Grilled North Dakota Sweet Corn with Garlic Herb Butter

There is a specific kind of magic that happens when peak-season sweet corn meets the searing heat of an open fire. In the Midwest, North Dakota sweet corn is legendary for its high sugar content and crisp texture, making it the perfect candidate for high-heat grilling. While boiling corn is functional, grilling it on the Arteflame cooktop transforms the vegetable entirely. The direct heat caramelizes the natural sugars, creating a depth of flavor that boiling simply cannot achieve. When you pair those smoky, charred kernels with a melting pat of homemade garlic herb butter, you elevate a simple backyard staple into a gourmet experience. This recipe focuses on enhancing the corn's inherent sweetness while introducing savory, aromatic notes that linger on the palate.

Ingredients

• 6 ears of fresh North Dakota sweet corn, shucked and cleaned
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for finishing)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for coating the corn)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Herb Butter

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chives, and thyme.
2. Add the teaspoon of sea salt and cracked black pepper.
3. Mash the ingredients together with a fork until the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the butter.
4. Transfer the butter to a small ramekin or roll it into a log using parchment paper and refrigerate until you are ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Build a medium-sized fire in the center of your Arteflame grill. You want to establish a solid bed of coals to heat the carbon steel griddle.
2. Allow the cooktop to heat up. You are looking for a medium-high heat zone, which is generally found midway between the center grate and the outer edge of the flat top.
3. Lightly oil the cooktop surface to ensure a non-stick grilling experience.

Step 3: Grill the Corn

1. Brush each ear of shucked corn lightly with olive oil. This helps conduct heat and encourages that beautiful golden-brown char.
2. Place the corn directly onto the flat steel cooktop.
3. Grill the corn for about 10 to 12 minutes. Rotate the ears every 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
4. You are looking for the kernels to turn a vibrant yellow with spots of caramelized char. If the corn is browning too quickly, move it closer to the outer edge of the grill where the temperature is cooler.

Step 4: Season and Serve

1. Once the corn is tender and charred to your liking, remove it from the grill.
2. Immediately slather the hot corn with the prepared garlic herb butter. The heat from the corn will melt the butter, carrying the garlic and herb flavors into every crevice.
3. Sprinkle with a pinch of extra sea salt if desired and serve immediately while hot.

Tips

To get the absolute best results with this recipe, freshness is key. North Dakota sweet corn begins to convert its sugars into starch the moment it is picked, so try to grill it on the day of purchase for maximum sweetness. When shucking the corn, take a few extra moments to remove as much of the silk as possible; these can burn quickly on the grill and create a bitter taste. Regarding the Arteflame, utilize the different heat zones. If you have guests who prefer more char, place their ears closer to the center grate. For those who prefer a gentler cook, the outer ring is your friend. Additionally, if your butter is too cold to spread, simply place the ramekin near the edge of the grill (not directly over the fire) for a minute or two to soften it up before serving.

Variations

While the classic garlic herb butter is a crowd-pleaser, corn is a versatile canvas that welcomes bold flavor experiments. Depending on the rest of your menu, you might want to twist the flavor profile to match a specific cuisine or personal preference. Here are a few distinct ways to remix this recipe:

• Mexican Street Corn Style: Swap the herb butter for mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
• Spicy Cajun Butter: Mix paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, and onion powder into your butter for a Southern kick.
• Honey Sriracha: Blend honey and Sriracha sauce into the butter for a combination of sweet heat that pairs perfectly with the charred corn.
• Parmesan Truffle: Add grated parmesan cheese and a few drops of truffle oil to the butter for a savory, umami-rich variation.
• Bacon Blue Cheese: Top the buttered corn with crumbled cooked bacon and blue cheese crumbles for a decadent finish.

Best pairings

Grilled sweet corn is the quintessential side dish for outdoor gatherings, but it shines brightest when paired with proteins that match its smoky intensity. The sweetness of the corn cuts through rich, savory meats, providing a necessary palate cleanser between bites. Because this recipe uses a garlic herb butter, it bridges the gap between lighter fare and heavy BBQ cuts. Consider serving this alongside:

• Ribeye Steaks: The herb butter on the corn complements the rich fat of a cowboy ribeye perfectly.
• Grilled Pork Chops: The sweetness of the corn pairs naturally with pork, especially if the chops have a spicy rub.
• Cedar Plank Salmon: For a lighter meal, the fresh herbs in the butter echo the flavors often used with seafood.
• Classic Cheeseburgers: You can never go wrong with the traditional summer duo of burgers and corn on the cob.

Conclusion

Grilling North Dakota sweet corn on the Arteflame is more than just cooking a side dish; it is a celebration of seasonal produce and wood-fired flavor. The process transforms a humble vegetable into a smoky, sweet, and savory delight that often steals the show from the main course. By taking the time to make your own compound butter, you add a layer of sophistication and care that your guests will taste in every bite. Whether you are hosting a large backyard barbecue or enjoying a quiet dinner al fresco, this recipe delivers the authentic taste of summer. Fire up the grill, listen to the sizzle, and enjoy the unparalleled taste of fresh corn done right.