Grilling corn in the shuck is a delicious and easy way to enjoy this summer favorite. By leaving the husk on while grilling, the corn retains its natural moisture and gets a smoky flavor from the grill. It’s a simple method that requires minimal preparation and results in tender and flavorful corn on the cob.
To cook corn in shuck on the grill, start by preheating the grill to medium heat. Then, carefully remove the outermost layers of the husk, leaving a few layers on to protect the corn. Next, peel back the remaining layers of the husk and remove the silk strands from the corn. Once the corn is cleaned, fold the husk back over the cob and soak it in water for about 10 minutes. This will help prevent the husk from burning during grilling.
After soaking, remove the corn from the water and shake off the excess moisture. Then, place the corn on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and slightly charred. The husk will become brown and slightly crispy. Once the corn is cooked to your liking, carefully remove it from the grill and let it cool for a few minutes.
When the corn has cooled down, carefully peel back the husk using oven mitts or a towel to protect your hands from the heat. The husk should come off easily, revealing the perfectly cooked corn. You can serve the corn as is, or brush it with melted butter and sprinkle with salt for extra flavor. Grilled corn in shuck is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses, from burgers to grilled chicken.
Try grilling corn in shuck on your next BBQ and impress your guests with this simple and delicious method. The smoky flavor and tender texture of the corn will be a hit every time.
Preparing corn on the grill
To prepare corn on the grill using the in-shuck method, you will need the following ingredients:
Ingredients: |
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Follow these steps to prepare and cook corn on the grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Start by removing the outer husks of the corn, but leave the innermost husks attached.
- Gently peel back the remaining husks, but do not remove them completely.
- Remove the silk threads from the corn by hand or using a vegetable brush.
- Brush each ear of corn with olive oil or melted butter, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Season the corn with salt and pepper to taste.
- Wrap the husks back around the corn and tie the ends with a piece of kitchen twine.
- Place the corn on the preheated grill and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally.
- The corn is done when the kernels are tender and have a nice char from the grill.
- Remove the corn from the grill and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Peel back the husks and serve the delicious grilled corn immediately.
Grilling corn in-shuck is a simple and flavorful way to enjoy this summer favorite. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply want to elevate your next meal, grilled corn on the cob is sure to be a hit.
Choosing the right corn
When it comes to grilling corn in the shuck, choosing the right corn is essential for a delicious and flavorful result. Here are some tips to help you select the best corn for grilling:
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Look for fresh corn:
Freshness is key when choosing your corn. Look for ears that have bright green husks that are tightly wrapped around the kernels. Avoid corn with dry or yellowed husks.
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Check the silk:
Peek through the husk and check the silk. The silk should be moist and slightly sticky to the touch. Dry or brown silk can be an indication of old corn.
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Inspect the kernels:
Gently press your finger against the kernels through the husk. The kernels should feel plump and firm. Avoid corn with shriveled or discolored kernels.
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Consider the variety:
There are different varieties of corn available, each with its own flavor profile. While yellow corn is the most common variety for grilling, you can also try white or bi-color corn for a different taste experience.
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Buy locally grown corn:
Whenever possible, buy corn that is locally grown. Locally grown corn tends to be fresher and tastier compared to mass-produced corn that has been shipped long distances.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you choose the best corn for grilling in the shuck. Fresh, flavorful corn will elevate your grilling experience and make for a delicious meal.
Removing the shuck
Once the corn is cooked, it’s time to remove the shuck. The shuck is the outer green covering of the corn, and it can be easily removed after grilling. Follow these steps to remove the shuck:
- Allow the corn to cool for a few minutes, as it will be extremely hot right off the grill.
- Hold the corn firmly at the top and grab the shuck at the base of the cob.
- Peel back the shuck, pulling it downward in one smooth motion.
- Continue peeling until the shuck is completely removed, exposing the corn kernels.
Be careful not to tear the corn kernels or leave any pieces of shuck on the corn. It’s best to remove the shuck when the corn is still warm as it will be easier to handle and the shuck will come off more smoothly.
Seasoning the corn
Before grilling the corn, it’s important to season it to enhance its flavor. Here are a few seasoning options to try:
Option 1: | Butter and Salt |
Option 2: | Olive Oil, Garlic Powder, and Parmesan Cheese |
Option 3: | Lime Juice, Chili Powder, and Cilantro |
Option 4: | Mayonnaise, Lime Juice, and Cojita Cheese |
Option 5: | Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil, and Green Onions |
Choose your favorite seasoning option and prepare it by mixing the ingredients together. Once the corn is grilled, the seasoning can be applied evenly by either brushing or rolling the corn in the mixture. Make sure to coat all sides of the corn for maximum flavor.
