Corn on the cob is a delicious and classic summertime treat that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. One popular method of cooking corn on the cob is on the grill. Grilling corn on the cob gives it a smoky and slightly charred flavor that pairs perfectly with butter and seasoning. However, the question arises: how long should you cook corn on the cob on the grill to achieve that perfect balance of tenderness and flavor?
The cooking time for corn on the cob on the grill can vary depending on a few different factors. The size and freshness of the corn, as well as the heat of the grill, will all affect the cooking time. In general, though, it is recommended to cook corn on the cob on the grill for about 10-15 minutes.
To cook corn on the cob on the grill, start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. While the grill is preheating, carefully peel back the husks of the corn, but leave them attached at the bottom. Remove the silk strands from the corn and then recover the corn with the husks and secure them with a piece of twine or a strip of husk.
Tip: Soaking the corn in water for about 15 minutes before grilling can help prevent the husks from burning.
Once the grill is preheated, place the corn directly on the grill grates. Close the lid and cook the corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. The corn is ready when the kernels are tender and slightly charred. Carefully remove the corn from the grill using tongs, and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to grill corn on the cob
Cooking corn on the cob on the grill is a popular and delicious method of preparing this tasty vegetable. The grill adds a smoky and charred flavor that enhances the sweetness of the corn. Follow these simple steps to grill corn on the cob to perfection.
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of corn on the cob
- 4 tablespoons of butter, softened
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Peel back the husks of the corn, but leave them attached at the base.
- Remove the silks from each ear of corn.
- Spread a tablespoon of butter on each ear of corn, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Pull the husks back over the corn and tie them with kitchen twine to secure.
- Place the corn on the preheated grill and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn is tender and slightly charred.
- Remove the corn from the grill and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Remove the husks and serve hot with additional butter, salt, and pepper if desired.
Tips:
Here are a few tips to ensure perfectly grilled corn on the cob:
- Soak the corn in cold water for 10-15 minutes before grilling. This will help prevent the husks from burning.
- Add some herbs or spices to the softened butter for extra flavor. Try garlic, chili powder, or fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
- If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can sprinkle some sugar on the buttered corn before grilling.
Grilling Time | Cooking Level |
---|---|
15-20 minutes | Medium-high heat |
Preparation before grilling
Before grilling corn on the cob, there are a few preparation steps you should follow to ensure a delicious and perfectly cooked dish.
1. Choose fresh corn
Start by selecting fresh corn on the cob. Look for husks that are bright green and tightly wrapped around the kernels. The kernels should be plump and evenly spaced on the cob. Avoid corn with dry or discolored husks.
2. Soak the corn
Before grilling, it is essential to soak the corn in water. This will help keep the kernels moist and prevent them from drying out during the grilling process. Fill a large bowl or a clean sink with cold water and immerse the corn cobs for at least 15 minutes.
3. Remove the silk
After soaking, remove the corn from the water and peel back the husks, but keep them attached at the base. Remove the silk threads by hand or with a soft brush. Be sure to remove all the silk as it can burn during grilling and affect the taste.
4. Season the corn
Now it’s time to season the corn. You can brush the corn with melted butter or olive oil to add flavor and help prevent sticking to the grill. Sprinkle salt, pepper, or your favorite seasonings onto the corn to enhance its taste.
5. Prepare the grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean to prevent sticking. If desired, you can also oil the grates lightly to further prevent sticking.
With these preparation steps complete, you are now ready to grill your corn on the cob to perfection!
Grilling corn on the cob
Grilling corn on the cob is a popular and delicious way to enjoy this summer favorite. The combination of smoky charred kernels and sweet juicy corn is hard to resist. Whether you’re grilling for a backyard BBQ or a simple weeknight dinner, here’s everything you need to know about grilling corn on the cob.
Ingredients:
- Fresh corn on the cob
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- While the grill is heating up, prepare the corn by removing the husks and silks.
- Brush each ear of corn with olive oil or melted butter, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the corn directly on the grill grates.
- Cook the corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are charred and tender.
- Remove the corn from the grill and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Grilled corn on the cob is a versatile side dish that pairs well with any meal. You can serve it as is, or try brushing it with flavored butters or sprinkling it with herbs and spices. It’s a simple and delicious way to elevate your summer grilling game!
Tips for perfect corn on the cob
Grilling corn on the cob is a delicious and popular summertime treat. Here are some tips to ensure that your corn on the cob turns out perfectly cooked and full of flavor:
- Select fresh corn: Choose ears of corn that have bright green husks and feel firm to the touch. Look for moist, silky-looking tassels at the top.
