Grilled Corn With Za’atar Feta Butter

In Jordan, once it becomes corn season, you will see food vendors lining the streets with carts shouting Dorayeh, which means corn in Arabic. The corn in Jordan is a lot denser than corn you would find in the US, and it takes longer to cook. My mom would need to use a pressure cooker to make the corn soft at home. Instead, the street vendors have the sweet corn constantly cooking in a large pot of boiling water, and they serve the boiled corn with just a sprinkle of salt. I can still taste the amazingly sweet and salty flavors of fresh corn in my mouth! This grilled corn is a way of reminding myself of those incredible flavors I experienced.

Since the corn in the United States doesn’t take nearly as much time to cook, I wanted to enhance the flavor of the corn. I am crazily in love with corn for me, there is nothing better than blackened kernels charred on an open fire. Once the corn is finished cooking, I love to smother it with a za’atar feta butter mixture. This flavorful butter is earthy, salty, and creamy. It tastes incredible once it is melted over the hot grilled corn cobs. 

When is Corn the Sweetest? 

Corn is the sweetest when it is in season! It is generally in season in the summer months, but depending on where you live, the harvest dates may be slightly different. For example, if you live in California, sweet corn will be ready to be harvested from June 25th to September 30th. But if you live in Pennsylvania, the corn is sweetest from July 5th to August 31st. So, take advantage of the delicious corn grown during the summer months and make as many corn recipes as possible! 

How to Pick the Best Corn?

When grocery shopping, it can be difficult to identify the best corn. However, there are a few tips and tricks that you can use to pick out the freshest, juiciest corn. The first thing you should do when picking corn is to slightly peel back a bit of the husk to make sure the kernels are plump and golden yellow. The corn husk should be green and tightly wrapped around the corn. Make sure there aren’t any brown holes in the husk, as it can be a sign that there are bugs in the corn. The ears should also have slightly sticky silk, which indicates the corn will be sweeter and fresher. 

Should The Corn Be Grilled With The Husk?

Some people like to grill the corn with the husk still on because it helps the corn preserve moisture. While this is true, I don’t like the half steam, half grilled texture of the corn kernels. I personally prefer to remove all the corn husks along with all the silk before grilling. This helps the kernels get even charr, plus you can eat the corn quicker since you won’t have to peel the husk later

Note: Peeling the husk off the corn may seem like a hassle, but it’s actually quite simple. To remove the husk and silk, start by gently pulling down the husk from the top of the corn, peeling it away in one smooth motion. Once the husk is removed, use a brush or your hands to remove any remaining silk strands. Now you’re ready to grill the corn to perfection!. 

What is Za’atar? 

Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice mix made with the plant Syrian oregano, thyme, cumin, coriander, and sesame seeds. It has an earthy flavor that is excellent with meat, olive oil, and bread. I use Za’atar in this recipe to flavor the butter and give the corn a more savory taste. To learn more about za’atar, check out my homemade za’atar recipe. 

Flavorful Za’atar Feta Butter Topping

The topping for this grilled corn is an irresistible blend of flavors that takes it to a whole new level. The creamy and tangy butter, infused with za’atar, crumbled feta cheese, minced garlic, and zesty lime juice, creates a mouthwatering combination that perfectly complements the smoky charred corn. As you take a bite, the buttery richness mingles with the sweet juiciness of the corn, while the za’atar adds a unique earthy note. It’s a delightful explosion of flavors that will leave you craving more.

While this za’atar feta butter is undeniably delicious, don’t be afraid to get creative and try different variations. You can experiment with adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro to the butter mixture for a refreshing twist. If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce on top. For a touch of sweetness, drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup over the buttered corn. The possibilities are endless, and you can tailor the toppings to suit your taste preferences and culinary adventures.

Delicious Pairings for Grilled Corn

This grilled corn is a versatile side dish that complements a variety of main courses and salads. Pair it with BBQ baby back ribs for a mouthwatering combination of smoky flavors and sweet corn freshness. The tender, juicy ribs are perfectly complemented by the charred and seasoned kernels of corn.

If you’re looking for a lighter option, serve the corn salad alongside grilled zucchini. The natural sweetness of the corn balances beautifully with the savory, grilled zucchini, creating a delightful medley of flavors and textures.

For a vibrant and refreshing meal, pair the corn salad with a black bass fattoush salad. The crisp and tangy fattoush salad with its mix of fresh vegetables, herbs, and toasted bread pairs wonderfully with the grilled corn.

If you’re in the mood for a creamy and cool dish, serve the corn salad alongside a creamy yogurt cucumber salad. The creamy yogurt dressing complements the smoky flavors of the grilled corn, while the refreshing cucumbers add a crisp and refreshing element to the meal.

Serve the grilled corn alongside a refreshing watermelon mint salad for a perfect summer feast. The sweet, juicy watermelon and the aromatic mint provide a refreshing contrast to the smoky flavors of the corn.