It’s that time of year again when the sun shines bright, the grill sizzles, and the corn on the cob makes its grand appearance. Imagine biting into a perfectly cooked ear of corn, bursting with juicy sweetness, kissed by the magic of lemon pepper seasoning. Let me tell you, lemon pepper corn on the cob is not just a dish; it’s an experience! This delightful combo of zesty lemon and aromatic pepper transforms humble corn into a side dish worthy of any summer gathering or backyard barbecue.
I still remember my first attempt at making this delectable dish. Picture this: a group of friends gathered for an outdoor feast, fireflies dancing in the twilight as I proudly presented my lemon pepper corn on the cob. The flavors exploded in our mouths like fireworks, and we were instantly transported to flavor paradise. So if you’re ready to embark on your own culinary adventure and impress your friends and family, let’s dive into how to create this crowd-pleaser!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Lemon pepper corn on the cob is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings
- The bright flavors elevate any meal, and its vibrant presentation will wow your guests
- Enjoy it as a side or main dish; it’s versatile enough to fit any occasion!
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: Look for bright green husks and plump kernels for maximum sweetness.
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Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice adds a vibrant tang that elevates the flavors beautifully.
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Lemon Zest: Zest from one lemon provides an extra punch of citrusy goodness that complements the corn perfectly.
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Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds depth and a touch of heat to balance the sweetness.
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Butter: A good slather of butter melts beautifully over hot corn, enhancing everything with its creamy richness.
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Salt: Just a pinch is needed to enhance all those lovely flavors!
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. Remove all the husks and silk strands like you’re peeling off layers from a surprise gift! Rinse them under cold water to refresh those kernels.
Step 2: Boil or Grill
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Drop in your cobs and cook for about 5-7 minutes until tender. Alternatively, you can grill them over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until they get those beautiful char marks.
Step 3: Make Your Flavor Bomb
In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and cracked black pepper. This mixture will be your secret weapon against boring side dishes!
Step 4: Drizzle Away
Once your corn is cooked to perfection (and you’ve resisted eating it straight off the grill), place it on a serving platter. Generously drizzle that zesty butter mix all over each ear—don’t be shy; we want flavor explosions here!
Step 5: Serve with Style
Transfer those lemon pepper corn cobs onto plates or serve them directly from the platter! Add some extra lemon wedges for good measure—after all, who doesn’t love more citrus?
Step 6: Enjoy!
Gather your friends or family around and dig in while everything’s hot! Watch their faces light up with delight as they savor every bite.
There you have it! A quick and easy recipe that turns ordinary corn into mouthwatering magic with just a few ingredients. So whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or simply enjoying dinner at home, lemon pepper corn on the cob will shine as one of your new favorite dishes!
You Must Know
- This lemon pepper corn on the cob recipe offers a burst of freshness that brightens up any summer barbecue
- With its irresistible zesty flavor and simple preparation, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser
- Perfect for outdoor gatherings or cozy family dinners!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling or grilling your corn on the cob until tender. While it’s cooking, whip up a quick lemon pepper butter by mixing softened butter with fresh lemon juice and zest, plus a generous sprinkle of lemon pepper seasoning. Toss the hot corn in the buttery goodness before serving. For more inspiration, check out this cooking tips and tricks recipe.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your lemon pepper corn on the cob by adding some grated Parmesan cheese for an extra kick or sprinkling some chili powder if you like it spicy. You can also swap out lemon for lime for a different citrus twist—because variety is the spice of life!
Storing & Reheating
To store leftover lemon pepper corn on the cob, wrap it tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the grill or microwave until warmed through without losing that zesty flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Keep your corn submerged in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to ensure juicy kernels
- Use fresh lemons whenever possible for vibrant flavors; bottled juice just doesn’t cut it
- And remember, don’t overcook—tender is key, but mushy is a no-go!
Nothing warms my heart quite like my grandma’s laughter after tasting this lemon pepper corn on the cob. We often sit outside during summer evenings, reminiscing about our favorite meals while enjoying this delightful dish together.
FAQs :
What ingredients do I need for lemon pepper corn on the cob?
To make lemon pepper corn on the cob, you will need fresh corn on the cob, butter, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and lemon pepper seasoning. You can also add salt to taste. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can enhance the flavor. This simple ingredient list makes it easy to whip up a delicious side dish that complements any meal. For more inspiration, check out this delicious side dishes recipe.
How do I prepare corn on the cob for grilling?
Start by husking the corn and removing all the silk strands. Rinse the corn under cold water to ensure it’s clean. You can soak the cobs in water for about 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from drying out. After soaking, pat them dry and brush with melted butter or oil before seasoning with lemon pepper for grilling.
Can I use frozen corn for lemon pepper corn on the cob?
While fresh corn is ideal for this recipe, you can use frozen corn if fresh isn’t available. Thaw and drain the frozen corn before grilling or sautéing. Season it in the same way with lemon juice and lemon pepper for a tasty alternative. However, be aware that frozen corn may not have that sweet crunch of fresh grilled corn.
What are some serving suggestions for lemon pepper corn on the cob?
Lemon pepper corn on the cob pairs well with grilled meats like chicken or steak. It also complements any summer barbecue spread beautifully. For an elevated experience, serve it alongside a fresh salad or as part of a veggie platter. Drizzling extra lemon juice over each serving adds a zesty kick that enhances its flavor.
Conclusion for Lemon pepper corn on the cob :
Lemon pepper corn on the cob is an easily prepared and delightful dish perfect for summer meals. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward preparation steps, you can enhance your dining experience significantly. This simple yet flavorful side dish will impress your guests and family alike. Remember to choose fresh ingredients for the best taste and enjoy this vibrant addition to your table!
Lemon Pepper Corn on the Cob
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Lemon pepper corn on the cob is the ultimate summer side dish, delivering juicy sweetness from fresh corn perfectly paired with zesty lemon and aromatic black pepper. This vibrant recipe transforms simple ingredients into a flavor-packed experience that’s perfect for barbecues and gatherings. With its easy preparation and dazzling presentation, this dish will impress your guests and become a staple at your summer meals.
Ingredients
- 4 ears fresh corn on the cob
- 4 tbsp butter (melted)
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Shuck the corn, removing all husks and silk strands. Rinse under cold water.
- Boil in salted water for 5-7 minutes until tender or grill over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Combine melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl.
- Place cooked corn on a serving platter and generously drizzle with the lemon pepper butter.
- Garnish with extra lemon wedges if desired and enjoy while warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling/Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear of corn (approximately 100g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
