What Are Corn Husks
Corn husks are the outermost leaves that surround the silk, protecting the kernels from getting dirty or from being eaten by birds and insects. They may be green or dried out yellow, depending on when theyve been harvested and how they have dried.
When corn on the cob is cooked, whether in the oven or on the grill these husks can help lock in moisture, ensuring a juicy BBQ side. The problem is that these husks and their attached silk can create a lot of mess and, while they are edible, they pretty unpleasant to eat.
If we remove the husks, the corn can be vulnerable to drying out or even burning. So how can we do it while still ensuring an ear of juicy and sweet corn on the cob?
How To Serve Grilled Corn
While the corn is still hot, brush each cob with butter and sprinkle with kosher salt. But you don’t have to stop there–try some of the below flavor combinations. And for even more serving ideas, head over to our storyReinvented: Corn on the Cob 5 Ways.
- Butter, chile powder, cotija cheese, cilantro and a squeeze of lime
- Butter, Parmesan and parsley
- Butter, honey and chipotle powder
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How To Cut Corn Corn Off The Cob:
This is actually simple to do with a few easy tips. I prefer to prop the ear of corn in the center of a bundt pan. As you cut the kernels, they fall right into the pan.
Plus, the pan helps to stabilize the corn as you cut the corn off the cob. It is the easiest trick to quickly do this.
Learn more tips on how to Cut Corn off the Cob.
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How To Use Grilled Corn
- Side Dish – you can top your corn cobs with some compound butter, sea salt, black pepper, fresh herbs, or some Tajine seasoning for a perfect side dish.
- Salads – add some to a corn salad like our Grilled Corn and Black Bean Salad.
- Soup – use this grilled corn in a soup like this Corn Chicken Chowder.
How Do You Cook Corn On The Cob
Do you boil it? Oh, no no no. If you do, please dont anymore! All of that sweet deliciousness is being left right in your boiling water!
Do you microwave it? Oh, Paula and Martha should be pounding on your door! I dont care how many promises Pinterest makes about the silks sliding right off when you microwave it, dont do that either!
Do you grill it after shucking? STOP! Yes those grill marks are so pretty, but youre making more work for yourself. Youll never have to use one of these again, although, it is pretty cool.
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Simple Grilled Corn Recipe
This 3-ingredient recipe is all about intense corn flavor
Quick and absolutely delicious, you are going to love this grilled corn on the cob! No husk and no foil make it super simple. Made with olive oil and seasoned salt, the smokey flavor of the grill gives this corn a truly authentic grilling taste.
A truly wonderful corn dish like this that requires few ingredients is perfect for a side dish on a busy weeknight.
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Should You Soak Corn Before Grilling
You may have heard that corn should be soaked in water before grillingbut it really depends on the corn. If the husks are bright green and tightly wrapped, your corn is fresh and can be grilled with no additional steps. Don’t shuck it or peel back the husksthe corn silk does not need to be removed before grilling.
If the husks are dry, peeling or turning yellow, the corn will need a soak first. Soak the whole, un-shucked ears in warm water for 10 minutes before proceeding. This helps rehydrate the husks and keeps the corn from drying out and burning on the grill.
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How To Grill Corn In The Husk: Basic Steps
Ready to try this method? Grilling corn in the husk requires a bit of prep work, but its well worth it. Here are the two steps youll need to do that you might not think of before starting:
- Youll need to remove the silk. Yes, its a little fussy! Remove the silk of the corn, then pull the husks back up. This makes eating it easier once it comes off the grill.
- Soak the cobs for 20 minutes. The husks are going to get very blackened on the grill grates. So to prevent them from catching fire, youll need to soak them first!
- Preheat the grill to medium high: thats 375 to 450 degrees.
- Grill for 20 to 22 minutes. Turn them to get even blackening on the outside of the husk.
Again, the prep work is worth it! Grilling corn in the husk gives it a roasty, charred flavor but keeps it moist instead of drying out .
How Long Does It Take To Grill Corn On The Grill In The Husk
It takes about 30 minutes to grill corn on the grill in the husk. You will need to preheat your grill to medium-high heat and then place the corn on the grill. Grill the corn for 30 minutes, turning it every 5-7 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the corn from the grill and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Once it is cooled, you can husk the corn and enjoy!
There are a few things you should remember when making corn on the cob. To begin, boil the corn as soon as it is fresh. Corn is the most nutritious during the summer months. The most flavorful corn is the fresh, sweet, or unhusk variety, which takes about 2 to 5 minutes to cook. When the husks are boiled, boil for 10 minutes. Before grilling, make sure to remove all of the corn cobs with a good quality grill brush. If youre going to eat corn on the cob during the summer, make sure to do it in the summer.
