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Here is how to grill fresh corn on the cob. Follow the directions below to cook corn on the cob with or without the husks – your choice. To grill quickly, place totally shucked corn directly on the grate. For a slower, sweeter result, soak and grill with husks on.
Table of Contents
Summertime is all about grilling out with friends and family. And what’s better than grilled corn on the cob? It’s so easy to do, and it tastes amazing! In this how-to, I will teach you how to grill corn on the cob perfectly! Whether you prefer to husk the corn first or leave it on, you can make delicious grilled corn in no time.
Why You’ll Love Fresh Corn Off The Grill
- Smokey goodness. The char that the direct heat of a grill imparts on corn is unbeatable. The smokiness adds an extra layer of flavor to the corn, combined with the sweet, nutty flavor of the corn itself.
- Perfect texture. Grilling corn is a great way to get the perfect texture. The kernels will be tender, but not overly soft and mushy. The slightly charred exterior adds some crunchiness while still keeping it juicy on the inside.
- Extra flavor options. You can easily dress up your corn with any number of spices or sauces after grilling for extra flavor. Try adding some chili powder, garlic butter, or cumin for something a little different.
- Ampes up corn salads and salsas. Whether you are making a salad, slaw, or salsa, grilled corn can take your recipe to the next level. The smokey flavor with the outward char is enough to make anyone start drooling. You just know it’s going to be good!
how to grill corn with husks
- Peel the husks down to the base of the corn without completely detaching them. (It is okay to lose a few.)
- Pull off the silk, which is the thread part.
- Replace the husks to their former position as best as possible.
- Fill a large bowl or pot with cold water and submerge the corn. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes. It can be left to soak for up to 12 hours.
- Remove the corn from its soak and shake off excess water, and place it on a preheated grill.
- Close the lid and cook until the husks start to char, then flip the corn. Make sure to allow the cobs to cool for a few minutes afterward.
how to grill corn without husks
- Shuck the corn.
- Remove the silk.
- Brush the corn on all sides with olive oil or butter.
- Place the corn on a preheated grill, close the lid, and grill.
- Rotate the corn and cook until the kernels are tender when pierced with a knife. Make sure to allow the cobs to cool for a few minutes afterward.
Tips for grilling corn
- Buy the freshest corn available and cook it that day. The corn will be crisper that way, and it guarantees the best flavor!
- Watch the heat. High heat will scorch the outside of the kernel before the inside is done. Medium heat works best.
- Watch how fast the corn is blacking. If the cob is blackening too fast, move to indirect heat to finish cooking.
- Check on the corn frequently if you’re new to grilling. You want to make sure you are not singeing it.
- Listen for kernels bursting. If you hear a popping sound, they’re done! Remove from the grate immediately to prevent drying out.
recipes with grilled corn:
- Guacamole Dip with Corn
- Corn Tomato Avocado Salad
- Creamed Corn
- Mexican Street Tacos with Roasted Corn
- Chicken Burrito Bowl with Corn
- Vegan Corn Chowder
- Grilled Corn Salad
- Roasted Broccoli and Corn
- Grilled Corn Tacos
- Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
Frequently asked questions
Soaking adds moisture to the corn and allows it roast and steam at the same time without burning.
Look for nice bright green husks, tightly covering the kernels. The stalk should be brown or yellow, not black. The corn should smell sweet, too. Any brown or black bits are a bad sign and indicate rot or insects within.
Yes. It won’t get that smokey taste and may take longer unless your stove-top griddle is easily covered.
No matter which method used, this grilling corn is a fantastic addition to any bbq. Leftovers make yummy additions to salads, salsas and even pizza.
MORE cooking TUTORIALS:
- How to Cook Artichokes
- How to Cook Couscous
- How to Cook Quinoa
- How to Cook Rice
- How to Cook Brown Rice
- How to Cook Pasta
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How to Grill Corn
Ingredients
- 4 ears fresh corn with husks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
With Husks
- Pull the husks down to the base of the corn without detaching them from the ear of corn. Remove the silk from each ear of corn, and fold the husks back to cover the corn.
- Fill a large bowl or pot with cold water, submerge the corn in the water and let stand for 30 minutes or overnight.
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Remove the corn from the pot of water and shake off any excess water. Place on the preheated grill.
- Close lid and cook until the husk starts to char, about 7-10 minutes. Rotate and cook on the other side until the husk starts to char, about 7-10 more minutes.
- Remove the corn from the grill and allow them to cool for five minutes. Peel off the husks and enjoy with olive oil, salt and pepper, if desired.
Without Husks
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Remove the husks and silk completely from the corn and discard.
- Brush the corn on all sides with olive oil and place on the preheated grill.
- Close the lid and cook for 5-7 minutes. Rotate and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the kernels are tender when pierced with a knife.
- Remove the corn from the grill and allow them to cool for five minutes. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Why doesn’t anyone put the temperature of the grill in their recipes.
If you’re cooking on a gas grill I do have to cook on medium heat in the instructions. With a charcoal grill it is very difficult to get a temperature due not being able to control the heat of the coals.