Corn on the cob is a classic summer treat that just screams barbecue season. The sweet, juicy kernels are always a crowd pleaser, but to get that perfect texture and flavor, you need to know exactly how long to grill corn. Undercook it and the kernels will be hard and starchy; overcook it and you’ll end up with dried out, chewy corn. Follow this guide to learn all the tricks for grilling tender, juicy corn on the cob every time.

Choosing the Right Corn for Grilling

Not all corn is created equal when it comes to grilling. The variety and freshness of the corn will impact the texture and flavor, as well as the cook time.

Look for Supersweet Varieties

Many grocery stores carry “supersweet” corn varieties such as Sugar Buns, Ambrosia, and Peaches and Cream. Supersweet corn has been bred to contain more sugar in the kernels, which caramelizes into delicious flavor when grilled. The sugars also help the corn retain moisture for a tender, juicy cob.

Farmers Market Corn Tastes Best

If you have access to freshly picked corn from a local farm or farmers market, it will have the most natural sweetness. The sugars in corn start converting to starch immediately after picking, so the freshest corn always tastes best.

Avoid Starchy Late-Season Corn

Late-season corn that has been left on the stalk longer can become starchy and dry. This older corn may take longer to grill and will not have as sweet of flavor. Stick to corn picked at peak ripeness for optimal grilling.

How Long Does it Take to Grill Corn?

The ideal cook time for grilling corn on the cob is 10-15 minutes. This allows the kernels to become lightly charred and caramelized on the outside while steaming inside.

Here are some tips for achieving perfect grill times:

Grilling times depend on the size and maturity of the corn. Larger, more mature cobs may take 12-15 minutes while smaller, fresher corn may only need 8-10 minutes.
Turn the corn every 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking. This helps prevent charring on one side while the other is undercooked.
For very fresh, tender corn, err on the lower end of the cook time. Overcooking causes the sugars to burn and kernels to toughen.
For thicker, starchy corn, extend the cook time to 15+ minutes and turn more frequently to allow the interior to steam.
Slice off some kernels and taste test for doneness. The corn is ready when the kernels are tender and release juices.

Grilling Methods for Corn on the Cob

In addition to cook times, the grilling method can impact how long corn takes to cook. Here are some popular options:

Direct Grilling

Cooking corn directly over the heat source is a classic grilling technique. Place the corn perpendicular to the grates so kernels don’t fall through. Turn frequently to prevent burning. Direct heat thoroughly caramelizes the corn while locking in moisture.

Indirect Grilling

With indirect grilling, the corn is placed off to the side of the direct heat. This allows the kernels to steam and roast gently without charring too much. Indirect grilling can help prevent overcooking and drying out the corn.

Basket Grilling

Grilling corn in a vented basket makes turning easy while containing loose kernels. Shake the basket or rotate it to evenly expose all sides to the fire. The vented sides allow smoke to circulate around the corn.

Rotisserie Grilling

Rotisserie grilling keeps the corn constantly rotating over direct heat. This hands-off method allows you to easily grill a large batch of corn cobs without having to turn each one individually.

Mastering the Perfect Grilled Corn Step-By-Step

Follow these simple steps for foolproof grilled corn every time:

1. Soak the Corn

Before grilling, soak the corn in cold water for 10-30 minutes. Soaking allows moisture to hydrate into the kernels so they steam better on the grill. Pat the cobs dry before grilling to prevent steaming the outside.

2. Coat the Corn with Oil or Compound Butter

Lightly brush or roll the corn in oil before grilling. Canola, vegetable, olive or avocado oil will all work well. You can also rub the corn with herb butter for extra flavor. This helps the corn caramelize beautifully on the grill.

3. Grill Over Direct Medium Heat

Prepare a hot grill for direct cooking over medium heat, around 375°F to 400°F. Place the corn perpendicular to the grates so the kernels don’t fall through. Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes.

4. Sprinkle with Salt Just Before Removing

For maximum flavor impact, sprinkle the grilled corn generously with salt during the last 1-2 minutes on the grill. Kosher salt or sea salt gives great texture and crunch.

5. Let Rest 5 Minutes Before Serving

Allow the grilled corn to rest for about 5 minutes before cutting off the cob for serving. This allows the hot steam to redistribute through the kernels, finishing the cook.

