Grilling corn on the cob in foil is a delicious and easy way to enjoy this summertime favorite. By wrapping the corn in foil, it becomes tender and juicy, with a slightly smoky flavor from the grill. Whether you are hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving a tasty side dish, grilling corn on the cob in foil is a foolproof method that anyone can master.
To start, gather your ingredients: fresh corn on the cob, butter, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings or spices to create your own unique flavor profile, such as garlic powder, paprika, or chili flakes. Next, prepare the corn by removing the husks and silk, ensuring that the corn is clean and ready for grilling.
Once your corn is prepped, tear off a piece of aluminum foil large enough to wrap around each individual ear of corn. Place the corn in the center of the foil and generously spread butter over the kernels. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, or your chosen seasonings, and wrap the foil tightly around the corn, creating a sealed packet. This will trap the heat and allow the corn to steam and cook evenly on the grill.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and place the foil packets directly on the grill grates. Close the lid and let the corn cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. The foil will help to insulate the corn and prevent it from burning, while allowing it to develop that irresistible grilled flavor. Once the corn is tender and cooked through, carefully remove the foil packets from the grill.
Unwrap each ear of corn and serve it hot, optionally garnished with additional butter and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. The corn will be perfectly cooked, with a slightly smoky taste and a wonderful tenderness that melts in your mouth. Grilling corn on the cob in foil is a simple and delicious way to elevate this classic summer vegetable, making it a staple for any backyard gathering or cookout.
Preparing the Corn
Before you can start grilling your corn on the cob, it’s important to prepare it properly. Follow these steps to ensure your corn is delicious and cooked to perfection:
Husk the Corn:
Start by removing the husks and silks from the corn. Peel back the outer husk layers, taking care to remove all the silky threads underneath. Once peeled, remove any remaining silks by hand or with a soft-bristle brush.
Soak the Corn:
Next, soak the corn in a bowl of cold water for about 15 minutes. This helps to keep the corn moist during grilling and prevents it from drying out. You can also add a tablespoon of sugar to the water to enhance the natural sweetness of the corn.
Note: If you prefer a smoky flavor, you can add a small amount of salt or your favorite seasonings to the soaking water.
Wrap in Foil:
Now it’s time to wrap the corn in foil. Tear off a piece of aluminum foil large enough to completely enclose the corn. Place the corn in the center of the foil and fold the sides up, rolling the edges together to create a tight seal. This will help steam the corn and keep it from becoming charred on the grill.
Tip: For added flavor, you can brush the corn with melted butter or olive oil before wrapping it in foil.
Once you’ve prepared the corn, it’s ready to be grilled to perfection. Follow the proper grilling techniques to ensure that it’s cooked evenly and has a delicious smoky flavor.
Wrapping the Corn in Foil
When grilling corn on the cob, wrapping it in foil is a popular method that helps to lock in the flavors and keep the kernels moist. Here’s how you can easily wrap the corn in foil:
- Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat.
- Take a piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil and place a single ear of corn in the center.
- Drizzle the corn with a small amount of olive oil, and season it with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices.
- Wrap the foil tightly around the corn, making sure to seal it completely to prevent any juices from escaping.
- Repeat this process for each ear of corn that you want to grill.
- Once the grill is heated, place the foil-wrapped corn directly on the grill grates.
- Cook the corn for about 15-20 minutes, turning it occasionally, until the kernels are tender and slightly charred.
- Using tongs or oven mitts, carefully remove the foil-wrapped corn from the grill.
- Allow the corn to cool for a few minutes before unwrapping it.
- Unwrap the foil and serve the delicious grilled corn on the cob hot, optionally brushing it with melted butter and garnishing it with fresh herbs.
Wrapping the corn in foil not only helps to keep it moist and flavorful, but it also makes for easy clean-up since there are no messy grill grates to scrub!
Preheating the Grill
To cook corn on the cob on a grill in foil, it’s important to preheat your grill to the right temperature. This will ensure that the corn cooks evenly and thoroughly. Follow the steps below to preheat your grill:
Step 1: Clean the Grill
Before preheating, make sure your grill grates are clean. Use a grill brush to remove any leftover food or debris from previous grilling sessions. This will help prevent your corn from sticking to the grates and ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Preheat the Grill
Turn on your grill and set it to medium-high heat. Allow the grill to heat up for about 10-15 minutes with the lid closed. This will give it enough time to reach the desired temperature and ensure that it is evenly heated.
Tip: It’s important to preheat the grill with the lid closed to trap the heat inside and create a consistent cooking environment.
Once your grill has reached the desired temperature, it’s ready for cooking the corn on the cob in foil. Proceed to the next step to prepare the corn for grilling.
