There’s something magical about grilling corn on the cob, isn’t there? The way the kernels pop and burst with sweetness, mingling with the smoky aroma from the grill—it’s like a summer day encapsulated in a single bite. I remember one Fourth of July when my friends and I, sunburned and laughing, ended up eating our weight in grilled corn, the buttery drips mixing with laughter.
Steps
- Prepare Corn in Husks: Gently pull back the husks of each corn cob without detaching them and remove all the silk. Carefully fold the husks back over the corn and submerge the cobs in water for at least 15 minutes to soak.
- Grill Corn in Husks: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the corn from the water, shake off any excess, and place the cobs on the grill. Grill for 15-20 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are cooked to your preference.
- Serve Corn in Husks: Once cooked, take the corn off the grill and peel back the husks. Add butter, salt, and pepper to taste before serving.
- Prepare Corn without Husks: Preheat the grill to medium heat. Remove the husks and silk completely from each cob, and brush them with olive oil.
- Grill Corn without Husks: Place the prepared corn directly on the grill. Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and char.
- Serve Corn without Husks: Once grilled to your liking, remove the corn from the grill. Serve immediately with butter, salt, and pepper according to taste.
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for grilling without husks)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 308 | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 56mg | Potassium: 972mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 680IU | Vitamin C: 24.4mg | Iron: 2mg
FAQ
- How should I prepare corn for grilling if I want to keep the husks on?
- To grill corn with the husks, start by peeling them back without removing them completely and clean out the silk. Then, soak the cobs in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent the husks from burning and to add moisture. Once soaked, grill the cobs for about 15-20 minutes, turning periodically.
- What is the best way to grill corn if I prefer a charred flavor?
- For a more charred taste, remove the husks and silk completely from the corn. Brush the corn with olive oil and grill it directly over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, making sure to turn the corn occasionally for even cooking.
- Can I grill frozen corn, and if so, how?
- Yes, you can grill frozen corn. Since frozen corn is partially cooked, wrap each cob in aluminum foil and grill for about 10 minutes, turning every few minutes until it’s heated through.
- How long should I soak corn in water before grilling it in the husk?
- When grilling corn in the husk, soak the cobs in water for a minimum of 30 minutes and up to 6-8 hours to ensure the husks are fully saturated and the corn is moist.
- What are some flavoring options for grilled corn on the cob?
- Grilled corn pairs well with both plain butter and flavored butters. You can enhance the taste with combinations like ancho chili powder and Cojita cheese, fresh basil with salt and pepper, Old Bay seasoning, or even sugar and cinnamon for a sweet touch.
Tips
- Soak the corn in its husks for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and to ensure the kernels are juicy and tender.
- For a smoky flavor and more char, remove the husks completely before grilling. This method works well for dishes like Grilled Corn Salad or Mexican Elote.
- Enhance the flavor of your grilled corn with homemade flavored butters. Consider mixing softened butter with ingredients like ancho chili powder and Cojita cheese for a Mexican twist, or use Old Bay seasoning for a savory kick.
- When grilling frozen corn, wrap each cob in aluminum foil and grill for about 10 minutes. Since frozen corn is partially cooked, avoid overcooking to maintain its texture.
Equipment
- Grill (if you don’t already have one)
- Grill tongs (for turning the corn)
- Large bowl or container (for soaking the corn)
- Basting brush (for applying olive oil)
