Spicy Grilled Corn with Old Bay Butter

Serves 6 | Total time: 15 minutes | Active time: 5 minutes

The Side Dish That Steals the Cookout

Corn season in the Inland Northwest is short, so we don't waste a single ear on plain butter and salt.

This spicy grilled corn goes straight over the flame until the kernels blister and char, then gets brushed with melted butter spiked with Old Bay and a dash of green hot sauce. It's rich, smoky, and just hot enough to make you reach for another ear — and it's ready in 15 minutes, right alongside whatever else is coming off the grill.

Ingredients

• 4 ears of corn, husked
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
• A dash of your favorite green hot sauce
• Salt to taste

How to Grill It

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Place the husked ears of corn directly on the grill. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning every few minutes, until the kernels are charred in spots and tender throughout.
3. While the corn finishes on the grill, melt the butter in a small saucepan or cast iron skillet. Stir in the Old Bay, hot sauce, and a pinch of salt.
4. Pull the corn off the grill and brush generously with the spicy butter. Serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Spicy Grilled Corn

First, don't skip the char. Those dark spots on the kernels add a smoky depth that makes the spicy butter taste even better, and they give the finished dish a complexity that boiled or steamed corn simply can't match. Let the grill do its job and resist the urge to pull the corn too early.

Adjusting the Heat Level

For extra heat, double the hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne to the butter. If you prefer a milder version, cut the hot sauce in half and let the Old Bay carry the flavor on its own. Either way, this spicy grilled corn delivers.

The Right Tool for the Job

A cast iron skillet is the best tool for melting and mixing the butter right at the grill. It holds heat evenly and keeps the butter warm while you pull the corn off — no extra dishes, no trips back inside to reheat anything. This is the kind of cook a good built-in grill with a side burner was made for.

What to Serve It With

This spicy grilled corn pairs naturally with our Cajun lemon pepper wings for a complete backyard cookout spread — your main and your side, done in under an hour with minimal cleanup. It also holds its own next to burgers, ribs, or a simple grilled chicken.

Credit: Recipe courtesy of Food Network Kitchen.

Cooking outdoors most nights once the weather turns? So do we. If you're thinking about a grill upgrade or a full custom outdoor kitchen, stop by our Post Falls showroom or give us a call at (208) 457-8868 — or schedule a free consultation and we'll talk through your space.