Grilled corn on the cob with husk is a delicious and nutritious summer dish that brings out the natural sweetness of the corn. The husk acts as a protective layer, keeping the corn moist and adding a smoky flavor during the grilling process. Whether you are hosting a backyard barbecue or simply want to enjoy a tasty meal, grilling corn on the cob with husk is a simple and satisfying option.
To start, choose fresh ears of corn with bright green husks and golden silk. The husk should feel pliable and tightly wrapped around the corn. You can also gently pull back a small section of the husk to make sure the kernels are plump and juicy. Once you have selected the perfect ears of corn, soak them in a basin of cold water for about 30 minutes. This will help to prevent the husks from catching fire and make it easier to remove the silk later on.
Next, prepare your grill for direct grilling over medium-high heat. While the grill is heating up, remove the corn from the water and shake off any excess. Peel back the husks, but leave them attached at the base to create a natural handle. Remove the silk by hand or using a soft brush, making sure to remove as much as possible without damaging the corn. If desired, you can also tie the husks together at the top using a string or a small strip of husk.
Now it’s time to grill the corn! Place the corn on the grill grates directly over the heat and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. The corn should be lightly charred and tender when done. Keep an eye on the husks to prevent any flare-ups. Once grilled, you can serve the corn as it is, or brush with melted butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper for extra flavor. The smoky aroma and the juicy kernels of grilled corn on the cob with husk will surely impress your family and friends!
Cooking grilled corn
Grilled corn on the cob is a tasty and popular dish that can be enjoyed at summer barbecues or as a side dish with your meal. The husk helps to keep the corn moist and adds a smoky flavor. Here is a simple recipe to cook grilled corn on the cob with husk:
Ingredients:
4 ears of corn |
Butter |
Salt |
Pepper |
Instructions:
- Soak the corn in water for about 30 minutes. This will prevent the husk from burning on the grill.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Peel back the husk of each ear of corn, but keep it attached at the base.
- Remove the silk from the corn and discard.
- Spread a generous amount of butter onto each ear of corn.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper on the buttered corn.
- Wrap the husk back around the corn.
- Place the corn on the preheated grill and close the lid.
- Cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn is tender and the husk is charred.
- Remove the corn from the grill and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Peel back the charred husk and serve the grilled corn hot.
Grilled corn on the cob with husk is a delicious and easy dish to make. It pairs well with a variety of other barbecue foods and is a favorite among many. Enjoy!
Preparing the corn
Before grilling your corn on the cob, you first need to prepare it by removing the husk and silk. Follow these steps:
1. Remove the outer husk
Start by peeling back the outer husk of the corn, but do not remove it completely. Leave a few layers intact to help protect the kernels from direct heat.
2. Remove the silk
Gently pull away the silk threads that run between the husk and the kernels. It’s important to remove all the silk to ensure a clean taste and avoid any bitterness.
Pro Tip: If you find it challenging to remove the silk, you can use a soft brush or a damp paper towel to help remove stubborn strands.
Once you have removed the silk, smooth the husk back into place. Soaking the corn in water for about 10 minutes before grilling can help prevent the husk from burning.
Note: You can also experiment with different flavorings by adding herbs, spices, or butter between the husk and the corn before grilling for extra taste.
Soaking the husk
Before grilling the corn, it is important to soak the husk in water. This helps to prevent the husk from burning during the grilling process and also helps to steam the corn, making it tender and juicy.
To soak the husk:
- Fill a container or sink with cold water.
- Place the corn in the water, ensuring that it is completely submerged.
- Let the corn soak for at least 15 minutes, but preferably 30 minutes or longer.
Soaking the husk not only improves the taste and texture of the corn, but it also helps to keep the corn from drying out during grilling. By soaking the husk, you are essentially creating a protective barrier between the corn and the heat, resulting in perfectly cooked corn on the cob.
Note: It is recommended to remove any excess silk from the corn before soaking it. This can be done by gently peeling back the husk and removing the silk with a brush or your hands. Once the silk is removed, fold the husk back over the corn and proceed with soaking.
Seasoning the corn
Once you have prepared the corn by removing the silks and soaking it in water, it’s time to season it. Seasoning adds flavor and enhances the taste of grilled corn on the cob. Here are some delicious seasoning ideas:
- Butter and salt: This classic combination never fails. After grilling the corn, spread some butter on it and sprinkle salt to taste. The butter will melt and coat the corn, creating a mouthwatering experience.
