How Long to BBQ Corn - Outdoor Cabinets

Cooking corn on the grill is a classic summer treat. The sweet flavor of the corn combines perfectly with the smoky char from the grill. While grilling corn is simple, knowing exactly how long to BBQ corn ensures tender kernels with the best texture.

An Introduction to Grilling Corn

Corn on the cob is one of the most popular foods for grilling. The high heat of the grill imparts a delicious smoky flavor while allowing the natural sweetness of the corn to shine through. Grilled corn makes a perfect side dish for grilled meats, sausages, kebabs, and more. It’s also great to serve on its own as an appetizer or snack.

When selecting corn for grilling, look for plump, tight husks with visible kernels. The fresher the corn, the sweeter it will taste when cooked. Remove the outer husks and silk just before grilling. There’s no need to soak the corn before cooking.

Grilling brings out the natural sugars in corn and enhances its flavor. Cooking it correctly results in tender kernels with a lightly charred exterior. Overcooking makes the corn tough and dried out. Understanding proper grill times and temperatures helps prevent this.

Follow the guidelines below to learn how long to BBQ corn based on different cooking methods. This ensures your grilled corn turns out perfectly sweet and tender every time.

How Long to Grill Corn Directly on the Grill

Grilling corn directly on the grill grates exposes it completely to the heat source. This method requires frequent turning and monitoring to prevent burning. It’s best for corn that’s in husk or wrapped in foil.

Grill shucked corn over direct medium heat for 8-12 minutes. Turn frequently to prevent burning.
Grill corn in husks over direct medium heat for 15-20 minutes. The husks protect the corn from burning. Turn occasionally.
Grill corn in foil directly on the grill for 10-15 minutes. The foil helps diffuse the heat. Rotate the ears a few times as they cook.

Always watch closely to prevent charring when grilling corn over direct heat. Pull off the ears as soon as they develop light grill marks and the kernels feel tender when pierced with a knife tip.

How Long to Grill Corn Over Indirect Heat

Cooking corn over indirect heat minimizes burning. The corn sits offset from the heat source, rather than directly over the flame. The gentler heat gently steams the corn while infusing it with a subtle smoky flavor.

Grill shucked corn over indirect medium heat for 15-20 minutes. Check often and turn occasionally.
Grill corn in the husk or foil over indirect medium heat for 20-30 minutes. Monitor carefully to prevent overcooking.
For extra smoky flavor, soak corn in husks in water mixed with a tablespoon of woodchips for 1 hour before grilling.

Indirect grilling requires more time but delivers juicier corn with great texture. Ears may take 5-15 minutes longer if grilling a large batch. Test doneness by piercing kernels with a knife tip.

How Long to Grill Corn in an Oven

You can “grill” corn in the oven when the weather doesn’t allow cooking outdoors. Roasting it at a high temperature mimics the char and caramelized flavors of the grill.

Roast shucked corn brushed with oil in a 450°F oven for 12-18 minutes.
Roast corn in husks or foil at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Check often to prevent overcooking.

Turn the corn a few times while it cooks in the oven to prevent burning. For added flavor, try wrapping the corn in parchment paper along with pats of butter, chopped herbs, chili powder, or other seasonings before roasting.

How Long to Grill Corn on a Gas Grill

Cooking corn on a gas grill differs slightly than grilling over charcoal. The direct heat source cooks the corn faster than indirect heat from charcoal embers. Adjust times accordingly.

Grill shucked corn over direct MEDIUM heat for 6-10 minutes. Rotate frequently.
Grill corn in husks or foil directly over MEDIUM heat for 10-15 minutes. Turn ears occasionally.
For indirect cooking on a gas grill, cook shucked ears for 12-18 minutes. Cook husked or foiled corn for 15-25 minutes. Monitor closely.

Get to know your grill to identify the medium and indirect heat zones. Stick to the medium setting to prevent burning. Move the corn around as needed to cook evenly.

