Step by Step Guide: How to Grill Corn on the Cob on the Grill
Are you looking for an easy and delicious way to enjoy fresh corn on the cob? Look no further than your trusty grill! Grilling allows the natural sweetness of the corn to intensify, and gives it a lovely smoky flavor that just can’t be beat. Plus, it’s quick and easy – perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual summer get-together. Follow this step-by-step guide for perfectly grilled corn on the cob every time.
Step 1: Choose Fresh Corn
Start with fresh ears of corn. Look for husks that are green, tightly wrapped around the ear, and free of brown spots or holes. Gently pull back the top layer of husk to check for any damaged or discolored kernels.
Step 2: Soak Corn in Water
Before grilling, soak your ears of corn in water for up to an hour. This will prevent the husks from burning and help steam the kernels inside. If you’re short on time, even a quick dip in water before grilling can make a big difference.
Step 3: Preheat Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 350-400°F). You want it hot enough to cook the corn through without scorching the outside.
Step 4: Remove Excess Husk
Pat dry each ear of corn with paper towels then remove excess outer layers of husk leaving one or two layers surrounding each cob.
Step 5: Brush with Butter
Melt some butter and brush it generously over each ear of corn after removing excess husk. Alternatively, you could use olive oil if you prefer.
Step 6: Season Corn Cobs
Sprinkle salt evenly over each buttered brush like fluffy towel covered kernel till covered properly which will balance out natural sweetness alongwith adding other spices & herbs as per your taste buds likings like black pepper powder,rosemary & Thyme.
Step 7: Wrap in Foil
Wrap each ear of corn in a layer of aluminium foil by placing it over the kernel covered cob & tightly wrapping over leaving no open ends for steam escape.
Step 8: Grill Corn Cobs
Place the wrapped ears of corn on the grill which should be painted with oil to avoid sticking. Grilling time will range from 10-15 min depending upon your taste buds preferences.
As you learn more about grilling corn cobs, experiment with adding additional ingredients like garlic, paprika or parmesan cheese to add different tastes and flavors to the final product. So go ahead, enjoy your juicy and delicious grilled summer delight with family and friends.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilling Corn on the Cob
Firing up the grill and throwing some corn on the cob is a summer staple for many of us. However, not everyone knows the ins and outs of how to get it just right. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about grilling corn on the cob.
1. Should I soak my corn before grilling?
Soaking your ears of corn in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling will help prevent them from drying out or burning as they cook. The moisture also helps steam the kernels, making them more tender.
2. Do I need to remove the husks and silks before grilling?
It’s really up to you! Many people prefer to leave the husks on while cooking, as it helps keep in moisture and adds an extra layer of flavor. Others prefer to pull back the husks and remove any silk on their cobs before seasoning and grilling.
3. How should I season my corn before grilling?
There are endless possibilities when it comes to seasoning your grilled corn, but one easy option is simply brushing each ear with melted butter or olive oil and sprinkling with salt and pepper. For something a little more adventurous, try rubbing each ear with garlic butter or chili powder, paprika, and lime juice.
4. How long does it take to grill corn on the cob?
Grilled corn usually takes about 15-20 minutes total, depending on your grill’s heat level and how thick your ears are. To make sure each ear cooks evenly, turn them every few minutes using tongs.
5. Can I grill frozen corn?
While it’s best to start with thawed kernels if possible, there’s no reason you can’t throw frozen corn directly onto a heated grill grate—just be prepared for some popping sounds as any excess ice melts off!
6. Is there anything special I need in order to grill perfect ears of corn?
Along with a generous helping of patience while they cook, the most important thing you’ll need for perfectly grilled corn is a good grill brush—for safely and easily removing any stuck-on bits after your corn is ready to eat. A little bit of cooking spray can also help prevent sticking.
7. What are some creative serving ideas for grilled corn on the cob?
The possibilities are endless! For a classic twist, try spreading each ear with mayonnaise or aioli and sprinkling them with crumbled cotija cheese and chili powder (this recipe is known as elote in Mexican cuisine). You can also cut off the kernels from each cob and toss them into salads or sautés for added texture and flavor.
