Corn on the cob is a classic summer treat that just tastes better when cooked on the grill. The smoky char from the grill combined with the sweet corn flavor is hard to beat. Grilling corn is easy to do as long as you follow some simple steps. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about how to cook corn on the BBQ perfectly every time.
Choosing the Right Corn for the Grill
The first step in grilling great corn on the cob is choosing the right type of corn. The variety and freshness of the corn you select will impact the final flavor and texture. Here are some tips for selecting the best corn for cooking on the BBQ:
Look for Super Sweet Varieties
Many super sweet varieties of corn have been bred specifically for grilling. These extra sweet corns contain higher sugar content than standard sweet corn. Popular super sweet types include sh2 and se corn hybrids like Providence, Ambrosia, Honey Select and Peaches and Cream. The higher sugar in these varieties caramelizes beautifully when charred on the grill.
Buy Fresh, In-Husks Corn
Choose corn that still has the green husks and silk intact. The husks help protect and steam the corn while grilling. Freshly picked corn in the husk will have the sweetest flavor and crispest texture. Avoid corn that looks dried out.
Choose Uniform, Firm Ears
Select ears of corn that feel tightly packed and firm when you squeeze them through the husk. The kernels should be plump and come all the way to the tip of the ear. Avoid ears with gaps between kernels, this indicates stale corn.
Shop Local Farm Stands
Buy corn from local farms and stands if possible. Corn begins losing sugar content immediately after picking. Locally grown corn sold soon after harvest will be the freshest.
Consider Baby Corn for Grilling
If you want a petite corn option, try grilling up some baby corn. Remove husks and grill lightly over direct heat just until charred in spots. The small bites of baby corn pack a lot of flavor.
Following these simple tips when selecting corn will help ensure you start with the best product for grilling success.
How to Prepare Corn for Grilling
Preparing the corn properly before grilling is the next key step for cooked-to-perfection results:
Pull Down Husks and Remove Silk
Husk the corn but leave the husks attached at the base. Use your hands to remove all the silk strands from the corn. The silk can give an unpleasant texture.
Soak Corn in Water
Soak the corn in cold water before grilling. This prevents the husk and corn kernels from burning and drying out. Soak for 20-30 minutes.
Add Flavor with Spices and Herbs
Consider soaking the corn in seasoned water. Add garlic, paprika, chili powder, lime juice or other spice mixes to the water to infuse more flavor.
Butter and Season Under Husks
For more flavor, coat the corn under the husks with a stick of butter mixed with spices before grilling. Cajun seasoning, paprika and cayenne work well.
Don’t Remove All the Husk
Keep some of the husk on during grilling to hold in moisture and allow the corn to steam. Removing too much husk can lead to dried out corn.
Prepping the corn properly before it hits the grill will allow the corn to cook evenly while keeping moisture and flavor locked in.
Choosing the Best Cooking Method
There are a few different techniques you can use to grill corn on the cob. Choosing the right cooking method can lead to perfect results every time.
Grill Over Direct High Heat
Cooking the corn directly over the hot grill grate will give you char and caramelization. Use tongs to frequently rotate the ears.
Grill Over Indirect Low Heat
If grilling over direct heat is drying out the corn, try moving it to indirect heat. This allows it to steam from the husk.
Use the Husk as a Package
Leave the husk completely intact and place over direct heat. The corn will steam inside the husk “package” as it grills.
Grill in Foil
Wrapping the corn in foil seals in moisture. Cook over direct heat, turn frequently. Let rest before unwrapping.
Grill Pre-Soaked Corn Longer
If you soaked the corn first, it will take longer to grill since it won’t dry out as quickly. Account for extra grill time.
No matter which technique you use, keep the corn moving and watch closely to prevent burning. Knowing when the corn is done is also key for perfect results.
How to Tell When Corn on the Cob is Done
It can be tricky to pinpoint exactly when corn on the grill is cooked to tender, juicy perfection. Here are some ways to test doneness:
- Husks are lightly charred and starting to peel back from ends
- Kernels release steam when poked with a skewer or knife tip
- Silk near tip of ear looks lightly browned
- Kernels still appear plump, not shriveled
- Piercing a kernel releases milky juice
The optimum doneness for grilled corn is when the kernels are tender and juicy but still have some bite to them. Overcooking leads to dried out, tough corn.
If grilling corn in foil, be sure to allow the ears to steam in the foil for 5-10 minutes before unwrapping. This finishes the cooking process.
Pulling the corn off the grill at just the right moment will reward you with wonderfully charred and juicy grilled corn on the cob.
Serving Grilled Corn on the Cob
Once you’ve grilled the perfect corn on the cob, you’ll want to serve it right away for maximum flavor. Here are some serving tips:
- Serve grilled corn immediately, right off the grill. The heat enhances the sweetness.
- Offer corn holders so guests don’t burn fingers. Cut off nub end of corn for easier eating.
- Brush with butter, sprinkle with salt and pepper or other seasonings right before eating.
- Top grilled corn with a dollop of cooling salsa, crema or herb dressing.
- For a fun twist, sprinkle cotija cheese, chili powder and lime juice on the corn.
- Let guests customize toppings at the table with flavored butters, spices and sauces.
- Slice kernels off the cob after grilling to use in salads, pastas and salsas.
Grilled corn on the cob makes a tasty side but can also be the star of the show at barbecues and picnics all summer long when served up right off the grill.
