The moment you sink your teeth into this Bang Bang Corn, you’ll understand why it’s a summer must-have. Charred to perfection and drenched in a lip-tingling bang bang butter made with sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime, and garlic—this dish elevates a humble ear of corn into a backyard BBQ showstopper.
Not only is it a breeze to make, but it’s also a feast for the senses. The spicy, citrusy butter caramelizes beautifully on the grill, while the fresh cilantro adds a cooling, herbal finish. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just craving bold flavors, this corn will be the star of your spread.
Full Recipe:
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1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
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3 tablespoons melted butter
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1 tablespoon sriracha
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2 cloves garlic, finely minced
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Juice of 2 limes
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Kosher salt, to taste
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Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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6 ears corn, husks removed
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Freshly chopped cilantro, for garnish
Directions:
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In a medium bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, melted butter, sriracha, minced garlic, and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
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Generously coat each ear of corn with the bang bang butter mixture.
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Grill the corn for 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with more butter mixture, until the kernels are tender and charred.
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Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: ~210 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
What Is Bang Bang Corn?
Bang Bang Corn is a bold and flavorful twist on traditional grilled corn, inspired by the ever-popular Bang Bang Shrimp dish. It’s a fusion of spicy, sweet, tangy, and buttery flavors, all slathered over fire-grilled ears of fresh corn. The sauce is typically made with sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, garlic, and melted butter — a combination that hits all the right notes: creamy, zesty, spicy, and slightly sweet. When grilled, the sauce caramelizes slightly, creating a deliciously sticky and savory coating on the corn.
This dish is perfect for summer cookouts, picnics, backyard barbecues, or any occasion that calls for a standout side dish. It’s also incredibly easy to make and endlessly customizable based on your preferred level of heat or desired herbs and garnishes.
The Origin and Influence of “Bang Bang” Flavor
The term “Bang Bang” originates from a style of Chinese cuisine, often referring to Bang Bang Chicken, which involves a spicy sauce made from chili oil, garlic, and sesame paste. However, in modern Western kitchens, especially in American fusion cuisine, “Bang Bang” has become synonymous with a creamy-spicy sauce made with sriracha, mayonnaise or butter, sweet chili sauce, and lime. This flavor profile became widely known thanks to the viral popularity of Bang Bang Shrimp at chain restaurants like Bonefish Grill and has since been adapted into other dishes like tacos, wings, pasta, and now—corn.
Bang Bang Corn is a great representation of how global flavors can be seamlessly merged into accessible home-cooking recipes. It leverages pantry staples to create something exciting and satisfying without requiring hard-to-find ingredients.
Why Bang Bang Corn Works
One of the most appealing aspects of Bang Bang Corn is how it balances different flavor profiles and textures. The natural sweetness of corn contrasts beautifully with the heat of the sriracha and the citrus zing of lime. Garlic adds depth, while melted butter ties everything together with richness.
When grilled, the corn kernels get slightly charred, developing a smoky aroma and a caramelized exterior that acts as a perfect canvas for the sauce. The grilling process also intensifies the natural sweetness of the corn, making each bite a layered experience of flavor.
Fresh cilantro or green onions are often sprinkled on top just before serving, which adds a burst of freshness and a pop of color that complements the dish both visually and in taste.
Perfect Pairings for Bang Bang Corn
Bang Bang Corn is a versatile side that can be paired with a variety of main dishes. Here are some ideas:
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Grilled or Smoked Meats: It goes exceptionally well with grilled chicken, ribs, brisket, or even a juicy steak.
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Seafood: Try it alongside grilled shrimp, fish tacos, or even lobster for a coastal summer vibe.
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Burgers and Sandwiches: Add a bold twist to a classic cookout menu by serving this corn with smash burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, or grilled cheese.
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Vegetarian Mains: If you’re keeping it meatless, Bang Bang Corn can be served with veggie burgers, tofu skewers, or a hearty bean salad.
The dish also fits well into potluck-style gatherings, as it can be made ahead and easily transported.
Tips and Variations to Try
Though the classic version is delicious as-is, there are numerous ways to adapt and experiment with Bang Bang Corn:
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Make it vegan: Swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative to create a vegan-friendly version.
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Add cheese: Sprinkle crumbled cotija or feta cheese on top for a cheesy, elote-inspired variation.
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Roast instead of grill: If you don’t have a grill, you can roast the corn in the oven or cook it on a stovetop grill pan. You’ll still get a good char and the sauce will still caramelize beautifully.
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Turn it into a salad: Cut the grilled corn off the cob and mix it with avocado, black beans, diced red onion, and extra bang bang sauce for a flavor-packed corn salad.
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Spice it up or down: Adjust the level of sriracha to your heat preference. Add red chili flakes for more kick, or dial it back for a milder flavor.
Cultural Fusion and Modern Barbecue Trends
Bang Bang Corn is a fantastic example of how modern home cooking is embracing cultural fusion. No longer are side dishes limited to traditional coleslaw or baked beans at barbecues — home cooks are exploring bold flavors inspired by global cuisines. This corn dish brings together Southeast Asian sauces with a classic American grilling technique.
As more people seek out exciting yet easy recipes, Bang Bang Corn fits the trend perfectly. It’s fast, approachable, and incredibly rewarding. Plus, it’s a conversation starter, especially when guests bite into that first saucy, grilled cob and ask, “What is this?!”
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
Despite its spicy name, Bang Bang Corn can be very kid-friendly. Simply reduce or omit the sriracha to keep the heat low, and you’ll have a dish that appeals to all ages. It’s colorful, fun to eat with your hands, and naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for guests with dietary restrictions.
In large gatherings, it can be prepped in batches, wrapped in foil to keep warm, and garnished just before serving. Leftovers also reheat well, or can be sliced off the cob and stirred into rice bowls, tacos, or soups.
Health and Nutrition Considerations
Corn is a whole grain, rich in fiber and essential nutrients like vitamin B, magnesium, and antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which are great for eye health. While Bang Bang Corn isn’t necessarily a “light” dish due to the butter, it can be modified to suit a lighter diet by reducing the butter or using yogurt-based sauces instead.
Moreover, the use of natural ingredients—fresh garlic, lime juice, and herbs—adds a healthful boost to the flavor profile. It’s a feel-good indulgence that doesn’t feel overly processed or heavy.
Visual Appeal and Presentation
Presentation plays a major role in food enjoyment, and Bang Bang Corn scores high in this department. The vibrant orange-pink hue of the sauce, contrasted with charred black grill marks and bright green cilantro, makes this dish pop on the plate. It’s Instagram-worthy and bound to impress guests at your next cookout.
You can also add visual appeal by serving it on rustic wooden platters or in corn holders with lime wedges on the side. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or chili flakes can elevate the look even further.
Conclusion: Why You Should Make Bang Bang Corn Today
Bang Bang Corn isn’t just another grilled side — it’s a mouthwatering, unforgettable flavor bomb that combines the comfort of summer cookouts with the exciting zest of Asian-inspired sauces. It’s fast to prepare, budget-friendly, customizable, and guaranteed to please a crowd.
Whether you’re firing up the grill for a weekend gathering or simply want to spice up your weeknight dinner routine, Bang Bang Corn is a must-try dish. It stands at the intersection of flavor, convenience, and visual appeal, which is why it’s become a new favorite for foodies and casual cooks alike.
So go ahead—grab those corn cobs, whip up some bang bang butter, and let the grill do the magic. One bite, and you’ll be hooked on this fiery, creamy, sweet-savory creation.