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Is It Better To Grill Corn With Or Without Foil
Many people grill corn with foil for the same reason others grill corn with the huskto protect the corn from getting burnt. Theres no definitive way you should be grilling corn, but I love the convenience and juiciness of grilling corn with the husks on.
If youre comfortable with a hot grill and really want those nice grill marks, you might want to remove the husks. Choose whichever method you prefer!
Should I Grill Corn In The Husk
Some recipes call for removing the husks entirely, but I suggest you resist the urge. To me, the best way to grill corn is in the husk. Theres no need to remove the silks before grilling, simply pull them back with the corn husks afterward. The husks act as a natural protective barrier between the corn and the grill, keeping the kernels tender and juicy.
Plus, the corn soaks up that wonderful smokiness from the charred husks, giving it more flavor. Not to mention theres less prep work to deal with if you skip husking the corn right away. Win-win-win.
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What To Serve With Grilled Corn
- Chicken Kabobs Juicy chicken and colorful vegetables threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection! The easy Greek marinade gives them irresistible Mediterranean flavor.
- Grilled Chicken Fajitas in Foil An easy, healthy recipe for perfectly seasoned Grilled Chicken Fajitas in Foil Packets. Foolproof and perfect for fast, healthy dinners and summer cookouts.
- Grilled Salmon in Foil How to make Grilled Salmon in Foil. Easy step-by-step for PERFECT, flaky salmon every time. Tips for how to know when salmon is finished and flavor ideas!
- How To Make Taco Salad Healthy Taco Salad with ground turkey, black beans, avocado, and Greek yogurt salsa dressing. An easy, delicious, low-carb recipe.
How To Grill Corn Without The Husk
You can grill fresh corn without the husk, but you have to be careful because the husks arent there to protect it from overcooking and drying out. If you want to grill corn this way, keep it on the grill for only about 10 minutes, since its over direct heat, as compared to grilling 15 or 20 minutes with husks or foil. But, if youre making a dish that calls for individual kernels, you can follow this hack to cut corn off the cob.
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What Types Of Corn Work Best
Dent, popcorn and sweet corn are the most common types of corn grown. Sweet corn is ideal for cooking and grilling and has a higher sugar content than other corn. Our favorite kind of sweet corn is called Peaches and Cream but any variety will do nicely.
After trying many different methods, this is my personal favorite way to enjoy a corn cob. It makes a great side for hot dogs, smoked burgers or grilled salmon and is perfect for backyard barbecues.
How To Grill Corn On The Cob In The Husk
Melissa Ray Davis is a freelance writer and photographer who enjoys writing about DIY topics, including cooking.
Ears of corn wrapped in their husks and ready to grill.
Corn on the cob is a summer favorite, and this method of grilling corn on the cob in the husk gives you moist, buttery cornjust add some perfect, simple spices and a smokey taste. This would be a perfect side dish for a summer grilling party or a holiday like the Fourth of July.
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Do You Have To Wrap Corn Before Grilling
Wrap each ear with aluminum foil. Place on the grill for a few minutes. Cook the ears for 8 to 10 minutes, turning them periodically, until they are cooked through. Pulling aside a small amount of the foil will reveal plump kernels that appear almost cooked or boiled, indicating that the corn is done.
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How Do You Know When Corn Is Done In The Husk
Place the corn on the grill, husks still attached, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the corn is tender. Every 5 minutes, turn the corn over to ensure that all sides are cooked. The corn may be removed off the grill at this stage, or you can pull the husks back and set the corn straight on the grill if you like a burnt appearance.
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How To Grill Corn In The Husk
Grilling corn on the cob, husk and all, is quite simply the best way to cook corn. You dont need aluminum foil, you dont need to boil water and you dont need to do any heavy preparations. In fact, the only preparation youll need to do is to soak the corn in water for about 15 minutes. Thats easy enough right?
Summertime and even the fall is the height of the fresh corn on the cob season. Your local supermarket will often have fresh corn, still in the husk for very inexpensive prices. Even better are local farmers markets. Not only is it usually the freshest produce available, but it helps support to local merchants and farmers.
The key to grilling the best corn is to soak the the ears of corn in water before grilling. You do not need to shuck the corn first. Soak them in the sink, soak them in a large bowl or whatever you have, but be sure to soak them first. Not only does this keep the husk from burning, but its a major component of the cooking process. Place the soaked corn directly on the hot grill. Total grilling time will be about 15-20 minutes. Be sure to turn often. The husk getting charred is just fine, all the magic is happening on the inside.
