How To Make Corn On The Grill

How To Grill Corn Perfectly Every Time

To grill the corn on a backyard BBQ, simply place the corn cob husks directly on hot grill gratesabout 450°F to 500°F. Keep the corn in its husks to steam, close the grill cover, and turn the cobs with tongs every five minutes or so.

When the grilled sweet corn is finished cooking, the husks should have a good char but they shouldnt be totally black.

After grilling, peel back the husks, remove the silk, and enjoy with basic butter and season with salt, or go a bit more gourmet with one of my favorite infused compound butters.

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.

How To Buy Perfect Corn On The Cob

Although its tempting to purchase pre-shucked, shrink-wrapped corn, its best to buy corn that remains in its husks, which protect the kernels and prevent them from drying out and losing flavor.

Theres no need to pry back the husks to check the kernels inside; this ruins the corn for other shoppers. Instead, look for a few tell-tale indicators that the corn is fresh and high quality. The husks should be bright green and wrapped tightly around the kernels never papery or dry feeling. At the top of the cob, youll see small strings or silks; these should also be moist and pliable.

Read Also: Best Way To Clean Stainless Steel Grill Grates

How To Buy The Best Corn

There are several indicators for picking a sweet, juicy ear of corn. When youre at the grocery store or farmers market, make sure to look for a slightly damp, bright green husk thats wrapped tightly against the corn. Pay attention to the fluff of corn silks that stick out at the top of the ear . It should be light brown or gold, and should smell sweet. Finally, squeeze the ear of corn to make sure it feels plump, and like no kernels of corn are missing.

Avoid small brown holes in the husk , and look out for pink and red corn mold. Learn more about how to pick corn.

Ways To Grill Corn On The Cob

There are three delicious ways to grill corn on the cob. No matter which method you choose, always start by preheating your grill to medium heat and lightly oiling the grates. How long to grill corn on the cob depends on the grilling method you choose and how hot your grill is. In general, you grill the corn until it’s perfectly tender, turning occasionally, somewhere between 10 and 15 minutes. Always let the corn cool for a minute or two before you eat it, and offer extra butter, salt, and any of your other favorite condiments on the side.

Let’s get grilling – it’s time to choose your favorite technique.

Recommended Reading: Pork Chops Grill Temp

Optional Method: Grilled Corn In Foil

Another way to grill corn? Use aluminum foil. This grilled corn in foil recipe is an easy, mostly hands off method. In fact, you can set it and forget it while you make the rest of your dinner! It comes out beautifully moist and delicious.

The difference between this perfect method and the foil method? It doesnt get the lovely char marks and doesnt taste smoky and crisp tender. It has more of the texture of boiled corn. But if youre up for foil, head over to our grilled corn in foil recipe.

How Long To Grill Corn

Cooking corn on the grill takes about 15 to 20 minutes total. Remember to regularly turn the corn so it doesnt become too dark on one side.;In addition to your timer and the look of your grill marks, use your nose as your guide. When you can smell that delicious cooked corn aroma, its likely the corn is done cooking.

If you like a more charred flavor, toss the husked corn cobs back on the grill to add more color.

Recommended Reading: Do Traeger Grills Need Electricity

Key Tip Dont Overcook The Corn

The trick to great grilled corn is to cook it long enough to get a char, but not so long that the kernels end up juiceless and dry.

When you grill corn the way I do without the husk, its inevitable that youll get;some shrivelled kernels, like you can see below, but we want to minimise those shrivelled patches whilst still getting some nice charred bits for flavour.

So make sure to use a very hot BBQ so you can get maximum charred bits in the fastest time possible for the juiciest corn! Nagi x

Four Toppings Worthy Of The Best Grilled Corn On The Cob

Fresh off the grill summertime sweet corn needs nothingits a pure, nostalgic pleasure. But, then again, if you can make a great thing even greater, well, were very into that! Plus, making one or two of these toppings is a really fun way to serve grilled corn at a big barbecue and make it feel like a really memorable side dish. Guests can pick their favorites, or try all of them as they chomp their way through your perfectly grilled corn. We love to serve grilled corn with these four toppings, all of which are basically exactly as indulgent and over-the-top awesome as they sound:

• Maple Bourbon Butter.

