Summer is grilling season, and what better way to enjoy the warm weather than with some perfectly grilled corn on the cob? This guide will walk you through how to cook corn on the grill, achieving that irresistible smoky flavor and tender-sweet kernels. Forget boiling – grilling is the way to elevate your corn game!
Preparing Your Corn for Grilling Perfection
Before you even think about firing up the grill, proper preparation is key to achieving amazing results. Here's what you need to do:
1. Selecting Your Corn:
Choose corn that's fresh and in season. Look for ears with tightly-husked leaves and kernels that are plump and milky-looking. Avoid ears with dry, brown husks or shriveled kernels.
2. Husking Your Corn:
You have a few options here:
- Leave the husks on: This is a great method for imparting a smoky flavor. Simply peel back the husks, remove the silks, and soak the ears in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent burning and keeps the corn moist.
- Remove the husks: For a more even char, remove the husks entirely. Soaking is still recommended to prevent burning.
3. Soaking (Highly Recommended):
Soaking your corn in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling is crucial. This prevents the corn from drying out and burning on the grill. If you're short on time, a quick 15-minute soak will still help.
Grilling Your Corn: Methods and Tips
Now for the fun part! There are several ways to grill corn, each offering a slightly different result:
Method 1: Grilling in the Husk
- Preheat your grill: Medium-high heat is ideal.
- Place corn directly on the grill: Grill for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the husks are slightly charred and the kernels are tender.
- Remove from grill and let rest: Allow the corn to cool slightly before removing the husks and enjoying.
Method 2: Grilling without the Husk
- Preheat your grill: Medium-high heat.
- Grill corn directly on the grill grates: For even cooking, place the corn kernels down first. Grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until kernels are tender and slightly charred. You can also use foil to wrap the corn for even more moist and tender kernels.
- Remove from grill and serve: You can add butter, salt, pepper, or your favorite seasonings immediately after grilling.
Method 3: Grilling with Foil
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Wrap each ear in foil: Brush with oil, sprinkle with seasonings, and tightly wrap in foil.
- Grill for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. The foil packet helps steam the corn, creating exceptionally tender results.
Flavor Boosters for Your Grilled Corn
Don't stop at simple salt and pepper! Experiment with these flavor combinations to elevate your grilled corn:
- Spicy Lime: Lime juice, chili powder, and cilantro.
- Garlic Herb: Minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and olive oil.
- Mexican Street Corn: Mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice.
- Sweet and Savory: Brown sugar, butter, and a pinch of salt.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled corn is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it as a delicious side dish, add it to salads, or use it as a topping for tacos or other grilled foods.
With these tips and tricks, you'll be grilling the most delicious corn on the cob all summer long. Enjoy!
