The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Corn on the Grill
Preparing Corn for Grilling
Before you start grilling your corn, you need to prepare it properly to ensure that it cooks evenly and tastes delicious. Here are the steps to follow:
Husk the corn: Remove the outermost layer of the corn husk and discard it. You can leave a few layers of the husk on the corn to help protect it during grilling.
Remove the silk: Peel back the remaining husk to expose the silk. Remove the silk by pulling it off with your hands or using a soft brush.
Soak the corn: Place the corn in a large bowl of cold water and let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes. This will help prevent the husks from burning and ensure that the corn is moist when it goes on the grill.
Dry the corn: Remove the corn from the water and shake off any excess water. Pat the corn dry with a clean towel.
Oil the corn: Brush the corn with a little bit of oil to help prevent sticking and promote even browning.
By following these steps, you’ll have perfectly prepared corn that’s ready to be grilled to perfection.
Grilling Techniques for Perfectly Cooked Corn
Grilling corn can be a bit tricky, as it can easily dry out or burn if not cooked properly. Here are some grilling techniques to help you achieve perfectly cooked corn on the grill:
Direct heat: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F). Place the corn directly on the grill grates and cook, turning occasionally, for 10-15 minutes or until the kernels are tender and lightly charred.
Indirect heat: Alternatively, you can cook the corn using indirect heat. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, then place the corn on the top rack of the grill. Close the lid and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and lightly charred.
Foil-wrapped: If you prefer a softer, steamed texture for your corn, you can wrap the husked corn in foil and place it directly on the grill grates. Cook for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender.
Rotisserie: For a unique and flavorful twist on grilled corn, you can use a rotisserie attachment to cook the corn. Simply skewer the corn through the center and place it on the rotisserie spit. Cook for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and lightly charred.
By using these grilling techniques, you can achieve perfectly cooked corn that’s bursting with flavor and texture.
How Long to Grill Corn on the Cob
Grilling time for corn on the cob can vary depending on a variety of factors such as the temperature of the grill, the size of the corn, and personal preference for doneness. Here are some general guidelines for how long to grill corn on the cob:
Direct heat: If grilling corn on the cob directly over the grill grates, it typically takes around 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, to cook the corn until it’s tender and lightly charred.
Indirect heat: If grilling corn on the cob using indirect heat, it can take around 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, to cook the corn until it’s tender and lightly charred.
Foil-wrapped: If wrapping corn on the cob in foil and grilling it, it can take around 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, to cook the corn until it’s tender.
Rotisserie: If using a rotisserie attachment to grill corn on the cob, it can take around 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, to cook the corn until it’s tender and lightly charred.
It’s important to check the corn periodically while grilling and adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve the desired level of doneness. Once the corn is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Flavorful Seasoning and Topping Ideas for Grilled Corn
Grilled corn on the cob is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when you add some flavorful toppings and seasonings. Here are some ideas to try:
Butter and herbs: Brush the grilled corn with melted butter and sprinkle with chopped herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or thyme.
Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan, crumbled feta, or shredded cheddar cheese on top of the grilled corn.
Spices: Mix together a blend of spices such as chili powder, cumin, and paprika, and sprinkle it over the grilled corn.
Mayo and lime: Mix together some mayonnaise, lime juice, and chili powder, and spread it over the grilled corn.
Pesto: Spread some homemade or store-bought pesto on the grilled corn for a burst of flavor.
Hot sauce: Drizzle your favorite hot sauce over the grilled corn for some added heat.
Garlic: Crush some garlic cloves and mix them with melted butter. Brush the mixture onto the grilled corn for a garlic-infused flavor.
By trying out these flavorful seasoning and topping ideas, you can take your grilled corn to the next level and impress your family and friends at your next barbecue.
Choosing the Best Corn for Grilling
Choosing the right type of corn is essential for achieving delicious and perfectly grilled corn on the cob. Here are some tips for selecting the best corn for grilling:
Look for fresh corn: Choose corn that is firm, plump, and free of bruises or blemishes. The husks should be bright green and tightly wrapped around the corn.
Choose the right variety: For grilling, it’s best to choose corn with larger, plumper kernels that can stand up to the heat of the grill. Varieties such as Silver Queen, Sweet Jubilee, and Bodacious are good options.
Consider the sweetness: Sweeter corn varieties tend to caramelize and char beautifully on the grill. Look for corn that is labeled “super sweet” or “extra sweet.”
Opt for organic: Choosing organic corn is a good option as it is often free from pesticides and other harmful chemicals.
Check for ripeness: To check if the corn is ripe, gently peel back a small portion of the husk and press a kernel with your fingernail. If the kernel is plump and produces a milky liquid, it’s ready for grilling.
By following these tips, you can select the best corn for grilling and ensure that your grilled corn on the cob is bursting with flavor and texture.
