There’s nothing quite like the taste of freshly grilled corn on a warm summer day. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving a delicious side dish, knowing how to grill corn to perfection is essential. With its sweet and smoky flavor, grilled corn can be enjoyed on its own or as a complement to a variety of dishes. In this article, we’ll guide you through the simple steps of grilling corn, from prepping the ears to achieving that irresistible charred goodness. Get ready to elevate your grilling game and impress your friends and family with this mouthwatering summer staple.
Preparation
Selecting the Corn
To start your journey to delicious grilled corn, begin by selecting the freshest ears of corn available. Look for corn with bright green husks that feel tightly wrapped around the cob. Gently squeeze the corn to check for firmness and plumpness. Avoid any ears that have dry or brown husks, as this could indicate that the corn is past its prime.
Removing the Husks
Once you have chosen your corn, it’s time to remove the husks. Begin by peeling back the outermost layers of the husk, working your way down to the base of the cob. Carefully tear away the husks, making sure to remove any remaining silk strands as you go. If desired, you can leave a small section of the husk intact near the top to use as a handle when eating the grilled corn.
Soaking the Corn
Soaking the corn before grilling can help prevent it from drying out during the cooking process. Fill a large bowl or sink with cold water and submerge the husked corn. Allow the corn to soak for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour if you have the time. Soaking the corn also helps to keep it moist and adds a touch of natural sweetness to the final grilled product.
Seasoning Options
Before you start grilling, consider the seasoning options for your corn. There are numerous ways to enhance the flavor of grilled corn, depending on your taste preferences. You can simply brush the corn with melted butter and sprinkle it with salt and pepper for a classic and delicious option. Alternatively, you can experiment with adding herbs, spices, or even a squeeze of lime juice to take your grilled corn to the next level.
Grill Setup
Choosing the Grill
When it comes to grilling corn, the grill you choose plays a significant role in the final outcome. Whether you opt for a charcoal or gas grill, ensure that it is well-maintained and clean. A clean grill prevents any unwanted flavors and ensures even cooking throughout. Consider the size of the grill too, ensuring that you have enough space to accommodate all the corn you plan to grill.
Preheating the Grill
Before you start grilling, it’s crucial to preheat your grill. Preheating ensures that the grill reaches the desired temperature, allowing for proper cooking of the corn. For charcoal grills, light the charcoal and allow it to burn until it is covered with a layer of white ash. Gas grills should be preheated by turning all the burners to their highest setting and closing the lid for about 10-15 minutes.
Direct vs. Indirect Heat
When grilling corn, you have the option of using either direct or indirect heat. Direct heat means placing the corn directly over the flames or heat source, while indirect heat involves placing the corn away from the flames or heat source. Direct heat grilling results in a slightly charred exterior, while indirect heat grilling allows for slower cooking and a more tender corn. Consider your preferences and the desired outcome when choosing the heat method for grilling your corn.
Grilling Techniques
Basic Grilling
Basic grilling is the most straightforward method of cooking corn on the grill. After preheating your grill, place the husked and soaked corn directly on the grates. Rotate the corn occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. Grilling corn using direct heat is perfect for achieving a well-charred exterior and a slightly smoky flavor.
Grilling in Foil
Grilling corn in foil is a convenient method that helps to seal in the flavors and retain moisture. Place each husked and soaked corn cob on an individual sheet of aluminum foil. Add your desired seasonings, such as butter, salt, pepper, or herbs, to each cob. Wrap the corn tightly in the foil, ensuring there are no openings for steam to escape. The foil packet protects the corn from direct heat, resulting in a tender and flavorful outcome.
Grilling in Husks
Grilling corn in husks is a popular method that imparts a unique smoky flavor to the corn. Start by soaking the husked corn in water for 15 minutes or longer. This step helps prevent the husks from burning on the grill. Once soaked, carefully peel back the husks, but do not remove them completely. Remove any remaining silk strands and season the corn to your liking. Recover the corn with the husks and tie them closed with kitchen twine. The husks act as a natural protective layer, trapping steam and smoke as the corn grills.
Using Skewers
Grilling corn on skewers is a fun and convenient way to cook multiple cobs at once. After husking and soaking the corn, carefully skewer each cob through the length of the ear. This method ensures that the corn cooks evenly and allows for easy flipping. Using skewers also provides a convenient handle for eating the corn once it’s grilled.
Direct Heat Grilling
Preparing the Corn
Before grilling the corn using direct heat, ensure that the corn has been properly husked and soaked. Pat the corn dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step will help the corn achieve a better char and prevent it from sticking to the grill.
Grilling Process
Place the prepared corn directly over the hot coals or flame, ensuring that each cob rests on the grates. Cook the corn for about 2-3 minutes per side, using tongs to rotate the cobs. Direct heat grilling provides a quick and intense cooking method, resulting in a nicely charred exterior.
Flipping the Corn
To achieve even browning and cooking, it’s essential to flip the corn halfway through the grilling process. Using tongs, carefully rotate each cob to expose the uncooked side. This ensures that all sides of the corn have a chance to cook evenly and develop a desirable char.
Grill Time
The total grilling time for corn using direct heat is about 8-10 minutes. However, this can vary depending on the heat of your grill and the desired level of charring. Keep a close eye on the corn, checking for doneness by pressing a kernel with your fingernail. If it feels tender, the corn is ready to be removed from the grill.
Indirect Heat Grilling
Preparing the Corn
Just like with direct heat grilling, husk and soak the corn before preparing it for indirect heat grilling. Once soaked, pat the corn dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step helps the corn achieve a better texture and prevents it from becoming soggy on the grill.
