Sweet corn is coated in a jerk-inspired sauce that combines the lively heat of traditional jerk chiles and spices with the sweetness and smokiness of grilled corn. Any extra sauce that doesn’t nestle between the kernels is equally delicious slathered over grilled meat, seafood and vegetables.
1tablespoonfresh thyme leaves or 1/2 tablespoon dried
1/2teaspoonblack peppercorns
1/2teaspoonallspice berries
2dried or fresh bay leaves
1moderately spicy fresh red chilesuch as Fresno, stemmed
1scalliontrimmed and roughly chopped
1large clove garlicpeeled
1small shallotroughly chopped
1/2Scotch bonnet or habanero pepperstemmed
1(1-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
1/4nutmeggrated or 1/8 teaspoon powdered
3/4tablespoonkosher salt
1limezested and juiced
Corn
6ears fresh cornhusked
1tablespoonavocado oil for grillingplus more for grill
1tablespoonextra-virgin olive oil
Cilantro sprigs for garnish(optional)
Instructions
To prepare sauce: Combine oil, coconut aminos (or tamari), brown sugar, thyme, peppercorns, allspice, bay leaves, red chile, scallion, garlic, shallot, Scotch bonnet (or habanero), ginger, nutmeg, salt, lime zest and lime juice in a blender; blend until completely smooth, about 1 minute.
To prepare corn: Heat a clean grill to medium-high heat; rub grates with avocado oil. Rub corn ears lightly with 1 tablespoon avocado oil. Place the corn on the grill; cook, turning occasionally, until the kernels are golden brown and charred on each side, about 5 minutes. Brush the corn with the jerk sauce and continue cooking, flipping and glazing twice more, until the kernels are tender, juicy and lightly charred black and golden brown all over, about 5 minutes more. (Refrigerate the remaining sauce for another use.) Move to a platter and drizzle with olive oil. Garnish with cilantro, if desired.
Notes
Refrigerate sauce (Step 1) in an airtight container for up to 5 days.