If you’re a fan of grilled corn, you probably know just how delicious it can be. The grill imparts a smoky and charred flavor to the corn that is simply irresistible. But, how long does it actually take to cook corn on the grill? Well, it depends on a few factors.
The first factor to consider is the heat of your grill. If your grill is preheated to medium-high heat, it will take about 10-12 minutes to cook corn on the cob. However, if you prefer your corn to be more charred and slightly blackened, you can leave it on the grill for a few more minutes.
Another important factor to keep in mind is the size and thickness of the corn. If you have larger ears of corn or if they are particularly thick, it may take a bit longer to cook. On the other hand, if you have smaller ears of corn, they may cook more quickly.
It’s also crucial to note that you should turn the corn occasionally while it’s on the grill. This helps to ensure even cooking and prevents one side from becoming too charred. Additionally, you can brush some butter or olive oil onto the corn for added flavor, and you can also sprinkle it with salt and pepper.
In conclusion, cooking corn on the grill is a relatively quick and easy process. With the grill preheated to medium-high heat, it will take about 10-12 minutes to cook corn on the cob, depending on its size and thickness. Remember to turn the corn occasionally and feel free to add some butter, olive oil, salt, and pepper for an extra kick of flavor!
How Long It Takes to Cook Corn on the Grill
Cooking corn on the grill is a popular summer treat that adds a smoky and delicious flavor to the sweet kernels. The cooking time for corn on the grill can vary depending on the heat and size of the corn, but generally, it takes about 10 to 15 minutes to cook.
Before cooking, it is important to husk the corn and remove the silk. This can be done by peeling back the husk and detaching it from the base, then removing the silk strands. Once the corn is husked and cleaned, it can be seasoned to taste with salt, pepper, butter, or any other desired seasonings.
To cook the corn on the grill, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the corn directly on the grill grates and close the lid. Turn the corn occasionally, every 2 to 3 minutes, to ensure all sides are evenly cooked.
After about 10 to 15 minutes, the corn should be tender and slightly charred. To test for doneness, insert a fork or skewer into one of the kernels – it should be easy to pierce. The husks might also start to slightly blacken, which adds to the flavor.
Once the corn is cooked to perfection, remove it from the grill and serve immediately. It pairs well with grilled meats, salads, or can be enjoyed on its own as a tasty and healthy side dish.
So next time you fire up the grill, consider adding corn on the cob to the menu. With just a few simple steps and a short cooking time, you can enjoy the smoky and grilled goodness of this summer favorite.
Preparation
Before you start grilling your corn, there are a few steps you should take to ensure it turns out perfectly cooked and packed with flavor.
Selecting the corn
Choose fresh, high-quality corn for grilling. Look for ears that have bright green husks and moist, silky tassels. Avoid ears with brown or dry husks.
Husk and clean the corn
Remove the outer husks of the corn, but leave the innermost layers intact to protect the kernels. Gently pull back the husks without detaching them from the base of the ear. Remove the silk threads by hand or with a soft brush.
Tip | You can soak the corn in cold water for about 15 minutes before husking to help keep it moist during grilling. |
Grilling Techniques
Grilling is a popular cooking method, especially during the summer months when the weather is perfect for outdoor activities. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or a beginner, mastering grilling techniques is essential to achieve that perfect flavor and texture. Here are some grilling techniques to help you become a grill master:
- Direct Heat Grilling: This technique involves cooking food directly over high heat. It is ideal for foods that cook quickly, such as burgers, steaks, and kebabs.
- Indirect Heat Grilling: Indirect heat grilling involves cooking food away from the direct flame. It is perfect for larger items that require longer cooking times, such as whole chickens or roasts.
- Grilling with Wood Chips: Adding wood chips to your grill imparts a smoky flavor to your food. Soak the wood chips in water for about 30 minutes, then place them in a smoker box or wrap them in aluminum foil pierced with holes. Place the wood chips near the heat source to allow them to release smoke.
- Marinating: Marinating your food before grilling can help enhance its flavor and tenderness. Prepare a marinade using ingredients such as oil, vinegar, citrus juice, herbs, and spices. Let the food marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
- Grilling Vegetables: Vegetables can be cooked directly on the grill or in a grilling basket. Lightly coat the vegetables with oil and season with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs or spices. Grill until tender and slightly charred.
- Basting: Basting your food with a sauce or glaze while grilling adds flavor and keeps it moist. Use a brush to apply the basting sauce onto the food during the last few minutes of cooking.
By mastering these grilling techniques, you’ll be able to take your outdoor cooking skills to the next level and impress your friends and family with delicious grilled meals.
