Vietnamese Grilled Corn with Scallion Oil (Bắp Nướng Mỡ Hành)

What’s a quick and delicious recipe to use up a lot of corn? Make Vietnamese grilled corn with scallion oil (Bap Nuong Mo Hanh).

The sweetness of the corn pairs wonderfully with the savory flavor of scallion oil and the smoky flavor of the grill.

What You Will Need

• Corn: Fresh corn on the cob is the star of this recipe. If you can’t find fresh corn, frozen corn on the cob works as a substitute.
• Scallions/Green Onions/Spring Onions: Thinly sliced scallions add a mild, oniony flavor. They’re key to making the scallion oil, which is a common topping in Vietnamese cuisine.
• Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil carries the flavors of the scallions and ensures they spread evenly over the corn without adding other unwanted flavor. Any neutral oil like canola or peanut oil will work.
• Salt and Sugar: Just a pinch to add flavor. I’m using sea salt and granulated white cane sugar.

How to Make It

Step 1: Prepare Corn

Start by peeling back the husks on each corn, but don’t remove them completely. Remove the silk strands and then pull the husks back up. Soak the corn in water for 30 minutes to prevent the husks from burning on the grill.

Step 2: Grill Corn

Preheat your grill to 400°F. Place the soaked corn directly on the grill. Cook for about 30 minutes, rotating the corn every few minutes to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Make Scallion Oil

While the corn is grilling, prepare the scallion oil. You can do this in the microwave or on the stovetop. For the microwave method, combine sliced scallions, vegetable oil, salt, and sugar in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2 minutes. For the stovetop method, heat the oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the scallions, salt, and sugar, then immediately turn off the heat after 10 seconds. The residual heat will cook the scallions without burning them.

Step 4: Brush and Serve

Once the corn is grilled, brush it generously with the scallion oil and enjoy.

FAQs and Helpful Tips

What if I don’t have a grill?

If you don’t have a grill, you can roast the corn in the oven at 400°F. Place the corn on a baking sheet and rotate them every 10 minutes until they’re evenly cooked.

Can I make the scallion oil ahead of time?

Yes, the scallion oil can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before brushing it on the corn.

Related Recipes

If you enjoy this recipe, you might also enjoy these summer favorites:

• Vietnamese Jicama, Carrot, Egg & Chinese Sausage Spring Rolls (Bo Bia)
• Vietnamese Classic Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce (Goi Cuon)
• Korean BBQ: Easy Beef & Pork Belly Bulgogi
• Vietnamese Beef Noodle Salad (Bun Bo Xao)

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