Going Beyond Butter and Salt: Top 5 Tips for Flavoring Your Grilled Corn
There’s nothing quite like the sweet, smoky taste of grilled corn on a warm summer day. It’s a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with barbecued ribs or burgers, but sometimes just butter and salt doesn’t cut it. If you’re looking to elevate your grilled corn recipe and impress your guests at the next backyard cookout, try these top five tips for flavoring your corn.
1. Mexican-style Street Corn
Also known as elote, Mexican street corn is a popular snack sold by vendors throughout Mexico. To make this deliciously savory variation on grilled corn, spread mayonnaise on the cob and then sprinkle it with cotija cheese, chili powder, cilantro and freshly squeezed lime juice. The combination of creamy mayo with tangy lime and spicy chili powder is sure to make mouths water.
2. Parmesan Cheese
For those who love cheesy dishes or want something less spicy than Mexican street corn, consider trying grated Parmesan cheese as an alternative to cotija cheese. Grate some fresh Parmesan over hot buttered or oiled-up cobs of fresh-off-the-grill kernels for a tasty twist on the classic American-style grilled corn.
3. Herb Infused Butter Sauce
A simple herb-infused butter sauce can transform your grilled corn into a fancy side that will be the talk of the party! Melted in either an oven-safe bowl exposed directly to heat from fire/campfire coals; mixed into melted margarine/butter sauce during grilling; or brushed onto finished products prior to serving direct-on-plate all do wonders! Some popular herbs combinations include rosemary-garlic combo or lemon-butter-sage infusion among others.
4. Sweet Treats on the Cob
If you prefer sweet flavors over savory ones, there are several ways you can satisfy your sugar cravings whilst eating healthier options involving natural fruit juices such as pineapple/orange juices mixed with honey glaze resulting in a ‘Tropical Sweet Glaze’. This may be a flavorful addition to any grilled corn recipe if you also sprinkle lightly with cinnamon sugar!
5. Asia Inspired Grilled Corn
For those looking for something with more of an Eastern flair, try creating an Asian-inspired sauce infused with soy sauce, rice vinegar or lime juice along with garlic and ginger as your base mixture. If you are aiming for a spicy kick, add some chili flakes or hot pepper paste such as sambal oelek on it. Spreading this concoction over chilled boiled-corn will give satisfying heat balance as well against natural sweetness of the original product.
In conclusion, these five easy tips can give you ample variety depending on your mood and occasion when it comes to elevated grilled corn dishes that will impress friends and family alike!There’s no limit in creating innovative versions that increases flavor intensity of classic American food taste.. So stock up on fresh ears of corn and get creative – your taste buds (and guests!) will thank you.
Mastering Texture: Achieving Perfectly Cooked Corn on the Grill
When it comes to summer grilling, nothing beats the taste of sweet, juicy corn on the cob. However, achieving that perfectly cooked texture can be a challenge even for experienced grillers. The key to mastering texture lies in understanding the science behind cooking corn on the grill.
Corn is a starchy vegetable that needs to be cooked at high temperatures to develop its natural sweetness and texture. Grilling is one of the best ways to achieve this as it caramelizes the sugars in the corn and imparts a smoky flavor that elevates its natural sweetness. However, getting the timing and temperature right is crucial for achieving perfectly cooked corn.
The first step in mastering texture is choosing fresh corn with plump kernels and crisp husks. Soak the ears of corn in cold water for about 30 minutes before grilling. This helps prevent burning and steams the kernels from within.
To cook your ears of corn evenly, preheat your grill or smoker to medium-high heat (around 350°F-375°F). Brush each ear of soaked corn with melted butter or oil, then generously season them with salt and pepper or any other seasoning you prefer – like paprika or chili powder.
Place your seasoned ears of corn directly onto your preheated grill grate (or wrap them securely in aluminum foil if you prefer) and cook for around 10-12 minutes per side, depending on how hot your grill is. Be sure to rotate them frequently by turning them every couple of minutes so they char evenly without burning.
To test whether your grilled corn is done, insert a skewer or sharp knife into one kernel near the center of an ear – it should feel tender yet still have some firmness left to its crunch. If not quite done yet, continue grilling for another few minutes until perfect.
