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November 5, 2024
Grilling corn on the cob is a popular summer activity that brings out the natural sweetness and smoky flavors of this delicious vegetable. Whether you prefer your corn on the cob slightly charred or tender and juicy, grilling is a fantastic way to enhance its taste and add a unique twist to a classic dish.
To start, gather fresh ears of corn with the husks on. The husks help to lock in moisture and protect the corn from direct heat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. Peel back the husks, but keep them attached at the bottom to create a natural handle.
Next, remove the silk (the thin, hair-like strings) by brushing the corn with a damp cloth or using a soft brush. Removing the silk ensures that it doesn’t burn and improves the overall grilling experience.
Before cooking, you can enhance the flavor by adding a flavored butter or seasoning. Brush melted butter mixed with your favorite herbs and spices onto the corn for an extra burst of taste. Some popular options include garlic, paprika, or a sprinkle of chili powder.
Now it’s time to grill! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and place the corn directly on the grates. Close the lid and cook for approximately 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. The husks will become slightly charred, and the corn kernels should be tender when pierced with a fork.
Once cooked, carefully remove the corn from the grill using tongs. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve the corn as is, or for an extra touch, brush it with more flavored butter or sprinkle with fresh herbs.
Cooking an ear of corn on the grill is a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy the flavors of summer. With just a few steps, you can create a delicious and memorable dish that will impress your family and friends at your next backyard barbecue.
Steps to Grill Corn on the Grill
Step 1: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Step 2: Peel back the husks of the corn, but do not remove them. Remove as much of the silk strands as possible.
Step 3: Place the corn on the grill and close the lid.
Step 4: Cook the corn for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender.
Step 5: Remove the corn from the grill and let it cool for a few minutes.
Step 6: Serve the grilled corn with butter, salt, and pepper, if desired.
Note: You can also add other seasonings or toppings to the grilled corn, such as lime juice, chili powder, or grated cheese.
Preparing the Corn
Before grilling the corn, it’s important to remove the husks and silks. Start by pulling off the outer husks, leaving a few layers to protect the corn during the grilling process. Next, remove the silks by gently pulling them off with your hands or using a vegetable brush to scrub them away.
Once the corn is husked and silk-free, you have the option to soak it in water for about 30 minutes. This step helps prevent the corn from drying out while on the grill.
After soaking, pat the corn dry with a paper towel and brush it with olive oil or melted butter. This adds flavor and helps prevent sticking to the grill.
For added flavor, you can also season the corn with salt, pepper, or your favorite spices. Simply sprinkle them on the corn and gently rub the seasonings into the kernels.
Now that the corn is prepared, it’s ready to be grilled to perfection!
Soaking the Corn
Before grilling the ear of corn, it is recommended to soak it in water. Soaking the corn helps to keep it moist and prevent it from drying out on the grill. This step is especially important if you are grilling corn without the husks. Here is how to properly soak corn before grilling:
- Fill a large bucket or bowl with enough water to completely submerge the corn.
- Remove any loose or excess husks from the corn.
- Place the corn in the water and let it soak for at least 15 minutes.
- If you want to add flavor to the corn, you can also add salt or sugar to the soaking water. This will enhance the taste of the corn.
After the corn has finished soaking, you can proceed to the next step of grilling it on the grill.
Seasoning the Corn
Before grilling the corn, you can add extra flavor by seasoning it. Here are some delicious ways to season your corn:
1. Butter and Herbs
Melt some butter and brush it onto the corn. Sprinkle your choice of herbs, such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary, on top of the butter. This will give the corn a rich and aromatic flavor.
2. Mexican-style
For a Mexican-inspired twist, mix together some melted butter, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Brush this mixture onto the corn for a spicy and tangy flavor.
You can also sprinkle some crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro on top of the corn before grilling for an extra boost of flavor.
3. Parmesan and Garlic
If you love cheesy flavors, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder onto the corn. The cheese will melt and create a delicious crust while grilling, giving the corn a savory taste.
Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and find your favorite combination. Once you have seasoned the corn, it’s time to move on to the next step – grilling!
