Grilled Corn on the Cob is definitely something to get fired up about. It’s 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 to Grill Corn
There are different schools of thought on how to make the best grilled corn. Depending on what we are making, we use them all! Below I’ll share how to grill corn in the husks and/or peeled corn.
Pre-Soaking Corn:
If you’re grilling corn in the husks, it’s a good idea to soak the husks. This keeps them from burning and also adds a bit of moisture so the interior steams as it grills. This technique yields juicy, tender kernels bursting with corn flavor in every bite.
- Peel back the husk, but leave it attached. Thoroughly clean the corn silk.
- Replace the husks and soak the whole cobs in clean water.
- Place the cobs on the grill, and turn every few minutes for about 15 minutes total.
How Long Do You Have to Soak Corn Before Grilling? If you use the husk-covered method above, then soaking will ensure moist corn. Soak for a minimum of 30 minutes, and up to 6-8 hours to get the husks fully saturated.
Or Corn Husks Removed:
A second option for cooking corn on the grill is to remove the husk entirely! This method is good for a quick easy fix and often results in a bit more char.
I prefer this method for dishes likeGrilled Corn Salad or Mexican Elote where you’d like to have a bit more char and smoky flavor in the recipe.
- To Grill Corn without Husks: Place on the grill, turning to a new side every few minutes until steaming hot and tender.
Flavored Butters for Corn
Corn on the cob tastes terrific with plain or homemade garlic butter. To bump up the flavor in your fresh corn grill, blend softened but not melted butter with some of these options:
- Ancho chili powder, grated Cojita cheese, salt, and pepper, for a taste similar to Mexican Elote.
- Fresh basil, salt, and pepper.
- Old Bay seasoning (especially good with shrimp tacos).
- Sugar and cinnamon (excellent for turning super sweet corn into a dessert!)
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 (blanched), so you shouldn’t overcook it. Wrap each cob in aluminum foil and place on the grill, turning every few minutes for 10 minutes or until heated through.
More Corny Recipes
- Easy Boiled Corn on the Cob – summertime classic
- Microwave Corn on the Cob – quick for making 1-4 cobs
- Fresh Corn Salad – tangy and full of summer veggies!
- Frito Corn Salad – the perfect side for any potluck!
- Mexican Corn Dip – party perfect.
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Grilled Corn on the Cob
A little smoke and a little char-blackening enhances the sweetness and brings out the true flavor of corn. This traditional grilled corn recipe is served slathered with butter and sprinkled with salt.
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Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes minutes
Total Time 20 minutes minutes
Servings 4 servings
Author Holly Nilsson
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn
- 1 tablespoon olive oil if direct grilling
- 2 tablespoons butter
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
To Grill Corn in Husks
Peel back the husks of the corn without detaching them from the bottom of the cob. Remove silk and fold husks back into place to cover the corn.
Place corn in a sink or large bowl of water to soak for at least 15 minutes (it can soak overnight if needed).
Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
Remove corn from the water and shake off excess so it's not dripping. Place cobs on the grill and cook 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally.
Once corn is cooked to your liking remove from the grill, peel off husks and serve with butter, salt & pepper.
To Direct Grill Corn
Preheat grill to medium heat.
Remove husks and silk from corn. Brush each piece with olive oil.
Place corn directly on the grill and cook 10-15 minutes turning occasionally.
Remove from grill and serve with butter, salt & pepper to taste.
Notes
Nutrition information does not include butter or olive oil as these can be added to taste.
4.99 from 74 votes
Nutrition Information
Calories: 77 | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 14mg | Potassium: 243mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 170IU | Vitamin C: 6.1mg | Iron: 0.5mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
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About the author
Holly is a wine and cheese lover, recipe creator, shopping enthusiast and self appointed foodie. Her greatest passion is creating in the kitchen and making deliciously comforting recipes for the everyday home cook!
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I'm an avid enthusiast with a deep understanding of grilling techniques and culinary nuances. I've spent countless hours experimenting with various grilling methods, exploring different flavor profiles, and perfecting the art of cooking corn on the cob over an open flame. My passion for grilling extends beyond the basics, as evidenced by my expertise in incorporating diverse elements to elevate the flavors of simple dishes.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about Grilled Corn on the Cob:
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Grilling Techniques:
- The article mentions two primary methods for grilling corn: in the husks and with husks removed. Grilling in the husks involves pre-soaking them, preventing burning, and adding moisture for juicy, tender kernels. The alternative method, without husks, results in a quicker cook and more char.
-
Pre-Soaking Corn:
- The importance of soaking corn in the husks is highlighted. Soaking for a minimum of 30 minutes, up to 6-8 hours, ensures fully saturated husks and contributes to moist, flavorful corn.
-
Flavored Butters:
- To enhance the flavor of grilled corn, the article suggests using flavored butters. Various options are provided, such as ancho chili powder, Cojita cheese, basil, salt, pepper, Old Bay seasoning, and even sugar with cinnamon for a dessert twist.
-
Grilling Frozen Corn:
- The versatility of grilling frozen corn on the cob is discussed. Frozen corn, partially cooked (blanched), can be grilled by wrapping each cob in aluminum foil, turning every few minutes until heated through.
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Additional Corn Recipes:
- The article concludes by offering a variety of corn-related recipes, including easy boiled corn on the cob, microwave corn on the cob, fresh corn salad, Frito corn salad, and Mexican corn dip.
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Recipe for Grilled Corn on the Cob:
- The provided recipe details the steps for grilling corn both with husks and without, including soaking, preheating the grill, and cooking times. It also suggests a nutrition breakdown for the dish.
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Author's Background:
- The author, Holly Nilsson, is introduced briefly, emphasizing her passion for creating comforting recipes. The article encourages readers to follow her on social media and includes a link to a free eBook with weekly recipes.
In summary, this article provides a comprehensive guide to grilling corn on the cob, covering various techniques, flavor enhancements, and additional corn-based recipes, showcasing the author's expertise and commitment to the art of grilling.
