Grilled Corn Brussels Sprouts
Grilled Corn Brussels Sprouts is a fresh and vibrant dish that highlights the flavors of summer. This Mexican-inspired recipe combines the earthy taste of Brussels sprouts with sweet grilled corn, making it a delightful addition to any lunch table. It's not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, perfect for health-conscious eaters. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.
Why This Grilled Corn Brussels Sprouts Recipe Works
This recipe brings together the unique flavors of grilled corn and Brussels sprouts for a delightful twist. The grilling process enhances the natural sweetness of the corn while adding a smoky flavor to the Brussels sprouts. The cotija cheese provides a creamy texture that balances the dish beautifully. Fresh cilantro and lime juice add brightness, making this dish a true standout.
Grilling is key to achieving perfect caramelization of the vegetables. Using high heat allows for a smoky char that elevates the overall flavor profile. It’s essential to monitor cooking times to avoid overcooking the Brussels sprouts while ensuring the corn is perfectly tender. This simple technique results in a dish that's both visually appealing and delicious.
💡 Professional Tip
For the best results, ensure your grill is properly preheated before adding the vegetables. This helps achieve the desired char and prevents sticking. If you're using frozen corn, thaw it beforehand for even cooking. You can experiment with different spices to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can prepare the Brussels sprouts and corn mixture ahead of time. Grill them just before serving to maintain their freshness and texture. Store the prepped ingredients in the fridge for up to a day for best results. Just reheat briefly on the grill or stovetop before serving.
If you can't find cotija cheese, feta or queso fresco makes a great alternative. Both options provide a similar creamy texture and salty flavor. For a non-dairy option, consider using nutritional yeast sprinkled on top for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
The Brussels sprouts should be tender and slightly charred, while the corn should be sweet and slightly caramelized. A fork should easily penetrate the sprouts, indicating they are cooked through. Keep an eye on the color; they should be golden brown for the best flavor.
It’s best to enjoy Grilled Corn Brussels Sprouts fresh, but you can freeze the mixture if needed. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Use within 2-3 months for best texture and flavor. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the grill or in the oven.
These Grilled Corn Brussels Sprouts pair wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or steak. They also make a great side for tacos or quesadillas. For a lighter meal, serve them alongside a fresh salad or as part of a veggie platter with dips.
Grilled Corn Brussels Sprouts can last up to 3 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container. To maintain the best quality, reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to avoid overcooking. Always check for freshness before consuming.
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture ahead of time and grill it just before serving. This allows for easy meal prep while ensuring the dish tastes fresh and delicious. Just store the components separately until you're ready to grill.
The best way to reheat Grilled Corn Brussels Sprouts is on the grill, which will help maintain their texture. Alternatively, you can use a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to help re-steam the vegetables. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make them soggy.
Recipe Troubleshooting Guide
Too Dry
Problem: If the dish turns out too dry, it may lack enough oil or moisture from the vegetables.
Solution: To fix this, you can drizzle a bit more olive oil over the dish before serving, or serve with a squeeze of lime juice for added moisture and flavor.
Not Crispy Enough
Problem: Sometimes, Brussels sprouts don't get crispy enough when grilled.
Solution: Ensure the grill is hot enough and give them enough space on the grill for even cooking. You can also try broiling them for a few minutes at the end for extra crispiness.
Overcooked
Problem: If the Brussels sprouts are mushy, they were likely overcooked.
Prevention: To prevent this in the future, keep a close eye on cooking times and test for tenderness with a fork. Aim for a slight crunch in the center when done.
Undercooked Center
Problem: If the Brussels sprouts are crispy on the outside but hard in the center, they haven't cooked through.
Recovery: You can return them to the grill for a few more minutes, covering them with foil to help them cook evenly without burning.
Burnt Exterior
Problem: A burnt exterior typically means the heat was too high or they were cooked too long.
Prevention: To avoid this, reduce the heat and watch closely during grilling. If necessary, move the Brussels sprouts to a cooler spot on the grill.