Wrapping the Corn
Wrapping the corn in aluminum foil helps to trap the heat and steam, allowing the corn to cook evenly and become tender.
To wrap the corn, first start by tearing off a sheet of aluminum foil that is large enough to completely enclose the ear of corn.
- Place the ear of corn in the center of the foil.
- Drizzle a little olive oil or melted butter over the corn.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper, or any other desired seasonings, over the corn.
- Bring the sides of the foil up and over the corn, folding the edges together to create a sealed packet.
- Repeat this process for each ear of corn.
Make sure the foil packet is tightly sealed to prevent any steam from escaping during grilling.
This method of cooking corn on the grill with foil is especially convenient for outdoor picnics and barbecues, as it keeps the corn moist and flavorful.
Grilling the Corn
Before grilling the corn, make sure to preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Peel back the husks of the corn, but do not remove them completely. Remove the silk threads and fold the husks back up.
- Fill a large bowl with cold water and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Place the corn in the bowl and let it soak for at least 10 minutes. This will help prevent the corn from drying out while grilling.
- Take the corn out of the water and shake off any excess. Gently peel back the husks and remove any remaining silk.
- Brush the corn with melted butter or olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the corn on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn is tender and slightly charred.
- Once the corn is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it cool slightly before serving.
Grilled corn is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a side or used in a variety of recipes. Enjoy!
Serving the Grilled Corn
Once the grilled corn is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Here are a few serving suggestions to make your grilled corn even more delicious:
1. Season it
Sprinkle some salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice on the grilled corn to enhance its flavor. You can also try adding a sprinkle of chili powder or paprika for a spicy kick.
2. Add butter
Place a pat of butter on top of the hot grilled corn and let it melt. The butter will add richness and a creamy texture to the corn.
3. Create a flavored butter
Take your grilled corn to the next level by making a flavored butter. Mix softened butter with chopped herbs like cilantro, parsley, or basil. You can also add minced garlic or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Spread this flavored butter on the hot grilled corn for a burst of taste.
4. Serve with dipping sauces
Offer a variety of dipping sauces to accompany the grilled corn. Some popular options include garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, or a spicy salsa. Let your guests choose their favorite and dip the corn directly into the sauce.
5. Pair with other grilled dishes
Grilled corn pairs well with many other grilled dishes. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or burgers for a complete and satisfying meal. Add a fresh salad or coleslaw as a side dish to complete the menu.
6. Enjoy as a snack
If you have any leftover grilled corn, don’t let it go to waste! Cut the kernels off the cob and use them in salads, salsas, or as a topping for tacos. Grilled corn also makes a tasty snack on its own.
However you choose to serve it, grilled corn is a versatile and delicious addition to any summer meal or BBQ. Enjoy the sweet and smoky flavors of this classic summer dish!
Q&A
What is the best way to cook corn on the grill?
The best way to cook corn on the grill is to first remove the husks and silk, then preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Brush the corn with melted butter and sprinkle it with salt and pepper. Place the corn directly on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is tender and slightly charred.
Do I need to soak corn before grilling?
Soaking the corn before grilling is not necessary, but it can help to keep the corn moist while cooking. If you prefer a more tender and less charred corn, you can soak it in cold water for 10-15 minutes before grilling. However, if you like a slightly charred and smoky flavor, you can skip the soaking step.
Can I cook the corn on the grill with the husks on?
Yes, you can cook the corn on the grill with the husks on. This method is known as “husk-on grilling”. To do this, preheat the grill to medium-high heat, place the corn with the husks directly on the grill, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally. The husks will trap the heat and steam, resulting in a tender and juicy corn.
How can I add more flavor to grilled corn?
There are several ways to add more flavor to grilled corn. One option is to spread flavored butter or herb butter on the corn before grilling. You can also sprinkle the corn with spices, such as paprika, chili powder, or cumin, for a more spicy taste. Another option is to brush the corn with a mixture of olive oil and minced garlic before grilling. Experiment with different seasonings and toppings to find your favorite flavor combination!