- Garlic and parmesan: Mix minced garlic with melted butter and brush it onto the grilled corn. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top and let it melt. The combination of garlic and parmesan adds a flavorful twist to the corn.
- Lime and chili: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the grilled corn and sprinkle it with chili powder or Tajin seasoning for a tangy and spicy kick.
- Herbs and spices: Create a savory herb blend by mixing dried herbs like thyme, oregano, and basil with salt and pepper. Rub this mixture onto the grilled corn for a fragrant and delicious flavor.
- Honey and cinnamon: For a sweet twist, brush grilled corn with honey and sprinkle it with cinnamon. The combination of sweet honey and warm cinnamon adds a delightful taste.
Choose your favorite seasoning and get creative with your grilled corn on the cob. Experiment with different flavors and combinations to find your perfect match!
Grilling the corn
After preparing the corn, it’s time to start grilling! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Place the corn directly on the grill grates and close the lid. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning the corn occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Keep an eye on the corn as it grills, making sure it doesn’t burn. The husk will blacken and char, and that’s normal, but you want to avoid any excessive burning.
Once the corn is cooked, remove it from the grill using tongs. Be careful as it will be hot.
Let the corn cool down for a few minutes and then carefully peel back the husk and silk. Use a kitchen towel or oven mitts to protect your hands.
You can then season the grilled corn with salt, pepper, butter, or any other desired toppings. Serve immediately while still warm.
Grilled corn on the cob with husk is a delicious and popular summer side dish. Enjoy!
Serving the grilled corn
Once the grilled corn on the cob with husk is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy it. Here are a few serving suggestions to make your grilled corn even more delicious:
1. Traditional Serving
The traditional way to serve grilled corn on the cob with husk is by simply removing the husk and serving it as is. The smoky flavor from grilling enhances the natural sweetness of the corn, making it a great side dish for barbecue parties and summer cookouts.
2. Seasoned Butter
Create a flavored butter to spread over the grilled corn for an extra burst of flavor. Mix softened butter with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or cilantro, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the butter mixture chill in the refrigerator until firm, then spread it over the hot grilled corn.
Alternatively, you can also make a spicy butter by adding a dash of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the softened butter.
3. Parmesan and Lime
Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lime juice over the grilled corn for a tangy and savory twist. The cheese adds creaminess while the lime juice adds a refreshing acidity that complements the sweetness of the corn.
4. Mexican Street Corn
For a Mexican-inspired grilled corn, spread a mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, and minced garlic over the hot corn. Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro on top, and finish with a squeeze of lime juice. This delicious combination of flavors is commonly known as “elote” and is a popular street food in Mexico.
Traditional Serving | Seasoned Butter | Parmesan and Lime | Mexican Street Corn |
---|---|---|---|
Simple and classic | Enhances flavor with herbs and spices | Tangy and savory | Mexican-inspired with creamy and zesty flavors |
Perfect for barbecue parties and cookouts | Customize the butter mixture to your preference | Adds a refreshing acidity | A popular street food in Mexico |
FAQ
What is the best way to cook grilled corn on the cob?
The best way to cook grilled corn on the cob is to leave the husk on and cook it over medium-high heat. This allows the corn to steam inside the husk, resulting in a tender and juicy corn on the cob.
Should I soak the corn in water before grilling?
Yes, it is recommended to soak the corn in water for about 10-15 minutes before grilling. This helps to prevent the husk from burning and drying out during the grilling process.
How long should I grill corn on the cob?
You should grill corn on the cob for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally. The corn is ready when the husk is charred and the kernels are cooked through and tender.
Can I season the corn before grilling?
Yes, you can season the corn before grilling. Some popular seasonings include salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. You can either sprinkle the seasonings directly on the corn or mix them with melted butter to create a flavorful basting mixture.
What are some serving suggestions for grilled corn on the cob?
Grilled corn on the cob can be served with a variety of toppings and accompaniments. Some popular options include brushing the corn with melted butter and sprinkling it with grated cheese, herbs, or chili powder. You can also serve it with lime wedges for squeezing over the corn or dip it in different sauces, such as aioli or chipotle mayo.
What is the best way to cook corn on the cob?
The best way to cook corn on the cob is to grill it with the husk on. This method helps to retain the moisture in the corn and infuses it with a smoky flavor.