- Soak the corn: Before grilling, soak the corn in cold water for about 30 minutes. This will help keep the kernels moist and prevent them from burning.
- Preheat the grill: Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat. For gas grills, preheat with the lid closed for about 10 minutes.
- Prepare the corn: Peel back the husks, but leave them attached at the bottom. Remove the silk by hand or with a soft brush. Then, fold the husks back up to cover the corn.
- Grill the corn: Place the corn on the grill, husk side down. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn is tender and lightly charred. Remove from the grill and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Season to taste: Before serving, season the corn with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs. You can also brush it with melted butter or sprinkle it with fresh lime juice for extra flavor.
Follow these tips and you’ll be able to enjoy perfectly cooked corn on the cob every time you grill!
Determining when corn is done
There are a few different methods to determine when corn on the cob is done cooking on the grill:
- Visual inspection: Look for signs that the corn is fully cooked. The kernels should be tender and plump, and the husks may have started to brown or char slightly.
- Poke test: Gently insert a fork or knife into one of the kernels. If it goes in easily and the kernel feels tender, the corn is likely done.
- Temperature test: Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the corn. It should register between 165-170°F (74-77°C) when done.
- Time estimation: As a general guideline, corn on the cob typically takes around 10-15 minutes to cook on the grill. However, cooking times may vary depending on the heat of the grill and the size of the corn.
It’s important to avoid overcooking the corn, as it can become tough and lose its natural sweetness. Once the corn is done, remove it from the grill and let it cool slightly before serving.
Serving grilled corn on the cob
Grilled corn on the cob is a delicious and popular summer dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side to a variety of meals. Once the corn is cooked to perfection on the grill, there are many ways to serve and enjoy it.
Serving Suggestions:
- Butter and Salt: One of the simplest and most traditional ways to enjoy grilled corn on the cob is by slathering it with butter and sprinkling it with salt. The combination of the smoky grilled corn, creamy butter, and savory salt is simply irresistible.
- Herb Butter: For an extra flavor boost, consider making herb butter by mixing softened butter with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or chives. Spread the herb butter on the grilled corn for a burst of freshness.
- Spicy Seasonings: If you like a little kick, try using spicy seasonings on your grilled corn. Sprinkle it with a blend of chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce for a fiery twist.
- Cheese and Lime: For a Mexican-inspired twist, try grating some cotija cheese or queso fresco onto your grilled corn and squeezing fresh lime juice on top. This combination adds tanginess and richness to the dish.
Additional Toppings:
Aside from the serving suggestions mentioned above, you can get creative with your grilled corn by adding additional toppings. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
- Mayonnaise: Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the grilled corn for extra creaminess.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate some parmesan cheese on top of the corn for a nutty and salty flavor.
- Cilantro-Lime Sauce: Make a sauce by blending cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and sour cream. Drizzle it over the corn for a burst of freshness.
- Barbecue Sauce: Brush your grilled corn with your favorite barbecue sauce for a smoky and tangy taste.
- Hot Pepper Jelly: For a sweet and spicy kick, spread some hot pepper jelly on the corn.
Experiment with different flavors and toppings to find your favorite way to enjoy grilled corn on the cob. Get creative and have fun serving this classic summer dish!
Q&A
How long should I cook corn on the cob on the grill?
It is recommended to cook corn on the cob on the grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and slightly charred.
Is it necessary to soak corn before grilling?
No, it is not necessary to soak corn before grilling. However, soaking the corn in water for 15-30 minutes can help prevent the husks from burning during grilling.
What is the best way to season corn on the cob for grilling?
One popular way to season corn on the cob for grilling is to brush it with melted butter and sprinkle it with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings, such as chili powder or garlic powder.
Can I grill corn on the cob without the husks?
Yes, you can grill corn on the cob without the husks. Simply brush the corn with oil or butter and cook it directly on the grill grates, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and slightly charred.
How do I know when the corn on the cob is done grilling?
You can tell that the corn on the cob is done grilling when the kernels are tender and slightly charred. You can also insert a fork into a kernel, and if it easily pierces through, the corn is done.
How long should you cook corn on the cob on the grill?
You should cook corn on the cob on the grill for about 10-15 minutes. Make sure to turn it every few minutes to ensure even cooking.
What is the best way to cook corn on the cob on the grill?
The best way to cook corn on the cob on the grill is to first soak the corn in water for about 30 minutes. Then, brush the corn with melted butter or olive oil and season it with salt and pepper. Grill the corn over medium-high heat for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally.