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November 5, 2024
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to enjoy fresh corn, look no further than grilling. Grilling whole corn on the cob gives it a smoky and charred flavor that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just craving a tasty side dish for dinner, grilling corn is the way to go.
Grilling corn may seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple. All you need is some fresh corn, a hot grill, and a few minutes of your time. Plus, the great thing about grilling corn is that you can experiment with different flavors and seasonings to create your own unique mix. Whether you prefer a classic buttery taste or want to spice things up with some chili and lime, grilling corn allows you to get creative in the kitchen.
One of the best things about grilling corn on the cob is that it brings out the natural sweetness of the corn. As the heat of the grill caramelizes the sugars in the corn, you’re left with a juicy and flavorful result. And let’s not forget about the charred kernels, which add a delicious smokiness to the overall taste. So if you’ve never tried grilling corn before, now is the perfect time to give it a go.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of grilling whole corn on the cob. From preparing the corn to adding your favorite seasonings, we’ll cover everything you need to know to achieve corn perfection on the grill. So grab some corn, fire up the grill, and get ready to enjoy the best corn on the cob you’ve ever tasted!
Grilling Whole Corn: A Complete Guide
Grilling whole corn on the barbecue is a delicious way to enhance the natural sweetness and smoky flavor of this summer vegetable. Follow this complete guide to learn how to perfectly grill whole corn and impress your family and friends at your next cookout.
Choosing the Right Corn
When it comes to grilling whole corn, choosing the right corn is crucial. Look for fresh ears of corn with bright green husks and golden silk. Avoid corn with dried or brown husks, as it may be past its prime.
Preparing the Corn
Before grilling, remove the outer husks of the corn but leave the innermost layer intact. Carefully peel back the husks, removing any silk threads. Then, fold the husks back up around the corn.
In a large bowl, soak the corn in cold water for about 10 minutes. This will help prevent the husks from burning and drying out during grilling.
Grilling Techniques
There are a few different techniques you can use to grill whole corn:
- Direct Heat: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the corn directly on the grill grates and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the husks are charred and the kernels are tender.
- Indirect Heat: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the corn away from the direct heat source (such as on the upper rack or away from the burner) and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and lightly charred.
- Foil-Wrapped: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Wrap each ear of corn tightly in aluminum foil. Place the foil-wrapped corn on the grill grates and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender.
Serving Suggestions
After grilling, carefully remove the husks and silk from the corn. Serve the grilled corn as is, or brush it with melted butter and sprinkle with salt, pepper, or your favorite herbs and spices. You can also squeeze fresh lime or lemon juice over the corn for an extra burst of flavor.
Grilled whole corn can be enjoyed on its own, or it can be used as an ingredient in various dishes, such as salads, salsas, or grain bowls. Get creative and explore different flavor combinations to elevate your grilled corn to the next level.
Now that you have the complete guide to grilling whole corn, it’s time to fire up the grill and enjoy this delicious summer treat. Happy grilling!
Preparing the Grill
Before you start grilling whole corn, it is important to prepare the grill properly. Follow these steps to ensure the best results:
1. Clean the grill: Remove any leftover food or debris from the grill grates. Scrub them with a grill brush to ensure they are clean.
2. Preheat the grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. This will help to cook the corn evenly and ensure a nice char on the outside.
3. Oil the grates: Using a paper towel or brush, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the corn from sticking.
4. Soak the corn: Before grilling, soak the ears of corn in cold water for at least 20 minutes. This will help prevent the husks from burning and allow the corn to steam as it cooks.
5. Remove the silks: Peel back the husks of the corn, but leave them attached at the base. Remove the silks by hand, making sure to remove as much as possible.
6. Season the corn (optional): If desired, season the corn with butter, salt, pepper, or any other seasonings you prefer. Applying seasonings before grilling allows the flavors to penetrate the corn.
7. Rewrap the corn: Pull the husks back up around the corn, covering it completely. If necessary, use some of the husks to tie them back together at the top.
By taking these steps to prepare the grill, you will be ready to cook the whole corn with ease and maximize its delicious flavor!
Choosing the Perfect Corn
When it comes to grilling whole corn, the first step is to choose the perfect ears. Follow these tips to ensure you pick the best corn for grilling:
- Look for corn that has bright green husks, indicating freshness.
- Feel the corn to ensure it has plump kernels that are evenly distributed.
- Check the silk at the top of the ear. It should be slightly sticky and not too dry or too moist.
- Avoid corn with brown or dry spots on the husks, as this indicates it may be past its prime.
- Consider buying from local farmers’ markets or roadside stands for the freshest options.