• Chipotle Mayo with Parmesan Cheese.

• Spicy Corn with Cotija Cheese.

• Blue Cheese Butter with Chives.

Recommended Reading: How To Clean Infrared Grill Grates

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.

How To Choose The Best Corn On The Cob

Before talking about how long to boil corn on the cob, I want to talk about how to choose corn on the cob.

1. The best corn on the cob is the freshest corn on the cob. Try to purchase from farm stands or farmers markets when possible since it was most likely picked recently.

2. Go for the corn with bright green husks that are tightly wrapped around the cob.

3. Choose the ones with stems that are still moist.

4. The corn tassels should be silky, sticky and moist.

5. Check for wormholes, worms,;and bugs.

6. If possible, peel back the tops of the husks to check the tip of the corn cob.

Also Check: How To Grill Boneless Chicken Breast

How Long Should You Grill Corn

We recommend medium heat grilling for about 15 to 20 minutes.

This is the best way to grill corn on the cob and deliver the RIGHT KICK and flavor you’re craving for.

The key to even heating is regularly turning over the cobs every 5 minutes or so.

This is to make sure the sides don’t char unevenly . You could always cook it longer if you’re after a huskier and more charred flavor.

Just MAKE SURE not to overcook it to avoid unnecessary chewiness.

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.

Don’t Miss: Grilled Cheese On Stove

How To Grill The Perfect Corn On The Cob Indoors

I think this is my favorite post in a while, simply because I KNOW you’re going to go wild over this one. I’m jumping out of my seat with excitement!

In the summer, Carlos and I have the tradition of having a barbecue in our terrace almost every Saturday. We grill up tofu skewers, seitan sausages, peppers and onions, asparagus, tamari-maple eggplant,;serve some guacamole, and yes… without fail… grilled corn on the cob. Then winter comes and grilling in the terrace becomes a total no-no and our weekly tradition has to wait until next year. Bummer… as in I miss my grilled corn bummer! Until today of course. I’m teaching you how to make THE MOST PERFECT grilled corn on the cob indoors and without a grill! Yup, you heard that right, and nope, there’s absolutely no difference between them flavorwise. It’s freaky!

This is also the perfect recipe year round when you live in an apartment and you don’t have access to a grill even in the summertime. That’s right, anyone can make this. I recommend making it in a grill pan , but if you don’t have one, use a standard pan and you’ll be just fine.

I haven’t told you the best part yet, I’m also teaching you how to make the perfect compound herbed butter to go with them. Are you drooling yet? Let’s get cookin’!

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.

You May Like: How To Grill Boneless Chicken Breast

The Alternate Option For How To Grill Corn

Ill be honest. I dont really see the point here. Grilling corn with the husks on is basically like steaming it or cooking it in the microwave.

You miss out on what makes grilled corn special those caramelized grill marks. The nutty, toasted, grilled flavor. Mmmmmmm

Plus, depending on which recipe you consult , most people who grill corn with the husks on suggest the extra steps of first peeling back the husks to remove the silk, then closing the husks back around the corn, and then soaking the corn in salted water for about 10 minutes before tossing the ears of corn on the grill for 15-20 minutes.

While the soaking step isnt strictly necessary , it can help to prevent the husks from catching fire or flaming up on the grill.

It all sounds like extra work to me. You know I love to keep things simple and easy!

And besides: whether you pre-soak or not you dont really end up with grilled corn. You basically get grilled husks with steamed corn inside.

Not sayin that this method cant be delicious, too , but I totally vote you try my first method .

Toss those naked ears right on the grill and get some lovely caramelization goin on!

Thats how my family grills our corn, allllll summer long!