Direct Heat Grilling
Cooking corn on the grill using direct heat is a quick and easy method that ensures a smoky flavor and caramelization. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: |
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F/200°C). |
Step 2: |
Remove the husks and silk from the corn. Brush each ear of corn with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. |
Step 3: |
Place the corn directly on the grill grates and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning every few minutes to ensure even cooking. The corn should be lightly charred and tender. |
Step 4: |
Remove the corn from the grill and serve immediately. You can brush the corn with melted butter or sprinkle with additional seasoning if desired. |
Direct heat grilling is a fantastic way to cook corn on the grill, as it allows the natural flavors to shine through while adding a delicious smoky touch. Enjoy your grilled corn as a delicious side dish or as a base for other flavorful dishes!
Indirect Heat Grilling
When it comes to grilling corn, using indirect heat is a popular method that results in delicious and perfectly cooked corn on the cob. This technique involves placing the corn away from the direct flames or heat source on the grill.
How to Grill Corn Using Indirect Heat:
1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
2. Peel off the husks and remove the silk from the corn cobs.
3. Brush the corn with olive oil or melted butter, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Place the corn on the grill, away from the direct heat source. If using a gas grill, turn off the burners below the corn. For a charcoal grill, push the coals to one side and place the corn on the opposite side.
5. Close the grill lid and cook the corn for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and lightly charred.
Tips for Indirect Heat Grilling:
- Soak the corn in water for about 10 minutes before grilling to help keep it moist.
- For extra flavor, you can also add herbs, spices, or even a squeeze of lime or lemon juice to the olive oil or melted butter mixture.
- If the husks were removed, you can wrap each corn cob in aluminum foil before placing them on the grill to prevent them from burning.
- Using a grill basket or skewers can help to keep the corn from rolling or falling through the grates.
Grilling corn using indirect heat allows the corn to cook evenly and gives it a smoky flavor. It’s a simple and delicious way to enjoy this summertime favorite on the grill.
Checking for Doneness
After grilling the corn for the recommended time, it’s important to check for doneness before serving. You can do this by using a fork or a pair of tongs to pierce one of the kernels. If it feels tender and the inside is hot, then the corn is ready to be taken off the grill. Another method is to gently press your thumb against the corn’s surface. If it gives a slight yield, it indicates that the corn is cooked and ready to eat. However, if the corn feels hard and the inside is cold, continue grilling for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired tenderness.
Serving and Enjoying
Once the corn on the grill is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Here are some tips for making the most of your grilled corn:
1. Seasoning
Before serving, you can add extra flavor to your grilled corn by seasoning it with various toppings. Some popular options include:
- Butter and salt: Classic and delicious, a simple pat of butter and a sprinkle of salt can enhance the natural sweetness of the corn.
- Herbs and spices: Try adding a sprinkle of chili powder, paprika, or herbs like parsley, oregano, or thyme to give your corn a savory kick.
- Cheese: Grated Parmesan, Cotija, or feta cheese can add a wonderful salty and creamy element to your corn.
- Lime juice and zest: Squeeze some fresh lime juice over your corn and sprinkle with lime zest for a refreshing and tangy twist.
2. Serving suggestions
Grilled corn can be served in various ways, depending on your preference:
- On the cob: Grilled corn is often enjoyed straight off the cob. Serve it as a side dish or part of a main meal.
- Corn salad: Remove the kernels from the cob and toss them with other ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and cilantro for a refreshing summer salad.
- Corn salsa: Dice the grilled corn and mix it with chopped onions, bell peppers, jalapenos, lime juice, and cilantro for a flavorful salsa to serve with tortilla chips.
- Corn soup: Blend grilled corn kernels with vegetable broth, onion, garlic, and spices to make a creamy and comforting corn soup.
Feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavors and serving ideas to find your favorite way of enjoying grilled corn. Whether it’s a simple sprinkle of salt or a vibrant corn salad, grilled corn is a versatile and delicious addition to any summer cookout or backyard gathering!
Q&A
How long does it take to cook corn on the grill?
The cooking time for corn on the grill depends on various factors such as the temperature of the grill and the size of the corn. Generally, it takes about 10-15 minutes to cook corn on the grill, turning it occasionally to ensure even cooking.
What temperature should the grill be set at?
The grill should be preheated to medium-high heat, around 400-450°F (200-230°C), before placing the corn on it. This will help in achieving a nicely charred and cooked corn.
Should I soak the corn ears before grilling?
Yes, it is recommended to soak the corn ears in water for about 30 minutes before grilling. This helps in preventing the husks from burning and also keeps the corn juicy as it steams inside the husk.
How can I tell if the corn is done?
You can test the doneness of corn by gently piercing a kernel with a knife or fork. If it is tender and easily goes through, then the corn is done. Additionally, the husks will become slightly charred, indicating that the corn is cooked.