Grilled corn on the cob—it’s the quintessential summer delight that somehow always manages to steal the spotlight at every backyard barbecue. There’s something almost magical about those golden kernels, perfectly charred, bursting with sweetness and a hint of smokiness. My cousin once said that each bite is like tasting sunshine; I couldn’t agree more. Whether you’re slathering it with butter or sprinkling it with chili and lime, this simple pleasure never fails to bring a smile.
Steps
- Begin by peeling back the husks of the corn, leaving them attached. Carefully remove the silk from the corn.
- Re-cover the corn with the husks and submerge the whole cobs in water for soaking. Let them soak for at least 15 minutes, or up to overnight if desired.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. After soaking, shake off any excess water from the cobs and place them on the grill.
- Grill the corn for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once done, remove from the grill, peel off the husks, and serve with butter, salt, and pepper.
- Alternatively, for husk-free grilling, preheat the grill to medium heat. Remove both the husks and silk from the corn, and brush each piece with olive oil.
- Place the corn directly on the grill, cooking for 10-15 minutes and turning occasionally. Once cooked, remove from the grill and enjoy with butter, salt, and pepper to taste.
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for direct grilling option)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 308 | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 56mg | Potassium: 972mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 680IU | Vitamin C: 24.4mg | Iron: 2mg
FAQ
- How long should corn be soaked before grilling?
- When using the husk-covered method, soaking the corn cobs helps ensure they remain moist. It is recommended to soak them for at least 30 minutes, and up to 6-8 hours for best results.
- Can you grill corn without the husks?
- Yes, you can remove the husks entirely for grilling. This method is quicker and often results in more char, which is ideal for recipes like Grilled Corn Salad or Mexican Elote.
- Is it possible to grill frozen corn on the cob?
- Grilling frozen corn on the cob is a convenient way to enjoy corn year-round. Since frozen corn is partially cooked (blanched), it’s important not to overcook it. Wrap each cob in aluminum foil and grill, turning every few minutes for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
- What are some flavored butter options for grilled corn?
- Grilled corn can be enhanced with a variety of flavored butters. Some options include a blend of ancho chili powder, grated Cojita cheese, salt, and pepper for a Mexican Elote taste. Alternatively, try fresh basil, salt, and pepper, or even Old Bay seasoning, especially if serving with seafood like shrimp tacos.
- What is the best way to grill corn in husks?
- To grill corn in husks, peel back the husks without detaching them, remove the silk, and fold the husks back to cover the corn. Soak the corn in water for at least 15 minutes. Preheat the grill to medium-high, place the soaked cobs on the grill, and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally. Once cooked, peel off the husks and serve with butter, salt, and pepper.
Tips
- Soak corn in the husks in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent the husks from burning and to keep the kernels juicy and tender.
- For a quicker, more charred flavor, remove the husks entirely and grill the corn directly, turning every few minutes until cooked through.
- Enhance the flavor of grilled corn by using flavored butters. Try combining softened butter with ingredients like ancho chili powder and Cotija cheese for a Mexican Elote twist, or fresh basil for a classic taste.
- When grilling frozen corn, wrap each cob in aluminum foil to prevent overcooking, as frozen corn is partially cooked. Grill for about 10 minutes, turning every few minutes.
Equipment
- Grill – If you don’t already have one, a gas or charcoal grill is essential for grilling corn.
- Grill Brush – Useful for cleaning the grill grates before and after cooking.
- Grill Tongs – Necessary for safely turning the corn on the grill.
- Aluminum Foil – If grilling frozen corn, this is needed to wrap the corn before placing it on the grill.