Flavor Balance
Too Sweet: If the dish tastes too sweet, you can balance it with a splash of lime juice or add a pinch of salt.
Too Salty: If it's too salty, serving it with a side of plain rice or a grain can help absorb some saltiness.
Bland: If the dish turns out bland, consider adding more spices, lime juice, or fresh herbs to enhance the flavor.
Essential Ingredients for Grilled Corn Brussels Sprouts
The key to this dish lies in the freshness of the ingredients. Use vibrant green Brussels sprouts paired with sweet, juicy corn for the best flavor. Fresh lime juice adds brightness, while cotija cheese provides a creamy richness. Don't forget quality olive oil for grilling; it enhances the overall taste.
Opt for organic or locally sourced vegetables when possible, as they offer superior flavor and nutrition. Fresh herbs like cilantro add a burst of freshness. Grilling these ingredients brings out their natural sweetness and creates delightful char marks that enhance both taste and presentation.
Essential Ingredient Notes
- Brussels Sprouts: Choose Brussels sprouts that are firm and vibrant green. Avoid any that are soft or yellowing. For enhanced flavor, cut them in half to allow for better seasoning and grilling.
- Corn: Fresh corn on the cob is ideal for this recipe, but frozen corn works in a pinch. Make sure to grill it until it is slightly charred for the best flavor.
- Cotija Cheese: Cotija cheese adds a salty, creamy element to the dish. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh, and crumble it just before serving for optimal texture.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
Grilling is a straightforward process that elevates the flavors of vegetables. Start with preheating the grill to achieve an even cook, then prepare your ingredients with the right seasonings. The key is to monitor cooking times carefully, ensuring a balance between tenderness and crispiness.
Achieving perfect results requires attention to detail. Make sure to turn the vegetables at the right time and keep an eye on their color. This will result in beautifully charred Brussels sprouts and sweet, caramelized corn, creating a vibrant dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Key Technique for Perfect Grilled Corn Brussels Sprouts
The most important technique in this recipe is achieving the right grill temperature. A medium-high heat allows for optimal charring without overcooking the vegetables. This ensures that the Brussels sprouts remain slightly crispy on the outside while being tender on the inside, and the corn becomes sweet and caramelized.
Grilled Corn Brussels Sprouts
📋 Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup butterRoom temperature
- 2 tablespoons lime juiceFreshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon chili powderFor added heat
- 1 teaspoon garlic powderFor flavor
- Salt to tasteSeasoning
For the Sauce
- 1 lb Brussels sproutsTrimmed and halved
- 2 cups corn kernelsFresh or frozen
- 3 tablespoons olive oilFor grilling
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprikaFor flavor
- 1 teaspoon garlic powderFor flavor
- Salt and pepper to tasteSeasoning
- 1/2 cup cotija cheeseCrumble for topping
- 1 jalapeñoFinely chopped
- 1 limeJuiced
- Fresh cilantroFor garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
In a large bowl, combine halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat.
Grill the Brussels Sprouts
Place the Brussels sprouts on the grill, cut side down, and grill for about 10-15 minutes until they are tender and have grill marks.
Grill the Corn
If using fresh corn, grill the corn on the cob for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred. If using frozen corn, grill it in a grilling basket.
Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine grilled Brussels sprouts, grilled corn kernels, jalapeño, red onion, and cumin.
Add Cheese and Lime
Sprinkle the mixture with cotija cheese and drizzle with lime juice.
Taste and Adjust
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or honey if desired.
Serve
Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve warm.
Recipe Notes & Tips
Storage Tips
To store Grilled Corn Brussels Sprouts, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They can last up to 3 days. When reheating, add a bit of olive oil to restore moisture. For best flavor, consume within the first day or two.
Serving Suggestions
These Grilled Corn Brussels Sprouts can be served as a side dish or a light main course. Pair them with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or a fresh green salad. A side of avocado or salsa also complements the flavors beautifully.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. For a spicy kick, add more jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can also substitute the cotija cheese with a dairy-free alternative for a vegan option.