Ways To Serve Grilled Corn
- Classic: Butter, salt, and pepper. Perfection.
- Classic But Elevated: Flavored or homemade compound butter with fresh herbs, smoked flaky salt, fresh-cracked pepper.
- Elote-Style: Mayo/sour cream, jalapeño, chile-lime seasoning, cotija cheese, squeeze of lime.
- Pesto-Style: Slather your corn in pesto and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.
- BBQ-Syle: Rub the corn with your favorite BBQ rub, salt, and pepper before grilling.
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Corn On The Cob On The Grill
Published: by Jere Cassidy · This post may contain affiliate links. ·
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Don’t let summer pass you by without grilling sweet corn. Corn on the Cob on the Grill cooked in the husk is a summertime side dish that’s easy to make and always a favorite.
It is the middle of summer and the time of year when fresh corn is appearing in stores, farmer’s markets, and roadside veggie stands. Yellow sweet corn, the delicate white corn, and the yellow and white corn are all delicious and make a perfect side dish for summer, a tailgating party, or a barbecue.
Please make sure to pin for later when you want to grill some corn.
Should Corn Be Boiled Before Grilling
There is no need to boil, soak or steam the corn before grilling. It is not wrong to do that, but if you’re after the sweet, perfectly smoky, charred ear of corn, you should skip the boiling. Once the husk is removed, the corn goes directly over the open flame! You can use either a gas burner on the stove or an outside grill, whatever is easiest and accessible to you. And if you don’t have a grill, you can also use a grill pan.
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Thats Why And How To Grill Corn On The Cob Without Husks
Depending on when you read this article, you may or may not have difficulty finding corn to cook. Its not one of those food items you can find even when they are out of season, like apples or carrots.
If its corn season, we hope you enjoy a wonderful feed of corn soon, and that you try out your new technique! Corn roasted on the barbecue is incredibly delicious, and youll want to have it often during the all-too-brief window of opportunity.
Know some other BBQ fanatics? Could you let them know about our site by sharing this article with them?
We also welcome your questions, comments, corrections, and criticisms, so dont be shy. Let us know what you thought about this article, or any others youve read, by leaving a comment below. Share your tips and tricks, or even your most epic fails!
Stay well until next time, grill-brothers and sisters and I apologize for the corny jokes.
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Basil Butter With Parmesan
Total 10 min.Process 1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves, 1/2 cup softened butter, 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice, and 1/4 tsp. kosher salt in a food processor until smooth, 1 minute. Arrange Classic Grilled Corn on a platter. Rub corn with butter mixture sprinkle evenly with 1/2 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.
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Tips For The Best Grilled Corn On The Cob
- Keep it fresh. Always start with the freshest corn you can find to have the sweetest, plumpest cooked cobs.
- No soak, no problem. Some people soak their corn husks in cold water, prior to grilling However, after trying it several times, I find this step to be unnecessary since Ive never been able to tell a difference.
- Watch your cooking time. When corn is overcooked it can become chewy because the longer heat breaks down the corns cell walls and the sugars take over, leading the kernels to lose their crunch.
- No grill? No sweat. You can still achieve a nice charred flavor by using a cast iron grill pan or skillet. For this method, you will need to husk your corn. Put a little oil or butter in a skillet and get it hot. Place your corn in the skillet and turn every few minutes, getting a nice sear on all sides.
Grilling Corn In Husk: The Best Way To Cook Fresh Corn On Cob
Perfectly simple and delicious way to cook fresh corn in the summer and all year long. Once you start grilling corn in husk, youll never cook fresh corn a different way again!
Im getting ready to share with you, a recipe that is quite possibly the easiest recipe youve ever read. So easy, in fact, that youll never cook your fresh, sweet corn in any other way.
So delicious that youll definitely proclaim that its the best way to cook corn on the cob and youll no longer reserve grilling for the summer only itll be a side dish you will want to grill all year around!
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Should I Soak Corn Before Grilling
While brining corn in water and salt can help moisture retention in some cases, we are grilling hot and fast for only 10 minutes so theres no real need. In this time, we want the natural sugars in the corn to caramelize, and any added water will impede this process.
Some people claim that soaking can help reduce cooking time by up to 30%. This might be true, but our grilling time is so short that a saving of 3 minutes isnt worth the loss of the nutty and sweet flavor were aiming for with your recipe.
