Grilled Corn on the Cob: The Ultimate Guide

Corn on the cob is undoubtedly one of the summertime barbecue staples that everyone enjoys. Whether you’re enjoying it at a quaint backyard gathering or a large outdoor event, corn on the cob always steals the spotlight. It’s delicious, easy to prepare, and enhances your barbecue experience. Cooking corn on a grill is one of the easiest ways to prepare it, and it is one of the tastiest!

There are several ways to make corn on the cob on a grill; however, we’re here to provide you with an easy-to-follow guide to ensure your corn on the cob is perfectly grilled. It’s a hassle-free way to make corn, and you won’t need any fancy equipment to get started. All you need is an outdoor grill and some raw corn on the cob. So let’s dive in and learn how to make corn on the cob on a grill.

Choosing the Right Corn

Before you get started, it’s important to use the freshest corn possible. This means grabbing corn that’s still in the husk and hasn’t been sitting out in the store for too long. Look for ears with bright green husks, tightly wrapped kernels, and moist silks.

If you’re buying your corn at a farmer’s market, don’t be afraid to ask the farmer for advice on the best variety of corn for grilling. Some types of corn do better on the grill than others, so it’s worth getting an expert opinion.

When you bring your corn home, store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. This will help keep it fresher for longer.

Preparing the Corn

Now it’s time to get your corn ready for the grill. Start by peeling back the husks, but don’t remove them entirely. Instead, pull them down towards the bottom of the ear, leaving them attached at the stem.

Once you’ve pulled the husks down, remove the silks. This can be done using your hands or a vegetable brush. Make sure all of the silks are removed, as they can burn on the grill and affect the flavor of the corn.

If desired, you can also season the corn at this point. Brushing with butter or olive oil and sprinkling with salt, pepper, or other spices can give the corn an extra boost of flavor.

Soaking the Corn

If you want to ensure your corn stays moist and doesn’t burn on the grill, consider soaking it in water beforehand. Simply fill a large bowl or container with water and let the corn soak for 10-15 minutes.

This will help prevent the husks from burning and also infuse the corn with additional moisture. It’s not necessary, but can make a difference in the final result.

Grilling the Corn

Now it’s time to get grilling! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 350°F.

Place the ears of corn on the grill grates and turn frequently, every 2-3 minutes, for a total of 10-15 minutes. You want the corn to be slightly charred and tender but not burnt or overcooked. You can tell it’s done by pressing a kernel with a fork – it should be soft to the touch but not mushy.

Serving the Corn

Once the corn is done grilling, remove it from the heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to cool down. Carefully peel back the husks and tie them together using kitchen twine or string.

You can leave the husks intact as a handle or remove them entirely, depending on your preference.

Garnish with additional seasoning, such as chopped herbs or grated cheese, and serve alongside your favorite summer dishes.

Variations

If you want to switch things up, try experimenting with different seasonings or toppings for your corn on the cob. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Brush with garlic butter and sprinkle with parmesan cheese
• Drizzle with cilantro lime crema and sprinkle with chili powder
• Wrap in prosciutto before grilling for an extra salty kick

Leftover Ideas

If you have leftover corn on the cob, don’t let it go to waste! Here are a few ideas for how to use it up:

• Cut the kernels off the cob and add them to a salad or grain bowl
• Use the leftovers in a summer vegetable stir-fry
• Blend the kernels with some broth and cream for a creamy corn soup

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few additional tips and tricks for making the perfect corn on the cob on the grill:

• If you’re short on time, you can microwave the corn in the husks for 3-4 minutes before grilling to speed up the process
• Try grilling the corn with the husks off for a smokier flavor
• For a vegan option, skip the butter and use olive oil instead

Final Thoughts

Grilled corn on the cob is a summertime classic that never goes out of style. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can achieve perfectly charred, juicy corn every time. So fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy one of summer’s greatest pleasures!

10 Easy Steps for Making Delicious Corn on the Cob on a Grill

Grilling corn on the cob is a summer classic, and for good reason. Nothing beats the smoky, charred flavor of perfectly grilled corn smothered in butter and salt. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just want to elevate your weeknight dinner, making corn on the cob on a grill is a must-try. Here are 10 easy steps you can follow to make delicious corn on the cob on a grill.

Step 1: Choose fresh corn

The most important step for making corn on the cob on a grill is to start with fresh corn. Look for corn with bright green husks that are tightly wrapped around the kernels. If the husks are dry or the kernels are discolored, the corn is past its prime.

Step 2: Soak the corn

Before grilling, soak the corn in water for 15-20 minutes. This will prevent the husks from burning and help the corn cook evenly.

Step 3: Preheat the grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F). You want the grill to be hot enough to char the corn but not so hot that it burns.

Step 4: Peel back the husks (optional)

If you want to infuse your corn with extra flavor, you can peel back the husks and remove the silk. Spread butter or other seasonings on the kernels, then pull the husks back up and tie them with kitchen twine.

Step 5: Grill the corn

Place the corn on the grill, either with the husks on or off. Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning frequently, until the kernels are tender and lightly charred.

Step 6: Add butter

Once the corn is off the grill, add butter or other toppings while it’s still hot. This will ensure that the butter melts and coats the corn evenly.

Step 7: Try different seasonings

While butter and salt are classic toppings for corn on the cob, don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings. Try sprinkling chili powder, paprika, or other spices on your corn for a burst of flavor.

Step 8: Serve hot

Corn on the cob is best served hot off the grill. Enjoy it as a side dish or as a main course with grilled meats or vegetables.

Step 9: Store leftover corn

If you have leftover corn, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, wrap the corn in aluminum foil and grill for a few minutes or microwave it for 30-60 seconds.

Step 10: Have fun

Grilling corn on the cob is a fun and easy way to add a touch of summer to any meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and seasonings and enjoy the process of cooking outdoors.

Choosing the perfect corn

When it comes to grilling corn on the cob, you want to start with the freshest ears of corn possible. Fresh corn is sweeter, juicier, and has a better texture than older corn. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing your corn:

Look for green husks

When you’re selecting corn, look for ears that have fresh, green husks. Avoid ears with dried-out, brown husks or ones that have been partially peeled.

Check the silk

Peel back a small section of the husk and check the silk. The silk should be moist and fresh-looking. If the silk is dry and brown, the corn is likely too old.

Feel the kernels

Gently squeeze the ear of corn and feel the kernels. The kernels should be plump and firm, not mushy or dented. If the kernels feel too soft or you hear a “pop” when you squeeze them, the corn is probably too old.

Check the tips

Look at the tips of the ears of corn. They should be plump and nicely rounded. If the tips are skinny or dried out, the corn is likely too old.

Size is not everything

Don’t worry too much about the size of the ears of corn. Big ears aren’t necessarily better. Instead, focus on finding ears that are fresh and firm with plump kernels.

Once you’ve chosen the perfect ears of corn, it’s time to get grilling!

Happy Grilling!

Now that you know how to make corn on the cob on a grill, it’s time to fire up that grill and get cooking! Don’t forget to brush the corn with butter and sprinkle on some salt and pepper for extra deliciousness. Thanks for reading and happy grilling! Make sure to come back for more fun and easy recipes. Have a great day!