By carefully choosing the corn, you’ll ensure that your grilled corn on the cob is bursting with flavor. Now that you’ve selected the perfect ears, it’s time to move on to the next step: preparing the corn for grilling.
Preparing the Corn for Grilling
Before you start grilling the whole corn, it’s important to properly prepare it to ensure delicious results. Follow these steps to get your corn ready:
1. Choose Fresh Corn
Selecting fresh corn is crucial for the best flavor. Look for corn with bright green husks that feel firm and tightly wrapped. Avoid corn with dry or brown husks as it may be old and lacking in flavor.
2. Remove the Husks
Start by peeling back the outermost layer of husk and snapping it off at the base. Continue peeling back the husks, one layer at a time, until you reach the innermost layer. Remove any remaining silk by brushing it off with your hands or using a soft kitchen brush.
3. Soak the Corn
Place the husked corn in a large bowl or sink filled with cold water. Allow the corn to soak for at least 15 minutes, which helps to prevent it from drying out on the grill and enhances the juicy texture.
Following these steps will ensure that your whole corn is ready to be grilled to perfection!
Adding Flavour with Seasonings
While grilling whole corn, you can enhance the taste by adding various seasonings. Here are some ideas to try:
- Butter and Salt: Spread a generous amount of butter on the grilled corn and sprinkle it with salt for a classic and simple flavor.
- Lime and Chili: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the corn and sprinkle it with chili powder for a tangy and spicy kick.
- Garlic and Parmesan: Mix minced garlic with melted butter and brush it over the grilled corn. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for a savory and cheesy taste.
- Herb Butter: Prepare a mixture of softened butter and your favorite herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary. Spread this herb butter on the grilled corn for a fragrant and flavorful experience.
- Barbecue Seasoning: Brush the corn with barbecue sauce and sprinkle it with your preferred barbecue seasoning for a smoky and savory taste.
Remember to brush the corn with oil or butter before applying any seasonings to ensure that they stick properly. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite flavor profile. Enjoy the delicious and flavorful grilled corn!
Grilling Techniques for Perfect Corn
Grilling corn on the cob is a delicious way to enjoy this summer staple. With just a few simple techniques, you can achieve perfectly cooked corn that is sweet, juicy, and full of flavor. Whether you prefer your corn with a smoky char or tender and crisp, these grilling techniques will help you achieve corn perfection.
Selecting the Best Corn
To start, choose fresh ears of corn with bright green husks and plump kernels. The kernels should be tightly packed and free from blemishes. For the best flavor, opt for corn that has been freshly picked and is in season.
Preparing the Corn
Before grilling, it’s important to remove the husks and silk from the corn. Start by peeling back the husks, taking care not to remove them completely. Gently remove the silk, using a vegetable brush if necessary. Once the silk has been removed, fold the husks back over the corn.
Some grillers prefer to soak their corn in water for about 15 minutes before grilling to prevent the husks from burning. While this step is optional, it can help to keep the corn moist during grilling.
Grilling the Corn
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the prepared corn directly onto the grill grates and close the lid. Grill the corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and have developed a slight char.
If you prefer your corn to have a smoky flavor, you can remove the husks and silk before grilling and place the corn directly onto the grill grates. This method will allow the corn to become slightly charred and infused with smoky flavor.
For those who prefer their corn to be tender and crisp, you can wrap the husks back around the corn after removing the silk and grill it with the husks intact. This method will steam the corn, resulting in a tender and juicy texture.
Once the corn is cooked to your desired level of doneness, carefully remove it from the grill using tongs. Allow the corn to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve the grilled corn with butter, salt, and pepper, or get creative with different toppings like cotija cheese, lime juice, or hot sauce.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply want to enjoy a taste of summer, grilling whole corn on the cob is a delicious and satisfying way to elevate this classic side dish.
Q&A
What ingredients do I need to cook whole corn on the grill?
To cook whole corn on the grill, you will need fresh corn ears, butter, salt, and pepper.
What equipment do I need to cook whole corn on the grill?
To cook whole corn on the grill, you will need a barbecue grill, tongs, aluminum foil, and a butter brush.
What is the best way to prepare the corn ears for grilling?
The best way to prepare the corn ears for grilling is to remove the husks and the silk, and then rinse the corn with water to clean it.
How long does it take to grill whole corn on the grill?
It usually takes about 10-15 minutes to grill whole corn on the grill, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Can I use any seasoning other than salt and pepper?
Yes, you can experiment with different seasonings to enhance the flavor of the grilled corn, such as chili powder, garlic powder, or paprika.