Overall, mastering texture when it comes to grilled corn takes practice and patience but once you’ve nailed it there’s no going back! Your guests will be wowed by the perfect balance of sweet, smoky and crunchy kernels that pop with flavor. So fire up your grill this summer for perfectly cooked corn on the cob that’s sure to impress.
The Best Tools and Accessories for Grilling Corn on the Cob
Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and barbecue some delicious corn on the cob. The juicy sweetness of perfectly grilled corn simply cannot be beat. But in order to achieve that mouthwatering taste and texture, you’ll need the right tools and accessories.
Here are some of the best tools and accessories for grilling corn on the cob:
1. Corn Holders
Corn holders are essential when it comes to grilling corn on the cob, as they prevent burns and make it easier to rotate the corn while cooking. Look for ones with long handles so that you can avoid getting too close to the heat.
2. Grill Basket
A grill basket is another great tool for grilling corn on the cob, as it allows you to cook multiple cobs at one time while preventing them from rolling around or falling through the cracks of your grill grate.
3. Butter Boats
Nothing beats fresh butter melted over a hot ear of garlic buttered corn! Keep your butter at room temperature with a specially designed butter boat made specifically for grilling purposes.
4. Flavored Salts
Sprinkling flavored salts such as smoked paprika or garlic salt onto your grilled corn adds an extra burst of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.
5. Grilling Gloves
Grilling gloves protect your hands from burns while handling hot objects like corn holders, tongs or carts used in BBQ’s Similarly if any discomfort arises during cooking gloves can prevent injuries getting burnt skin when taking pans out ovens.
6. Basting Brush
A basting brush helps spread melted butter evenly across freshly cooked cobs giving a savory moist coating giving off a delightful aroma making it irresistible for all those around!
7.Grill Tongs
These long handled kitchen tongs help grab food easily ,offering precise control ensuring even turning for perfectly grilled caramelized kernels perfect enough to take off fire each time.
In conclusion, having these tools and accessories at your disposal will allow you to cook up the best and most flavorsome corn on the cob this summer season. Grilling corn on the cob is an easy and simple way to add a burst of flavor and juiciness to your BBQ fare. So, get your grilling tools out, dust off that outdoor grill, and start grilling away!
Serving Ideas and Recipes to Pair With Your Grilled Corn
Grilled corn is one of the quintessential summer foods, and for good reason. There’s just something about biting into a juicy ear of perfectly charred corn that screams “summertime” like nothing else. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just enjoying a quiet evening on your own patio, grilled corn is the perfect addition to any summer meal.
Of course, part of what makes grilled corn so great is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it with all kinds of different seasonings and toppings, depending on your tastes and preferences. Here are some ideas for serving your grilled corn:
– With butter and salt: This classic combo never gets old. Simply slather your hot-off-the-grill corn with a generous pat of butter and sprinkle with salt. Bonus points if you use fancy gourmet butter or flavored salts!
– With herbs: Fresh herbs are the perfect way to add some brightness and flavor to your grilled corn. Some popular choices include cilantro, parsley, basil, or dill.
– With cheese: Who doesn’t love some melty cheese? Sprinkle your grilled corn with grated parmesan, cotija, feta, or queso fresco for an extra savory kick.
– With spices: If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing up some spice blends to sprinkle on top of your grilled corn. Chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder all make great choices.
Once you’ve decided how to season your grilled corn, you might be wondering what to serve alongside it. Here are some recipe ideas to get you started:
– Grilled shrimp skewers: Nothing says “summer” quite like grilling up some fresh seafood. Thread marinated shrimp onto skewers and grill next to your corn for an easy but elegant meal.
– Watermelon salad: Sweet watermelon chunks balance out the savory flavors of grilled corn perfectly. Toss together diced watermelon with feta cheese, fresh mint, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for a refreshing side dish.
– Grilled steak: If you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, grilled steak is always a crowd-pleaser. Serve alongside your corn and some baked potatoes for a classic summer meal.
– Grilled vegetable kebabs: Mix up some veggies on skewers (think cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini) and grill next to your corn for an easy vegetarian option.
No matter how you choose to serve your grilled corn, it’s sure to be a summer favorite. So fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy one of the best foods the season has to offer!
