 minutes or grill over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until charred.
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter with lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt.
- Once cooked, generously coat each ear of corn with the lemon pepper butter mixture while hot.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling/Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear (90g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
