Grilled Corn on the Cob: A step-by-step Guide
Corn on the cob is a delicious summer staple that everyone loves to enjoy, especially during barbeques, picnics, and other outdoor gatherings. If you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful way to prepare this classic dish, look no further than the grill! Grilling corn on the cob brings out its natural sweetness and adds a smoky flavor that takes it to the next level.
Not sure how to make corn on the cob on the grill? Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think! With a few simple steps and some basic ingredients, you can have juicy, perfectly cooked corn on the cob that will impress your friends and family. Plus, grilling corn on the cob is a great way to enjoy the beautiful summer weather and get outside for some fresh air and fun!
Now that you’ve selected the perfect ears of corn, it’s time to learn how to make corn on the cob on the grill. Whether you prefer a subtle and sweet flavor or a smokier taste, grilling corn on the cob will take your BBQ to the next level. Follow these easy steps to transform your corn on the cob into a mouthwatering treat that everyone will love!
1. Preheat Your Grill
Before you start, preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat. This step is essential to ensure even cooking and perfect results. Don’t forget to grease the grates with some cooking oil or spray to prevent the corn from sticking.
2. Prep Your Corn
Peel off the outer layer of the husk, leaving a few layers of husk on the cob (or completely remove them). Remove the silk hairs from the corn. Use a brush to apply butter, olive oil, or a mix of both. Add seasoning such as garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika according to your preference.
3. Soak Your Corn
Soak the corn in cold water for a few minutes to prevent the husk from burning and allow the corn to steam on the grill.
4. Wrap Your Corn
Take a few of the remaining husk layers and wrap them around the corn, leaving the top exposed for grilling. This will protect the corn from direct heat and help steam it for maximum tenderness and flavor.
5. Grill Your Corn
Place the wrapped corn on the grill grates and cook for about 12 to 15 minutes, turning them frequently until the husk is charred and the kernels are tender. Use tongs to rotate the corn, so it cooks evenly on all sides.
6. Unwrap Your Corn
Remove the corn from the grill with tongs and let it cool for a few minutes. Then carefully remove the remaining layers of husk and silk.
7. Brush with Butter
For an extra burst of flavor, brush the grilled corn with melted butter and sprinkle salt and your favorite herbs on top.
8. Serve Your Corn
Serve the grilled corn on the cob hot with additional butter or a dollop of sour cream on top. You can also add a sprinkle of cilantro, scallions, or cheese for an extra kick.
9. Store Your Leftover Corn
If you’ve got leftovers, wrap the cooked corn in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate it. The leftover grilled corn can be used in salads, soups, or as a side dish for the next day.
10. Experiment with Different Flavors
Grilled corn on the cob is versatile and offers plenty of opportunities to experiment with different flavors and seasonings. Mix and match spices like cumin, smoked paprika, or chili powder for a twist on the classic recipe. You can also add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice for a zesty flavor. Have fun and enjoy your delicious grilled corn on the cob!
Corn on the Cob Grilling Tips
Grilling corn on the cob is an easy task, but to make sure your corn is perfectly cooked, you need to follow some tips. Here are some tried and true tips for grilling sweet corn on the cob that you can use to impress your family and friends at your next summer barbecue.
1. Soak the Corn
To prevent the corn from drying out, you need to soak it in cold water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. Soaking helps the corn retain moisture, which prevents it from drying out while grilling. You can also add some salt and sugar to the water to make the corn even sweeter.
2. Peel the Husk
If you like your corn with a smoky flavor, peel the husk down to the bottom of the cob but leave it attached to the cob. Removing the husk will allow the smoke to penetrate the kernels and infuse them with smoky flavor. If you want to avoid the mess and make cleaning up easier, you can peel the corn husk off entirely.
3. Season the Corn
Seasoning the corn before grilling can take it to the next level. You can use a simple seasoning mix of salt, pepper, and butter, or experiment with different seasonings like garlic, chili powder, or paprika.
4. Grill over Indirect Heat
Grill the corn over indirect heat to avoid burning the kernels. Start by placing the corn on the top rack of the grill with the heat set to high. Then, close the lid and cook for around 15-20 minutes, turning the corn occasionally. Once cooked, turn off the heat and let the corn cool for a few minutes before serving.
