Corn on the cob is a delicious and popular summer treat, and cooking it in its husks adds a unique, smoky flavor. This method of cooking also helps to retain the corn’s natural moisture, resulting in tender and juicy kernels. Whether you’re grilling or roasting corn on the cob, cooking it in its husks is a simple and fuss-free technique that will surely impress your guests.
To cook corn on the cob in husks, start by selecting fresh ears of corn with bright green husks. It’s important to choose ears with tightly wrapped husks, as this indicates that the corn is fresh. Gently peel back the outer layers of the husks, but keep them attached at the base. Remove any silk strands from the corn kernels, and then carefully fold the husks back over the corn.
If you’re grilling the corn, preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the corn on the cob directly on the grill grates and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally. The husks will darken and may char slightly, but this is normal and adds to the smoky flavor. Once cooked, remove the corn from the grill and let it cool for a few minutes before peeling back the husks.
If you prefer to roast the corn, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the corn on a baking sheet and roast for approximately 25-30 minutes, until the husks are browned and the corn is tender. Allow the corn to cool for a few minutes before unwrapping the husks.
Note: Be cautious when handling the corn as it will be hot. Use oven mitts or tongs to protect your hands.
Once the husks are removed, you can season your corn on the cob with butter, salt, and pepper, or get creative with your choice of toppings. Enjoy your delicious corn on the cob and savor the flavors of summer!
Preparation
Before you start cooking corn on the cob in husks, you need to prepare the corn and gather the necessary ingredients.
1. Choose fresh corn: Pick out the freshest corn you can find at the grocery store or local market. Look for ears of corn with bright green husks and tightly closed tips. Avoid ears with brown or dry husks, as they indicate older corn.
2. Remove the outer leaves: Peel back the outer leaves of the corn husks until you reach the inner layer. You can remove a few layers or all of them, depending on your preference. Removing some outer leaves can make the corn easier to handle and cook more evenly.
3. Remove the silk: Once you have peeled back the outer leaves, you will see silky threads, known as corn silk, covering the corn kernels. Gently pull off the silk and discard it. Make sure to remove all the silk to prevent it from burning during cooking.
4. Soak the corn: Fill a large pot or basin with cold water and place the prepared corn in it. Allow the corn to soak for at least 15 minutes. Soaking the corn helps to keep it moist during cooking and prevents the husks from catching fire.
5. Optional: Season the corn: If you like, you can season the corn before cooking. Apply a thin layer of butter or your favorite seasoning directly onto the corn kernels. This will infuse the corn with extra flavor as it steams inside the husks.
Now that you have prepared the corn, all you need to do is cook it. Follow the steps below to learn how to cook corn on the cob in husks.
Gather the ingredients
To cook corn on the cob in husks, you will need the following ingredients:
- Fresh corn: Choose ears of corn that are still in their husks and feel firm to the touch.
- Butter: You will need softened butter to spread over the cooked corn.
- Salt and pepper: Season the corn with salt and pepper to taste.
Optional: You can also add other seasonings or herbs for additional flavor.
Soak the corn
Before cooking corn on the cob in husks, it’s important to soak the corn. Soaking the corn helps to add moisture and steam to the husks, which will result in tender and juicy corn.
To soak the corn, start by filling a large pot or basin with cold water. Make sure the water is enough to completely submerge the corn. Place the corn in the water and let it soak for at least 15 minutes, but no longer than 30 minutes.
Tip: Adding salt or sugar to the water can enhance the natural sweetness of the corn.
Why soak the corn?
Soaking the corn before cooking helps to prevent the husks from burning and allows the corn kernels to cook evenly and retain their natural sweetness. It also helps to soften any dry or withered husks, making them easier to peel back when eating.
By soaking the corn, you’ll ensure that the husks don’t catch fire while cooking on the grill or in the oven, and the steam created by the water will cook the corn kernels to perfection.
Cooking
Cooking is the process of preparing food using various techniques and methods. It not only provides nourishment, but also allows for creativity and self-expression. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, cooking can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
Benefits of Cooking
Cooking at home has numerous benefits. Firstly, it allows you to have control over the ingredients used, ensuring that you are consuming fresh and healthy meals. Additionally, it is a cost-effective alternative to eating out, as restaurant meals can be expensive. Moreover, cooking can be a great way to bond with family and friends, as you can invite them over for a delicious home-cooked meal.