Tips for Grilling Corn Perfectly

Follow these tips for grilling irresistibly delicious corn on the cob every time:

Select fresh, in-season corn. The sugars convert to starch quickly as corn ages.
Peel back the husks but don’t remove. Soak corn for added moisture and flavor if desired.
Brush shucked corn with oil before grilling for extra browning and caramelization.
Grill over MEDIUM heat. High heat risks charring the corn before the interior cooks.
Grill corn in batches to maintain even heat. Don’t overcrowd.
Turn corn frequently to cook evenly. Kernels facing the heat source cook faster.
For extra flavor, wrap corn in foil with butter, lime juice, spices, or chopped herbs.
Cook corn until the kernels pierce easily with a knife tip. Discard overly charred ears.
Sprinkle with salt, pepper, Parmesan, chili powder, or other seasonings right after grilling.
Serve grilled corn immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Now that you know exactly how long to BBQ corn, you can serve up the perfect grilled ears every time. Experiment with different rubs and flavors to make this summer staple truly unforgettable. Just be sure not to overcook the corn. Checking it frequently and pulling it off at the right moment is key. Enjoy the iconic sweet smoky taste of corn that says summertime in every bite!

Frequently Asked Questions About Grilling Corn

Grilling corn on the cob is fun and easy, but there are some common questions that come up. Here are helpful answers to the most frequently asked questions about cooking corn on the grill:

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

Leave husks on and soak in water for 30 minutes before grilling to add moisture.
Brush shucked corn with oil or melted butter before and during cooking.
Grill over indirect heat and rotate frequently for even cooking.
Mist ears with water if they start to look dry.
Don’t overcook. Kernels should pierce easily with a knife tip.

Should you soak corn before grilling?

Soaking is optional but does add moisture.
Soak husked corn in salted water for 30 minutes before grilling.
You can also soak corn in flavorful liquids, like beer or broth.
Pat corn dry before grilling if soaked to prevent steaming instead of grilling.

What is the best way to grill corn?

Grilling in the husk infuses the most flavor.
Shuck the corn but leave the inner husks on for protection.
Grill over medium indirect heat, rotating frequently.
Cook until kernels pierce easily with a knife tip.
Direct heat works too but requires more monitoring to prevent burning.

How do you grill corn without drying it out?

Leave the husks on while grilling to lock in moisture.
If shucking corn, brush with oil or melted butter before and during cooking.
Grill over indirect medium heat and turn the corn often.
Mist ears with water if they start to look dry.
Don’t overcook. Kernels should still have some pop when pierced.

How do you keep corn from burning on the grill?

Grill corn in the husks to prevent burning.
If shucking, soak corn in water for 30 minutes before grilling.
Grill over indirect medium heat, not direct high heat.
Rotate the corn frequently while grilling to cook evenly.
Brush shucked corn with oil to prevent sticking and burning.
Pull off any overly blackened ears right away.

How long does it take to grill corn?

Grilling times range from 10-30 minutes depending on method.
Shucked corn takes 8-15 minutes over direct heat, turning frequently.
Corn in husks or foil takes 15-25 minutes over indirect heat, rotating occasionally.
Cook just until the kernels pierce easily with a knife tip.
Adjust times based on grill type and amount of corn being cooked.

What temperature do you grill corn at?

Grill corn over medium heat, around 350-400°F.
High heat risks burning the corn before the inside cooks through.
Indirect heat is gentler, while direct heat exposes the corn fully to the fire or burners.
If in doubt, start with indirect medium heat and increase heat as needed.
Cook until the corn is lightly charred in spots but not burnt.

How do you grill corn in aluminum foil?

Peel back corn husks, remove silk, then wrap each ear tightly in foil.
Use individual foil packets or place all on one large sheet.
Grill over direct medium heat for 15-20 minutes, rotating occasionally.
Add butter, seasonings, or other flavorings to each packet before grilling.
Kernels should pierce easily with a knife tip when done.

Grilling corn is easy once you know the tricks to preventing dried out or burnt corn. Keep the husks on, grill over gentle heat, rotate the ears, and pull them off on time. With a few simple guidelines, you’ll be enjoying tender, juicy grilled corn all summer long.

Conclusion

Knowing exactly how long to BBQ corn ensures perfect results every time. Shucked corn grills quickly over direct heat and needs frequent turning. Corn in the husk requires a lower temperature and longer cooking time. For the best flavor and texture, grill until the kernels pierce easily with a knife tip. Avoid overcooking or charring the corn. With these guidelines, you can serve up amazingly sweet and tender grilled corn that steals the show at any barbecue or cookout. Experiment with global spice rubs, flavored butters, or unique toppings to take simple grilled corn on the cob from basic to sensational.