Grilling the Corn
Once your grill is preheated and your corn is prepared, it’s time to start grilling. Follow these steps to grill the corn on the cob in foil:
Step 1: Place the Foil-Wrapped Corn on the Grill
Place the foil-wrapped corn directly on the hot grill. Make sure to position each ear of corn with the husk side facing up. This will help steam the corn as it grills.
Step 2: Close the Grill Lid
Close the grill lid to create a convection effect and allow the heat to circulate around the corn. This will help cook the corn evenly and infuse it with smoky flavor.
Step 3: Grill for 10-15 Minutes
Grill the corn for approximately 10-15 minutes, turning the ears occasionally for even cooking. The exact grilling time may vary depending on the heat of your grill and the size of the corn ears. The corn is ready when the husks are charred and the kernels are tender.
Note: If you prefer your corn to be slightly charred, you can briefly remove the foil and place the ears directly on the grill grates during the last few minutes of grilling.
Step 4: Remove from the Grill
Using heat-resistant gloves or tongs, carefully remove the foil-wrapped corn from the grill. Place it on a heatproof surface and allow it to cool for a few minutes before unwrapping.
Once the corn has cooled slightly, unwrap each ear and remove the husks and silk. You can use a pair of tongs to hold the husk while you pull it down, revealing the beautifully grilled corn.
Grilling corn on the cob in foil is a simple and delicious method that locks in moisture and enhances the natural sweetness of the corn. It’s a perfect summer side dish for barbecues and cookouts.
Checking for Doneness
After you have grilled your corn on the cob in foil, it’s important to check if it is cooked properly. You want the corn to be tender and juicy, without being overly mushy or undercooked.
Visual Appearance
First, visually inspect the corn. The kernels should be plump and slightly golden brown. Look for any signs of charring or burning. Small charred spots are normal and add flavor, but excessive charring may indicate overcooking.
Poke Test
To further check for doneness, you can perform a poke test. Carefully remove a piece of corn from the foil using tongs or oven mitts. Insert a fork or skewer into the thickest part of the cob. The fork should easily penetrate the kernels and feel tender. If it meets resistance or feels hard, the corn may need more time on the grill.
Keep in mind that cooking times can vary depending on the heat of your grill and the size of the corn. It’s always better to slightly undercook the corn than to overcook it, as you can always return it to the grill for additional cooking if needed.
Once you have determined that the corn is cooked to your liking, carefully remove it from the foil using tongs or oven mitts. Be cautious as the corn will be hot. Place it on a serving platter and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious grilled corn on the cob!
Visual Appearance | Poke Test |
---|---|
The kernels should be plump and slightly golden brown. | The fork should easily penetrate the kernels and feel tender. |
Look for signs of excessive charring or burning. | If the fork meets resistance or feels hard, the corn may need more time on the grill. |
Serving and Enjoying
Once your grilled corn on the cob is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Here are some tips to make the most of your delicious corn:
1. Add Flavors:
Before serving, you can enhance the taste of your grilled corn by brushing it with melted butter and sprinkling it with salt, pepper, or your favorite seasonings. You can also squeeze some fresh lime juice over it for a tangy twist.
2. Garnish and Presentation:
For an aesthetically pleasing look, you can garnish your corn on the cob with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. This will not only add a pop of color but also complement the flavors. Serve it on a platter to make it more appetizing.
Now it’s time to dig in and enjoy your scrumptious corn on the cob. You can either eat it directly off the cob or cut the kernels off and use them in salads, salsas, or other dishes.
Note: Be cautious when handling the hot corn as it can cause burns. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Whether you’re enjoying the corn as a side dish, a snack, or a part of a larger meal, grilled corn on the cob is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So fire up the grill, follow these easy steps, and savor the mouthwatering flavors of this classic summer treat!
FAQ
Can I cook corn on the cob on the grill in foil?
Yes, you can cook corn on the cob on the grill in foil. This method helps to keep the corn moist and infuse it with smoky flavors.
How do I cook corn on the cob on the grill in foil?
To cook corn on the cob on the grill in foil, first, preheat the grill to medium heat. Remove the husks and silk from the corn, then wrap each ear of corn tightly in foil. Place the foil-wrapped corn on the grill and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender.
What seasonings can I use with grilled corn on the cob?
You can use various seasonings to enhance the flavor of grilled corn on the cob. Some popular options include butter, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese. You can also try brushing the corn with a mixture of melted butter and herbs.
Can I add other ingredients to the foil packet with the corn?
Absolutely! You can add other ingredients to the foil packet with the corn to create different flavors. Some delicious additions include sliced onions, bell peppers, or even bacon. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.
Do I need to soak the corn before grilling it in foil?
No, you do not need to soak the corn before grilling it in foil. The foil itself helps to trap the moisture and steam the corn as it cooks. Soaking the corn is generally done when grilling it directly on the grill grates without foil.