Grilling Process
For indirect heat grilling, move the corn to the cooler side of the grill. This means placing the corn away from the direct heat source or turning off one side of the gas grill burners. Cover the grill and allow the corn to cook for 15-20 minutes. Indirect heat grilling allows for slower and more gentle cooking, resulting in a tender and juicy corn.
Turning the Corn
To ensure even cooking, turn the corn occasionally during the grilling process. This helps to prevent the corn from drying out and promotes even heat distribution. Using tongs, rotate each cob to expose different sides to the indirect heat.
Cooking Time
The total cooking time for corn using indirect heat is approximately 25-30 minutes. However, this can vary depending on the heat of your grill and the size of the corn cobs. To check for doneness, insert a sharp knife into a kernel. If the kernel feels tender and the liquid is milky, the corn is ready to be served.
Grilling in Foil
Preparing the Foil Packets
Before grilling corn in foil, prepare individual foil packets for each cob. Tear off a sheet of aluminum foil large enough to wrap each cob completely. This will ensure that the corn is sealed and insulated, allowing for even cooking.
Adding Seasonings and Butter
Place each husked and soaked corn cob on a sheet of foil. Add your desired seasonings and a pat of butter to each cob. You can get creative with your seasonings, incorporating herbs, spices, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Sealing the Packets
Wrap the foil tightly around the corn, ensuring that there are no openings for steam to escape. This creates a sealed environment for the corn to cook in, resulting in tender and flavorful grilled corn.
Grill Time
Place the foil packets directly on the preheated grill and cook for approximately 20-25 minutes. The exact grilling time may vary depending on the heat of your grill and the size of the corn cobs. To check for doneness, carefully open one packet and pierce a kernel with a sharp knife. If the corn is tender and cooked to your liking, remove all the foil packets from the grill.
Grilling in Husks
Soaking in Water
Before grilling corn in husks, give the husked corn a good soak in cold water for at least 15 minutes. This step helps to prevent the husks from burning while the corn grills. Soaking also adds moisture to the corn, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful final product.
Peeling Back the Husks
Once the corn has soaked, carefully peel back the husks, exposing the kernels. Remove any remaining silk strands and discard them. Peeling back the husks allows for direct heat and smoke to reach the corn as it grills.
Seasoning the Corn
Now is the time to season the corn to your liking. Brush the exposed kernels with melted butter and sprinkle with your preferred seasonings. This step is where you can get creative, adding herbs, spices, or even a squeeze of lime juice for a burst of citrus flavor.
Recovering with Husks
After seasoning the corn, gently pull the husks back up over the kernels, covering them completely. If desired, tie the husks closed with kitchen twine to ensure they stay in place during grilling. The husks act as a natural protective layer, infusing the corn with smoky flavors and keeping it moist as it cooks.
Grill Time
Place the corn, still wrapped in its husks, directly on the preheated grill. Cook for approximately 15-20 minutes, turning the corn occasionally for even grilling. The husks will darken and may even start to char, which is perfectly normal. To test for doneness, gently peel back a small section of the husk and press a kernel with your fingernail. If it feels tender, the corn is ready to be enjoyed.
Using Skewers
Preparing the Corn
Ensure that the corn has been properly husked and soaked before skewering. Husking and soaking the corn helps to prevent it from drying out on the grill and enhances the overall taste and texture.
Skewering the Corn
Carefully skewer each husked and soaked corn cob through the length of the ear. Start at one end and push through the cob, being cautious not to pierce through the other side. Skewering the corn allows for even cooking and makes it easier to rotate and flip the cobs on the grill.
Grill Time
Place the skewered corn directly on the preheated grill. Cook for approximately 10-15 minutes, turning the corn occasionally for even grilling. Skewering the corn improves heat distribution and ensures that all sides of the cob receive ample heat. Check for doneness by pressing a kernel with your fingernail. If it feels tender, the corn is ready to be served.
Checking for Doneness
Kernel Tenderness
To check if the corn is cooked to your desired tenderness, press a kernel with your fingernail. A cooked kernel should feel plump and tender. If the kernel feels firm or hard, the corn needs more time on the grill.
Browning and Char
Grilled corn should have a desirable level of browning and char on the exterior. This adds a smoky and slightly caramelized flavor to the corn. However, be cautious not to overcook or burn the corn, as this can result in a bitter taste.
Internal Temperature
While grilling corn, there is no specific internal temperature to monitor for doneness. Instead, focus on the texture and appearance of the corn to determine if it is cooked to your liking. Follow the recommended grill times and test the kernels for tenderness to ensure that you achieve perfect grilled corn.
Serving and Enjoying
Buttering the Corn
After grilling, it’s time to enhance the flavors of the corn even further by adding butter. While the corn is still hot, carefully spread a generous amount of softened butter over the kernels. Allow the butter to melt and coat the corn, adding richness and enhancing the overall taste.
Adding Salt and Pepper
To further accentuate the flavors, sprinkle the grilled corn with a pinch of salt and pepper. The salt helps to balance the sweetness of the corn, while the pepper adds a subtle kick. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
Garnishing Options
To elevate your grilled corn even more, consider adding some garnishes. Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs, such as cilantro, parsley, or basil, over the corn for a burst of freshness. You can also experiment with grated cheese, such as parmesan or feta, or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra punch of flavor.
Accompaniments
Grilled corn pairs well with a variety of accompaniments. Serve it alongside barbecue favorites like ribs, burgers, or grilled chicken for a complete meal. Complement the corn with a fresh green salad or coleslaw to balance the richness. And don’t forget to have some napkins handy, as eating grilled corn can get delightfully messy!
Now that you are armed with the knowledge of how to grill corn, go ahead and enjoy this quintessential summer treat. Whether you prefer a classic charred flavor or a tender and smoky taste, there is a grilling method to suit your preferences. So fire up the grill, gather your friends and family, and indulge in the simple pleasure of grilled corn.