You just need a grill and some corn and those quintessential flavors of summertime are mere minutes away!

Love the Technique? Were My Tips Helpful?

__________

Grilled Sweet Corn Recipe

Preheat your grill to 500°F.

Place the corn on the grill and turn the flame down to about half. Take care not to let the flames touch the corn or it will burn.

Grill for 30 minutes, turning every 10 minutes. Our grill temperature remained around 450°F the entire time with the lid closed.

Take the corn off the grill after;30 minutes and let the ears cool for at least 10 minutes before peeling. Use caution, the ears will literally be steaming!

The outer layers of husk will be loose and brown and should be removed for presentation. For the tastiest experience, leave the moist inner husks on until ready to eat.

Its a bit messy if youre eating indoors, but if youre having a cook-out, this method cant be beaten! ;

If you are going to be serving the corn sans husk, cut off the small part of the ear where the kernels have not fully matured for a prettier finished product.

Enjoy the magic of peeling grilled ears. The silk just falls off or comes away with the inner husk.

Coat with butter, sprinkle with salt, and enjoy the best sweet corn ever!

Serve your grilled corn with BBQ Meatloaf, Dinner Rolls, and Sautéed Asparagus for an awesome meal.

You May Like: Internal Temp For Pork Chops On Grill

Spice Up Your Grilled Corn On The Cob

Butter, salt, and pepper are the classic grilled corn on the cob toppers. However, feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings. Consider sprinkling these on your corn.

• Seasoned salt

Preheat And Prep The Corn

Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF for at least five minutes. Meanwhile, remove the husk and silk from each ear of corn. Spray the ears with cooking spray and season them with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

If you want to get fancy with the seasonings, use seasoned salt instead of regular salt. Or add spices like smoked paprika, granulated garlic, dried thyme or dried oregano.

You May Like: Nexgrill Vs Charbroil

Ingredients For Grilled Corn In Foil

All you need are a few ingredients for grilled corn in foil: and let the grill do the rest of the work! Heres what youll need:

• Corn on the cob, ripe and in season
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Other toppings, as necessary

Dont want to fire up the grill? Try this classic Boiled Corn on the Cob. Got a smoker? Try Smoked Corn on the Cob.

Why Grill Corn With The Husks Off

Mainly because of those pretty grill marks and the caramelized, grilled flavors that develop when you grill corn on the cob this way, without the husks on! Its transformative and produces a whole nother layer of flavor!

Plus, you can actually see how far your corn is cooked. If you opt to leave the husks on , you cant really tell how far along your corn is or when its done to your liking. When you grill corn with the husks off, youre totally in control!

This also means that you dont really have to stress out about exact timing for the corn, which is great when youre timing a bunch of other grilled items for a cookout party. Just eyeball your corn and turn it now and then as you tend the other items youre cooking.

You can easily tell when its done and ready to be heaped on a serving platter. And, if it ends up being done a little before the rest of the meal youre grilling, you can just tent the platter with foil to keep your corn on the cob warm until dinner.

This method is also super adaptable for serving. You can eat it straight off the cob, with whatever seasonings and toppings you like, or use it in recipes where you want that toasty, grilled corn flavor vibe, like our:

The smoky-sweet flavor of grilled corn is perfectly balanced by a nonfat dressing featuring tangy lime juice and a tasty hit of cayenne pepper. Super simple, and so easy to make ahead!;

Read Also: How To Grill Boneless Chicken Breast

Health Benefits Of Corn

Corn or Zea mays kernels are low fat, fibrous, and a starchy complex carbohydrate. When eaten straight from the cob, it provides a source of sustained energy and nutritional benefits. One serving is notable in the levels of potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C.

The yellow pigmentation provides antioxidants called lutein, good for eye health and zeaxanthin for skin health. It has a higher amount of insoluble to soluble fiber, providing digestive benefits. Try to purchase organic corn if available for the most nourishing crop.