Common Grilled Corn Cooking Mistakes
Even when you follow the proper steps for grilling corn, you can still end up with subpar results if you make some common mistakes. Be aware of these potential pitfalls:
Not Removing Silk Strands
Leaving pieces of silk on the corn can create an unpleasant texture with burned bits in the cooked kernels. Always thoroughly remove it.
Partially Peeling Down Husks
If too much of the protective husk gets peeled down, the corn can easily dry out and burn over the hot flames.
Over Soaking Corn
While soaking adds moisture, soaking too long can ruin the texture and wash away flavor. Stick to 20-30 minutes.
Grilling Too Many Ears at Once
Crowding too much corn on the grill prevents proper air flow. Grill in smaller batches for best results.
Failing to Turn the Corn
Not rotating the ears allows one side to burn while the other is undercooked. Turn frequently.
Over Cooking
It’s easy to overdo it and end up with chewy corn. Test doneness early and remember residual heat will continue cooking.
Not Allowing Rest Time
After grilling in foil, steaming the corn in the package for 5+ minutes finishes cooking without over drying.
Avoiding these common missteps helps ensure grilled corn turns out perfect every time. With the right techniques, tools and ingredients, you can master how to cook the most amazing corn on the BBQ.
Grilled Corn Recipes Beyond the Cob
Once you perfect the basics of grilling corn on the cob, try out these tasty twists on the classic:
Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
- Grill corn and then remove kernels from the cob.
- Toss grilled corn with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
- Serve in cups or stuffed back in the grilled husks.
Caprese Corn Salad
- Cut grilled corn kernels off the cob and combine with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, torn basil, balsamic glaze and olive oil.
Corn and Avocado Salsa
- Mix together grilled corn, diced avocado, tomato, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro and lime juice for a fresh salsa.
Corn and Bacon Chowder
- For a heartier option, make a creamy corn and bacon chowder using the cut grilled corn kernels and simmering in broth and cream.
Corn Quesadillas
- Load up grilled corn, peppers, onions and cheese into a tortilla and grill for quick veggie quesadillas.
With so many options, grilled corn can be used in everything from dips and bakes to soups and salads. Get creative with recipes that showcase sweet charred corn.
FAQs About Making Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilling corn on the cob is pretty straightforward, but there are some common questions that come up around perfecting the process:
Should you cut off the ends of the corn before grilling?
Cutting off just the very tip of the end helps the corn sit upright on the grill. But leave the rest of the stem on for structural integrity.
Does corn need to be peeled completely naked before grilling?
No, leaving some husk on helps the corn steam and prevents drying out. But do remove silk strands.
What grill temperature is best for grilling corn?
Aim for medium high heat, around 375-400°F. High heat provides char while preventing tough, dried kernels.
How do you grill corn in the husk without burning it?
Soak it first and grill over indirect heat, turning frequently. The husk protects it from burning.
How long does it take to grill corn on the cob?
8 to 15 minutes depending on thickness. Test doneness early to prevent overcooking.
Can you grill corn a day ahead of time?
It’s best to grill corn right before serving. Grilled corn is still delicious reheated but loses some of its sweetness.
How do you keep grilled corn warm after cooking?
Hold in a cooler, wrap in foil or place back on grill rack away from direct heat to keep warm.
Cooking Corn in Other Ways
While grilling is a prime preparation for fresh summer corn, you can also cook it using these quick and simple methods:
- Roast in the oven: Husk corn, brush with oil, season, and roast at 400°F, turning occasionally, until browned.
- Microwave: Microwave shucked ears of corn on high for 3 to 5 minutes. Wrap in damp paper towels to steam.
- Cook stovetop: Boil corn in pots of salted water just until tender, 5 to 7 minutes.
- Sauté or stir fry: Slice fresh kernels off the cob and cook in oil over high heat just until tender-crisp.
- Cook on a campfire: Grill corn over an open campfire, rotating frequently. Soak in water first to prevent scorching.
Don’t limit yourself to just grilled corn on the cob. Explore all the quick and tasty ways to enjoy fresh corn using these simple cooking methods as well.
Tips for Grilling Corn on the Cob Like a Pro
With the right techniques and tools, you can take your grilled corn on the cob from average to exceptional:
- Brush off any debris from grates and coat with oil to prevent sticking.
- Choose a grill basket specifically sized for corn to easily maneuver ears.
- Skewer and stack corn horizontally to grill flat sides at once.
- Use wood chunks or chips for extra smoky flavor. Soak before using.
- Grill when the corn is perfectly in season for ultimate sweetness.
- Time it so corn is ready just as the rest of the meal finishes.
- Allow 3-4 ears per adult and 2 ears per child as a serving size.
- Chill grilled corn and cut kernels off to use later in salsas, salads, soups and more.
With a little bit of practice, you’ll be an expert at grilling up the most exceptionally delicious corn on the cob all summer long.
Conclusion
From choosing the ideal variety of corn to perfecting your grilling method to serving up with savory flavors, following this guide will help you learn exactly how to cook corn on the BBQ like a pro. Fresh corn transforms into an entirely new taste sensation when kissed by smoky grill flavor. The key is paying attention to the small but important details, like removing silk strands, soaking the corn, grilling over appropriately hot heat and testing doneness properly. Master these techniques and you will be rewarded with the ultimate taste of summer – char-dotted, juicy grilled corn picked and grilled at the peak of freshness. Soak up those last warm summer days by tossing sweet corn on the BBQ and enjoying with family and friends.