Wrapping the corn in foil
Wrapping the corn in foil is another popular method of cooking corn on the grill. This method helps to keep the corn moist and infuses it with extra flavors.
Here’s how to wrap the corn in foil:
- Start by shucking the corn. Remove the husk and silk, ensuring that the corn cob is clean.
- Place each corn cob on a piece of aluminum foil. The foil should be large enough to wrap the corn completely.
- Spread your desired seasonings on the corn, such as salt, pepper, butter, or herbs. You can also add some vegetables, like sliced onions or bell peppers, for extra flavor.
- Wrap the foil tightly around the corn, making sure all sides are sealed. This will prevent the steam from escaping and help the corn cook evenly.
- Repeat the process for each corn cob, and then place the wrapped corn on the preheated grill.
- Cook the corn for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. The cooking time may vary depending on the heat of your grill.
- Remove the wrapped corn from the grill using tongs, and let them cool for a few minutes before unwrapping.
- Carefully unwrap the foil, being cautious of any hot steam. The corn will be hot, so use oven mitts or tongs to handle them.
- Serve the delicious grilled corn on a platter, and enjoy!
Wrapping the corn in foil is a simple and effective way to cook corn on the grill, and it adds a delicious smoky flavor to the corn. Give it a try at your next barbecue or cookout!
Grilling the corn
Once your grill is preheated, it’s time to start grilling the corn. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Prepare the corn
Remove any loose or excess husk from the corn, leaving only a few layers to protect the kernels. This will help prevent the corn from burning too quickly.
Step 2: Season the corn
Brush each ear of corn with melted butter or your favorite oil to add flavor and prevent sticking to the grill. You can also sprinkle some salt and pepper on the corn for additional taste.
Step 3: Wrap the corn in foil (optional)
If you prefer softer, steamed corn, you can wrap each ear individually in aluminum foil. This method will help retain the moisture and heat, resulting in tender corn.
Step 4: Place the corn on the grill
Place the prepared corn directly on the preheated grill grates. If you wrapped the corn in foil, make sure to place the wrapped side facing down.
Step 5: Grill the corn
Cook the corn for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. The corn should be cooked until the husk is slightly charred and the kernels are tender. If you prefer a smokier flavor, you can leave the corn on the grill for a few extra minutes.
Step 6: Remove and serve
Carefully remove the corn from the grill using tongs or oven mitts. Let it cool for a few minutes, then peel back the husk and silk. Serve the grilled corn hot with your favorite toppings or enjoy it as is!
Grilling corn in the shuck is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this summer staple. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just a few, the grill will enhance the natural sweetness of the corn and give it a smoky flavor that can’t be beat!
Serving and enjoying
Once the corn is cooked on the grill, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Here are a few tips on how to make the most out of your grilled corn in shuck:
1. Seasoning:
Before serving the corn, you can brush it with melted butter or olive oil and sprinkle it with salt and pepper to enhance its flavor. You can also experiment with different seasonings such as chili powder, garlic powder, or paprika for added taste.
2. Toppings:
You can take your grilled corn to the next level by adding toppings. Traditional toppings include grated cheese, lime juice, and fresh cilantro. You can also try adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Pro tip: Crumble some crispy bacon over the corn for a delicious smoky flavor.
3. Presentation:
Presentation is key when it comes to serving grilled corn in shuck. You can tie the husks with kitchen twine to create a neat bundle or simply arrange them on a platter. If you want to make it more visually appealing, garnish with additional herbs like parsley or chives.
Now that you have grilled the perfect corn in shuck and know how to serve it, sit back, relax, and enjoy the smoky, juicy, and flavorful goodness!
Questions and answers
What is the best way to cook corn on the grill?
The best way to cook corn on the grill is to leave it in the shuck. This helps to retain the moisture and sweetness of the corn while it cooks.
How long does it take to cook corn on the grill?
The cooking time for corn on the grill can vary depending on the heat of your grill and the size of the corn, but on average it takes about 15-20 minutes. It is best to check the corn periodically and rotate it to ensure even cooking.
Should I soak the corn before grilling?
It is not necessary to soak the corn before grilling if you are cooking it in the shuck. The moisture from the shuck will help to steam the corn as it cooks. However, if you prefer a more tender result, you can soak the corn in water for about 10 minutes before grilling.
Can I add seasoning to the corn before grilling?
Absolutely! Adding seasoning to the corn before grilling can enhance the flavour. You can brush the corn with olive oil and sprinkle it with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings or herbs of your choice. This will add a delicious flavour to the corn as it cooks.
Can I cook corn on the grill without the shuck?
Yes, you can cook corn on the grill without the shuck. To do this, you would need to remove the shuck and silk from the corn, then wrap it in aluminium foil and place it on the grill. This method will result in a slightly different texture and flavour compared to cooking the corn in the shuck, but it can still be delicious.