Get ready to transform an ordinary corn side dish into a culinary masterpiece that will have your guests begging for the recipe! This Browned Butter Maple Bourbon Corn Cob is not just a recipe; it's a flavor explosion that marries the smoky char of perfectly grilled corn with a decadent sauce that combines the richness of brown butter, the sweetness of maple syrup, and the bold warmth of bourbon. Each bite promises a complex symphony of flavors that elevates corn from a simple summer staple to a gourmet sensation that will make your taste buds dance with delight.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp bourbon
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Remove corn husks and silk, then rinse ears of corn thoroughly under cool water. Pat dry completely with clean kitchen towel.
- Place large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed grill pan over medium-high heat. Allow pan to get very hot before adding corn.
- Grill corn ears, rotating every 2-3 minutes, until kernels develop deep golden brown char marks and appear slightly blistered on all sides. This should take approximately 10-12 minutes total.
- While corn is grilling, prepare brown butter sauce. In separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Once butter is browned, immediately remove from heat and whisk in maple syrup and bourbon. The mixture will bubble and combine quickly.
- Transfer grilled corn to serving platter and generously brush with warm brown butter bourbon maple sauce.
- Sprinkle lightly with sea salt to enhance flavor complexity and serve immediately while corn is hot and sauce is warm.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Corn: Select ears with bright green, tight husks and plump, milky kernels for the best flavor and texture.
- Ensure Dry Corn: Pat the corn completely dry before grilling to achieve those perfect char marks and prevent steaming.
- Hot Pan Technique: Let your cast-iron skillet or grill pan get scorching hot before adding corn to create beautiful caramelization.
- Butter Brown Vigilantly: When browning butter, watch carefully and stir constantly to prevent burning - you want golden brown, not black.
- Sauce Timing: Prepare the brown butter sauce just before serving to keep it warm and ensure maximum flavor absorption.
- Salt Finishing: A light sprinkle of sea salt at the end enhances all the complex flavors in the dish.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, right after grilling and saucing, to experience the full depth of flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 50mg
