What To Do With Grilled Corn
Simply add some metal-pronged holders to each end and grilled corn on the cob is a great partner as-is to any protein, from burgers to grilled shellfish, and of course, fellow cylindrical summer icons, hot dogs.
When it comes to seasoning, if you want to branch out from plain old butter, try these unusual toppings for your corn on the cob.
And if you dont like gnawing on the cobs themselves, you can shave the kernels off to use in corn salads, salsa, pasta, pizza, soups, and any other dishes that could use pops of sweet, smoky flavor.
You can also grill extra ears, cut off the kernels, and freeze them for later useafter all, summer wont last forever.
Just because you grill your corn sans husk doesnt mean you have to throw the outer leaves away use them to keep meaty halibut steaks moist and intact on the grill, then top them with the charred corn itself in the form of lime-spritzed salsa . Get our Corn-Husk-Wrapped Grilled Halibut with Charred Corn Salsa recipe.
How To Select The Best Corn For Grilling
The best sweet corn for grilling is the freshest sweet corn. Check for freshness by using these four steps to evaluate the husk.
There is a big difference between fresh and less-fresh corn. The sugars in corn start turning into starches very soon after harvest. In fact, corn is supposed to be shipped on ice to slow this process. That’s why corn farmers usually eat corn the day it’s picked.
Can You Grill Frozen Corn
Grilling frozen corn on the cob is a great way to have corn all year long! It will keep in the freezer for several months.
Corn that has been frozen is partially cooked , so you shouldnt overcook it. Wrap each cob in aluminum foil and place on the grill, turning every few minutes for 10 minutes or until heated through.
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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.
The Easiest And Best Way To Grill Sweet Corn

There are many different methods that people use to grill sweet corn. Just ask several people who have tried it and they will all give you a different answer on how it is supposed to be done.
Grilling sweet corn is easy to do and can be done without the hassle of husking before cooking.
Yes, there are many different ways to perfect the art of grilled sweet corn but for us, keeping it simple has always been the key to obtaining that perfect balance of taste and texture in every bite.
Some people like to peel back the husks, add butter on top of the corn and replace the husks before grilling.
Others tend to husk the corn and grill with foil wrapped cobs.
Each of these methods can be time-consuming, messy, or a safety risk in walking away with burnt fingertips by the end of the meal.
Our preferred technique to grill sweet corn is to briefly soak the entire husks in water for several minutes and place them over direct heat on the grill.
No peeling of the husk is required at any time before or during the cooking process.
The key is to keep the corn over direct heat at a high temperature for approximately 20 minutes. You will know when it is time to remove the corn from the grill when the outer husks are charred. Just remove the corn from the heat and let it rest until it is safe to handle.
You will be shocked at how easy the husk and silk is to remove, and best of all, you have a built-in handle for easy holding when eating!
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Grilled Corn On The Cob
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Grilled Corn on the Cobis definitely something to get fired up about. Its amazing how a little smoke and a little char enhances the sweetness and brings out the true flavor of corn.
A traditional grilled corn recipe is served slathered with butter and sprinkled with salt. It goes perfect next to grilled classic hamburgers, steak, grilled chicken or BBQ chicken. The pure taste of summer!
How Do You Know If Corn Is Done
How do you know when boiled corn on the cob is done? When the corn on the cob is fully cooked the yellow color of the corn is more intense. The kernels are plumper and more tender. You can test it by pricking a kernel with the tip of a sharp knife.
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How Do You Tell If Grilled Corn On The Cob Is Done
The best way to tell if corn on the cob on the grill is done is to press against the kernels with your finger –if you feel safe doing so — or with a blunt-edged object like the back of your grilling tongs. The kernels should be tender and should compress slightly. Undercooked kernels will be hard to the touch.
Barbecued Corn On The Cob
- 05m prep
- 8 cobs of fresh corn, husks removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Preheat a barbecue or chargrill to medium. Brush the corn with the olive oil and cook, turning frequently, for 10 minutes or until tender and golden brown. Season with salt and pepper and serve.
Did you make this?
All quantities above are averages
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Why Should You Grill Corn On The Cob In Foil
When you grill corn on the cob in foil, the prep is minimal and the kernels turn out so moist and flavorful. The foil traps the steam and corn juices to keep the ears from drying out so theres no need for pre-soaking the corn.
On hot summer days, you can avoid turning on your stove by cooking foil-wrapped corn outside on the grill. Cooking corn in foil requires hardly any prep and is the easiest method. It is also quick and takes just 15-20 minutes on a grill at medium/high heat.
How To Buy Fresh Corn On The Cob
When buying corn, its not always possible to peel back a corner of the husk to make sure the kernels are plump and fresh. In fact, at some places, its frowned upon. So, when buying corn, keep these tips in mind:
- Feel the corn through the husk and make sure it feels firm it should not feel soft or mushy. The kernels should be intact make sure there aren’t empty places where the kernels should be.
- The husk should be green and tight. Dried-out or brown husks means the corn is old. Also, keep an eye out for little brown holes, especially near the top, as this is a sign of worms or insects.
- Look at the tassels sticking out from the top of the corn. They should be light brown or gold and a little sticky.
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How Long To Cook Corn On Grill Wrapped In Foil
Foil Grilled Corn on the Cob is a quick and easy summer side dish that is tender, sweet, juicy and goes well with t anything else you cook on the grill. Youll love the easy clean-up, too!
One of the best things about summer is that fresh sweet corn is in season. I dont think I could ever pick a favorite food, other than chocolate, but grilled corn on the cob with plenty of melted butter is definitely high on the list!
My other summer favorites are probably fresh peach crisp, lemon blueberry muffins and classic zucchini bread.
As soon as fresh corn starts popping up in the stores , I start buying it. In fact, we probably make corn on the cob at least once a week. Of course, buying corn from the farmers market is better, and getting it straight from the farm is the absolute best, right?! We dont get out to the farms that often, but whenever I get the chance, I take it.
Growing up, we always had boiled corn on the cob, and I make it this way when its too hot outside to grill. But a few years ago, I saw a recipe for grilled corn on the cob wrapped in foil on TV, and after trying it, we were all hooked! I even got my parents to start making it this way, and that almost never happens!
There are many ways to grill corn, and you can mix up the seasonings whenever you want. This is my go-to recipe for grilled corn because its so simple and turns out perfect every time. You only need a few things to make this easy grilled corn in aluminum foil:
Grilled Corn On The Cob In Foil

