Grilled corn is a quick and easy way to add flavor to any summer barbecue. It may not be as complex as mastering meats, but there are still several ways to ensure your corn is grilled to perfection! Below are a few tips for you aspiring grillers.
Corn Grilling Tips:
- Select the freshest ears of corn you can find at your local market (husks should be bright green, and kernels should be plump)
- Soak your corn in a pot of cold water for about 10 minutes prior to grilling
- If you’re grilling your corn bare (without husks), brush it with a small amount of olive oil before it hits the grill
- Be sure you have a full propane tank
- Use a corn on the cob grill basket to rotate your corn with ease
- Experiment with different ways to grill your corn, such as in aluminum foil or with the husks still attached
- Use corn holders while eating so your guests aren’t stuck with messy fingers
Grilled Corn in Aluminum Foil
Corn should grill for about 15-20 minutes on medium heat when it’s wrapped in aluminum foil. If you choose to soak your corn beforehand, just remove it from the water and coat it with any olive oil, butter or seasonings you would like before wrapping it in the foil. If you prefer to spread butter on your corn after it has been cooked, feel free to try out olive oil before grilling and butter afterward! Be sure to rotate the corn every five minutes or so throughout grilling time.
Grilled Corn in the Husks
Once again, soak your corn in cold water before grilling if you wish. It is best to gently peel back the outer husks and remove any silk (the little hair-like pieces) from the corn, then put the husks back in place before soaking. After removing the corn from the pot and shaking off any excess water, place them on a grill using medium heat for 15-20 minutes. Again, be sure to rotate your corn to ensure it cooks evenly throughout! Once the corn has cooled enough to touch, remove each ear from its husk, season or butter to your liking and enjoy!
Grilled Corn Bare
Grilling corn without any sort of outer layer such as the foil or husks is still a great method, but it does require a bit more attention. This route is the best one if you like to see some char on your corn. You’ll want to keep the grill lid down, and rotate the corn about each minute on medium heat. Because the kernels are on direct heat this time, they are more likely to overcook if not rotated frequently. Using a grill basket will make it much easier to rotate each ear of corn simultaneously.
No matter how you choose to grill your corn, feel free to experiment with different flavors by adding things like garlic, cilantro, and pepper. Whether your corn is simply buttered or seasoned with a plethora of ingredients, it will be the hit of your barbecue this summer!
What are some special tricks you use while grilling your corn? Tell us in the comments section below.