7 Tips for Perfectly Grilled Corn Every Time

Take your grilled corn to the next level with these helpful tips:

Choose corn at peak ripeness for optimal sweetness. Underripe corn will be starchy.
Leave the husks on while grilling to steam in the corn’s own moisture. Just peel back to grill.
Soak the corn before grilling to maximize moisture and prevent drying out.
Grill shucked corn in an aluminum foil pan to catch juices and loose kernels.
Vary the grill temperature to find your ideal doneness from just warmed to heavily charred.
Rub off any unsightly charred bits after grilling for better presentation.
Add flavor by topping grilled corn with butter, herbs, spices, cheese, or barbecue sauce.

How to Tell When Corn on the Cob is Done Grilling

It can be tricky to gauge when corn on the grill is perfectly cooked through. Here are some surefire ways to test for doneness:

Carefully slice a kernel off the cob and taste it. It should be tender, juicy, and sweet.
Pierce a kernel with a skewer or sharp knife. If the liquid runs clear, it’s done. If milky, it needs more time.
Look for some light charring and browning on the outside of the kernels.
Press a kernel gently. It should burst under light pressure when cooked.
The silk tip should be dark and shriveled when the corn is done.
Lift the ear up. Juices should pool at the bottom if the corn is cooked through.

Err on the side of slightly undercooked, since the corn will continue to steam for 5 minutes after coming off the grill. Overcooked corn kernels will be dry and tough.

Common Grilled Corn Mistakes to Avoid

It can take some trial and error to get perfectly cooked grilled corn. Watch out for these common pitfalls:

Not Removing All the Silk

Any silk left on the cob while grilling can burn, giving the corn an unpleasant charred flavor. Be sure to remove every strand before grilling.

Oversoaking the Corn

While moisture is good, oversoaking causes the kernels to become waterlogged and dilutes the corn flavor. 10-30 minutes is sufficient.

Grilling Too Many at Once

Crowding the grill causes the temperature to drop, leading to uneven cooking. Grill corn in batches to maintain heat.

Turning Too Often

Constant flipping prevents the kernels from caramelizing properly. Turn only every 2-3 minutes for charred flavor.

Waiting Too Long to Season

Salt before serving doesn’t properly season the corn. Sprinkle with salt in the last 1-2 minutes for full flavor impact.

Cutting off the Cob Immediately

Letting the corn rest allows the steam to distribute through all the kernels, finishing the cooking process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grilling Corn

How do you prevent corn from drying out on the grill?

Soak shucked corn in water before grilling, coat in oil, grill indirectly or in foil, and don’t overcook. Pull it off at 10-15 minutes while kernels are still juicy.

Should you soak corn before grilling?

Yes, soaking for 10-30 minutes adds moisture to the kernels so the corn steams better on the grill. Just be sure to pat it dry before grilling.

What temperature should you grill corn?

Aim for medium high heat between 375-400°F. This gives enough heat to caramelize and char the kernels while gently steaming inside.

Should you grill corn in the husk or shucked?

Grilling in the husk steams the corn in its own moisture. For more charred flavor, peel back the husk and silk then grill directly on the cob.

How do you grill corn without drying it out?

Choosing very fresh, ripe corn and avoiding overcooking are key. Also soak the corn, coat in oil, grill indirectly, season just before finishing, and let rest before cutting.

Get Grilling!

Now that you know exactly how long to cook corn on the grill, you can enjoy this summer staple all season long. For the most tender, juicy, and full-flavored cobs, grill supersweet corn varieties over direct medium heat for 10-15 minutes, turning frequently. Test doneness by tasting the kernels for texture. Rest the grilled corn for 5 minutes before serving to finish cooking the kernels in the residual heat.

Add extra flavor by coating the corn with oil and herbs or spices before grilling. Turn bare cobs frequently to prevent charring while retaining moisture. For effortless cooking, leave the husks on and just peel away before eating. Master these simple tricks for outstanding grilled corn every time the craving for this barbecue favorite strikes.

Conclusion

Grilled corn on the cob is one of the greatest pleasures of summertime cooking. Knowing exactly how long to grill corn to achieve that perfect char while maintaining tender, juicy kernels will ensure your barbecue success. Choosing the freshest, sweetest corn varieties, soaking the cobs beforehand, grilling over direct medium heat for 10-15 minutes, and resting before serving are the secrets to corn that lives up to its full potential on the barbecue. Next time your family or friends are craving this beloved summer staple, you’ll know how to deliver sweet, smoky, tender grilled corn worthy of any cookout.

How Long to Cook Corn on the BBQ