Try this recipe: Sweet Grilled Corn
A little more work at the beginning will make it less of a mess at the end. Simply remove the husk and silk from the corn and wrap the corn completely in heavy aluminum foil. If you like, smear the cob with a little flavored butter, herbs, or salt before wrapping. The best part of this method is that the aluminum foil helps keep the corn warmer, longer, which is especially helpful if you’re cooking for a crowd.
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How To Remove Corn From The Cob
For this easy corn salad recipe, youll need to remove the kernels from the cob after theyve been grilled and cooled . You can buy a tool to remove the kernels, but to be completely honest, I find it just as easy to do with a knife.
- Place the cob upright on a cutting board.
- Using a straight edged paring knife, slice the kernels off as close to the cob as you can.
This easy trick keeps the kernels intact and gives them the perfect crunch for this amazing corn and tomato salad!
How To Store Leftovers
As you might imagine, grilled corn is best when enjoyed immediately. If you do have leftovers, you can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
I don’t recommend reheating grilled corn. Instead, you can remove it from the cob and enjoy it in salads or salsa. The charred corn will add extra flavor to this black bean and corn salad but you can add it to any other salad too.
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Leaves Peeled Back During Grilling
Exposing corn kernels to a kiss of fire caramelizes the sugars in the kernel. The distinctive flavor is addictive. Proceed as above with respect to the corn silksremove or don’t remove, as you prefer . Either way, start your corn off on the grill protected by a few layers of leaves. After they have browned on all sides and the kernels are turning tender, pull back the husks to expose the interior to the grill or the heat of the coals. Continue to cook until browned in places. Serve with your favorite fixings .
Sauces For Grilled Corn
Heres the fun part: what to slather onto your grilled corn on the cob! Of course, you may have your own ideas. But here are some of ours:
- Butter and salt: The classic melted butter and salt is always transcendental.
- Butter and Parmesan: Slather with butter, then add shredded Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs like basil, thyme or oregano.
- Elote : One of our favorite ways to serve corn is as elote or Mexican street corn. The creamy, spiced sauce with cheese crumbles, lime and cilantro is out of this world.
- Chili lime mayo: Or, go a little simpler with this chili lime mayo.
- Yum Yum sauce: This sauce is just like it sounds: over the top yum.
best
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How To Grill Corn On The Cob In The Husk
First things first, before you even start grilling make sure you have all the right grilling utensils to ensure the process is easy and you prepared before anything hits that searing how grill. You can find all my grilling tools and accessories here.
Corn For This Summer Salad
This corn and tomato salad has all the bright flavors of the season!
Fresh Corn on the Cob:
- I use fresh corn on the cob for this salad so I can toss it on the grill and get an extra layer of flavor!
- Grill it directly on the grate for easy cooking.
If you dont want to grill the corn you can use frozen, canned corn or you can still make a fresh corn salad with microwaved corn or boiled corn on the cob.
If using frozen/canned corn:
- Defrost and/or drain the corn and add it to a frying pan with a bit of butter. Season and cook for a few minutes.
- To char the corn , you can broil it in the oven instead of a frying pan.
- Ensure the corn is dry and toss with a bit of olive oil.
- Broil it close to the element for a few minutes until some of the pieces begin to brown.
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How Do You Grill Corn On The Cob Without Husks
Corn on the cob can be grilled without the husks in two different ways. First, you can grill the corn directly on the grill grates. This results in a drier corn on the cob with a lot of smoky, grilled flavor. The sugar caramelizes in the corn caramelizes a bit more when grilled directly on grill grate, giving it a unique flavor. Second, you can grill your corn on the cob in foil. This traps steam in and creates a moist corn on the cob experience, but doesnt get as much of the smoky, grilled flavor.
Can You Grill Corn With Silk On

Yes! Corn on the cob can be grilled in the husk. An optional step is to peel back the husk and remove the silk strands from the cob, but you can also grill the cobs without removing the silk. To keep the husk from burning or catching fire, its a good idea to soak your corn for 15 minutes to 1 hour before grilling.
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How To Grill Corn On The Cob
I have two methods for how to grill corn on the cob. They yield slightly different results, but both are delicious. Which one I pick on a given day depends on how much time I have and what Im craving. Feel free to choose whichever sounds best to you!
1. In the husk In this method, the ears of corn steam inside the husk, yielding juicy, tender kernels that are bright yellow and barely charred. I pull the husks of the corn back, leaving them attached at the base, and remove the silk. Then, I pull the husks back up and soak the corn in the husks for 10 minutes. After the corn soaks, I pat it dry and grill it in the husks until the corn is tender and light char marks form. I choose this method when Im craving really juicy, sweet grilled corn on the cob, and Im not as concerned about the char.
2. Straight on the grill Choose this method if youre all about the char! Here, I shuck the corn, removing the silk and husks, and cook the cobs directly on the grill. Cooking corn this way means that the kernels wont be quite as juicy theyll lose some of their moisture to the hot grill grates. However, theyll be nicely charred and full of smoky flavor. This method is also great if youre short on time. With no soaking required, the grilled corn cooks up in minutes.