This flavorful grilled corn on the cob recipe hails from the streets of India! Sweet summer corn is grilled, then brushed with a mixture of ghee and garam masala, plus a squeeze of zesty lime. Juicy, sweet, and perfectly spiced, it’s the perfect summer side dish.

This flavorful grilled corn on the cob recipe hails from the streets of Mumbai! Sweet summer corn is grilled, then brushed with a mixture of ghee and garam masala spice! A squeeze of lime adds a delicious brightness. A tasty summer side dish to add to your next Indian feast!Whatever you do be gentle with yourself. You don't just live in this world or your home or your skin. You also live in someone's eyes. ― Sanober Khan

While in India for the first time, I had a few days at the end of my trip to explore Mumbai on my own. It was such an adventure. Especially the food part! To me, being in a new city, just meandering and discovering, with no time constraints, is heavenly.

Here’s an incredibly tasty recipe for Indian-style grilled corn on the cob that I discovered one day.  There was a line to this particular street vendor, which always piques my curiosity, so I asked someone in line what all the hubbub was about, and they proceeded to tell me in great detail why they loved this grilled corn. So, of course, I had to try it!

Corn on the cob was grilled directly on hot grates until deeply charred, then was slathered with a mixture of ghee and Garam Masala. It was heavenly. So simple, but oh so delicious.

What you’ll need

  • Corn on the cob (shucked) - Sweet and juicy summer corn becomes smoky and lightly caramelized when grilled or roasted, forming the base of the dish.
  • Ghee - Coats the corn with rich, buttery flavor and helps the spices adhere; use enough to lightly cover each ear.
  • Garam masala - Adds warm, aromatic Indian-inspired spice; adjust to taste depending on how bold you like it.
  • Salt and black pepper - Enhance the sweetness of the corn and balance the spices.
  • Cayenne or chili flakes (optional) - Add a touch of heat for contrast.
  • Lime juice - Brings bright acidity that lifts the richness; amchoor powder (dried mango powder) can be mixed into the ghee for a tangy alternative.
  • Optional garnishes (masala chaat, scallions, cilantro, lime zest, or lime wedges) - Add freshness, color, texture, and extra layers of flavor.

How to Make Grilled Corn

Place the shucked corn directly on a hot, greased grill.

grilling corn on the grill

Char the corn deeply! No need to cook it first, just place it dry, right on the grill. This will take about 15 minutes.

grilling corn all sides until deeply charred

Make the Garam Masala-infused Ghee. Then just lather it on and squeeze with lime. How easy is that?

Garam Masala seasoned ghee for grilled corn on the cob- Indian style!

Serve with lime wedges and fresh chilies if you like it spicy.

This Masala Street Corn hails from India and is grilled and seasoned with ghee and garam masala spice! A simple easy summer side dish to add to your next Indian feast! #grilledcorn #masalacorn #indiancorn

Such a unique and tasty way to treat sweet summer corn.

Storage

Leftover grilled corn on the cob will keep up to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Serving suggestions

Serve the grilled corn on the cob with other Indian recipes like our Frankies (Indian Burritos)

or Indian Butter Tofu . Or try this Kerala Fish. Here is a collection of delicious homemade Indian meals you may enjoy too!

I hope you love this as much as I do… please rate it below. xoxo Sylvia

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This Indian Masala Street Corn hails from the streets of Bombay. It's lathered with ghee and garam masala spice- a simple easy summer side dish to add to your next Indian feast! #grilledcorn #masalacorn #indiancorn

Grilled Corn on the Cob with Garam Masala Butter

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  • Author: Sylvia Fountaine
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 15
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x
  • Category: Grilled, side, Vegetable
  • Method: grilled
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Indian Masala Street Corn hails from the streets of Bombay. It’s lathered with ghee and garam masala spice-a simple easy summer side dish to add to your next Indian feast!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4-6 corn on the cob, shucked
  • 1/4 cup ghee, or enough to coat
  • 2-3 teaspoons garam masala spice, more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • pinch cayenne or chili flakes (optional)
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • a squeeze of lime juice (or add 1 teaspoon amchoor powder to the ghee)
  • Garnish with optional masala chaat, scallions or cilantro, lime zest or lime wedges
 

Instructions

  1. Preheat grill to medium-high.
  2. Shuck corn. Grill corn dry, directly on grates over medium-high heat, until nicely charred on all sides, about 12 minutes.
  3. Mix garam masala and salt with the ghee (feel free to add chili flakes or cayenne for more spice and amchoor powder if using).
  4. Brush the Masala Ghee over charred corn. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  5. Squeeze with lime juice and serve!
  6. Feel free to add any optional garnishes- scallions, lime wedges, cilantro, fresh chilies, masala chaat.

Notes

You can also cut the kernels off the charred corn and season with the ghee (perhaps go lighter here) garam masala, salt pepper and lime juice and serve this in a bowl.

You can also use this ghee-masala spice mix for sauteed frozen corn if you need a faster Indian side. A  little sauteed chopped onion would be nice here too. 😉 You get the idea.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cob
  • Calories: 194
  • Sugar: 9.2 g
  • Sodium: 513.2 mg
  • Fat: 9.6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27.7 g
  • Fiber: 2.9 g
  • Protein: 4.9 g
  • Cholesterol: 20.3 mg

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