Smoky Grilled Corn with Parmesan Butter

• Recipe by Steven Raichlen

Many cooks debate whether it's better to grill corn with the husks on or off. I'm of the husk-off school. Exposing the kernels to the fire gives corn a richer, smokier flavor, plus the pulled-back husks provide great no-mess handles.

Ingredients

1. 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2. 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (2 ounces)
3. 1 garlic clove, minced
4. Salt and freshly ground pepper
5. 4 ears of corn
6. Vegetable oil, for the grill 

Directions

1. Light a grill. In a bowl, mix the butter with the Parmesan and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Strip the husks from each ear of corn and remove the silks. Using kitchen string, tie the husks together at the end of each ear to form a handle.
3. Lightly brush the grate with oil. Grill the corn over a medium-hot fire, turning, until partially cooked, about 5 minutes. Brush the corn with the Parmesan butter and continue grilling, turning frequently and brushing with more butter, until deeply browned and tender, about 5 minutes longer. Serve at once with the remaining Parmesan butter.

Make Ahead

The Parmesan butter can be refrigerated for 5 days.