5. Baste the Corn
Basting the corn with butter or olive oil while grilling can add flavor and moisture to the corn. Brush the butter or oil onto the corn with a basting brush, and then put the corn back on the grill for a few minutes to let the butter or oil absorb into the corn.
6. Use a Grill Basket
If you prefer to leave the corn in its husk, using a grill basket can make it easier to handle and turn the corn while grilling. Simply place the corn inside the basket and place it on the top rack of the grill.
7. Keep a Lid on It
Keeping the grill lid closed while grilling corn will ensure it cooks evenly and retains its moisture. Open the lid occasionally to turn the corn and baste it with butter or oil.
8. Serve with Toppings
To add more flavor to grilled corn, serve it with a variety of toppings such as grated Parmesan cheese, lime juice, hot sauce, or chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley. This will add depth and flavor to the grilled corn and make it an instant hit with your family and friends.
9. Mix It Up
Grilling corn is not limited to just using sweetcorn. You can also try grilling other types of corn such as blue corn, white corn, or red corn, which all have a slightly different flavor and texture. Experimenting with different types of corn can add variety to your summer grill sessions.
10. Leftovers
If you have leftover grilled corn, don’t throw it away. You can use it in a variety of recipes like salads, soups, and salsas, which will add a smoky flavor and a different texture to your dishes.
Choosing and Preparing the Corn
Before grilling the corn on the cob, it is important to choose the freshest and sweetest cobs available. Here are some tips on choosing and preparing corn on the cob:
Choosing the Corn
When selecting corn on the cob, look for plump, firm ears with bright green husks and silky tassels. Avoid corn with brown marks or holes, as they could be a sign of insect damage. Also, try to buy local corn whenever possible, as it will be fresher and contain less sugar that has converted to starch over time.
Preparing the Corn
To prepare the corn on the cob for grilling, start by removing the outer husks and silk strands. You can do this by using a sharp knife to cut off the bottom of the husk, then peeling the husk downward and removing the silk strands. Rinse the corn under cool water to remove any remaining silk.
Another popular way to prepare the corn for grilling is to soak it in cold water for about 30 minutes. This will help prevent the husks from burning during cooking and add moisture to the corn.
Seasoning the Corn
One of the great things about grilling corn on the cob is that you can season it to your liking. Some popular options include brushing the corn with melted butter, sprinkling it with salt and pepper, or rubbing it with herbs or spices like chili powder or cumin.
If you want to get creative, you can also try making a flavored butter or mayo to add to your grilled corn. For example, mix melted butter with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and herbs like thyme and rosemary, then brush it on the corn before grilling.
Grilling the Corn
Once you have your corn on the cob prepared and seasoned, it’s time to grill it. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, then place the corn on the grates.
You can grill the corn with or without the husks. If you choose to leave the husks on, wrap the ends of the husks with foil to prevent them from burning. If you remove the husks, you can either grill the corn directly on the grates or use skewers to make it easier to turn.
Grill the corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and slightly charred. If you like, you can also baste the corn with additional melted butter or seasoning during grilling.
Serving the Corn
Once the corn on the cob is done grilling, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve it as is, or cut the kernels off the cob and use them in salads, salsas, or other dishes.
To add some extra flavor, top the grilled corn with additional seasoning like crumbled feta cheese, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice. You can also serve it with a dipping sauce like chipotle mayo, ranch dressing, or honey mustard.
| Seasoning | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Garlic-Parmesan Butter | 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted 3 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary 1 tsp kosher salt 1/2 tsp black pepper |
| Chili-Lime Mayo | 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 tbsp fresh lime juice 1 tsp chili powder 1/2 tsp ground cumin 1/4 tsp garlic powder 1/4 tsp kosher salt |
With these tips and seasonings, you can enjoy delicious, juicy, and flavorful grilled corn on the cob all summer long.
Time to Grill Some Perfect Corn on the Cob!
Thanks for taking the time to read through this guide on cooking corn on the cob on the grill. We hope that you found the tips and tricks helpful so you can enjoy some delicious corn on the cob goodness this summer. As you grill your corn, remember to invite friends and family over and create memories together. And, of course, don’t forget to visit us again for more awesome cooking guides and tips! Happy grilling!
Tinggalkan Balasan