Common Cooking Techniques
There are various cooking techniques that are commonly used. These include:
Technique | Description |
---|---|
Baking | Cooking food in an enclosed oven using dry heat. |
Boiling | Cooking food in a liquid at a high temperature. |
Grilling | Cooking food on a grill over direct heat. |
Sautéing | Cooking food quickly in a small amount of hot oil. |
Steaming | Cooking food over steam in a covered container. |
These are just a few examples, and there are many more techniques that can be explored in the world of cooking. Experimenting with different techniques can lead to delicious and unique dishes.
Preheat the grill
To cook corn on the cob in husks, start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that the corn cooks evenly and thoroughly.
While the grill is preheating, you can begin preparing the corn by removing any loose or outer husks. Be sure to leave a few layers of husks intact, as this will help to lock in moisture and flavor during the cooking process.
Once the grill is hot, place the corn on the grill grates and close the lid. Allow the corn to cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the husks are charred and the kernels are tender.
After the corn is done cooking, carefully remove it from the grill using tongs. Let it cool for a few minutes before peeling back the husks and enjoying the delicious, steamed corn inside.
You can serve the corn on the cob as is or brush it with melted butter and sprinkle it with salt for added flavor. Either way, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Place the corn on the grill
After soaking the corn in water for about 10 minutes, it’s time to place it on the grill. Make sure the grill grates are clean and preheated to medium-high heat.
Carefully remove the corn from the water and shake off any excess moisture. Place the corn directly on the grill grates, placing the husk side down. Close the grill lid and let the corn cook for about 15-20 minutes.
Flip the corn
After 15-20 minutes, it’s time to flip the corn. Using tongs or grill gloves, carefully turn each cob over so that the husk side is facing up. This will allow the heat to penetrate the husks and further cook the corn kernels.
Cook for additional time
Once flipped, close the grill lid and continue cooking the corn for an additional 10-15 minutes. This will ensure that the kernels are fully cooked and tender. Keep an eye on the corn to prevent it from becoming burnt.
Grilling time
Grilling corn on the cob in husks typically takes around 15-20 minutes. However, the exact grilling time can vary depending on the heat of your grill and the size of the corn cobs.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for grilling corn on the cob in husks:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Place the corn cobs on the grill grates, husks and all.
- Close the grill lid and let the corn cook for about 7-10 minutes.
- Using tongs, carefully flip the corn cobs and cook for an additional 7-10 minutes.
- Remove the corn from the grill and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Once cooled, carefully peel back the husks and remove the silk.
- Brush the corn with melted butter or your favorite seasoning.
- Place the corn back on the grill for a couple of minutes to get a nice char and enhance the flavor.
- Remove from the grill and serve immediately.
Remember to always exercise caution when handling hot grill grates and corn cobs. Enjoy your grilled corn on the cob in husks!
Cook the corn for 15 minutes
Once you have prepared the corn by removing the silk and soaking the husks in water, it’s time to cook the corn. Place the corn directly on the grill over medium-high heat. It’s important to cook the corn in the husks to allow it to steam and retain its natural flavor.
Cook the corn for 15 minutes, turning it occasionally to ensure even cooking. The husks will become charred and the corn kernels will become tender.
After 15 minutes, carefully remove the corn from the grill using tongs. Be cautious as the corn will be hot. Let it cool for a few minutes before carefully peeling back the husks.
Once the husks are peeled back, you can season the corn with butter, salt, and pepper, or any other desired seasonings. Serve the corn hot and enjoy the delicious flavors of fresh, grilled corn on the cob!
Q&A
What is the best way to cook corn on the cob?
The best way to cook corn on the cob is to leave it in the husks and grill it. This method helps to retain the moisture and flavor of the corn.
Can I cook corn on the cob without removing the husks?
Yes, you can cook corn on the cob without removing the husks. Simply wrap the corn in foil and place it on a grill or in the oven. This method will steam the corn and keep it moist.
How long does it take to cook corn on the cob in husks?
It usually takes about 15-20 minutes to cook corn on the cob in husks on the grill. If you’re cooking it in the oven, it may take a bit longer, around 30-35 minutes.
Can I boil corn on the cob in the husks?
Although it is possible to boil corn on the cob in the husks, it is not the most common method. Boiling corn without the husks allows for better absorption of flavor and ensures even cooking. However, if you prefer to keep the husks on, make sure to add an additional few minutes to the cooking time.