Hey there! Have you ever wanted to try your hand at grilling corn on the cob but felt intimidated by complicated recipes? Well, fear not! We’ve got a super simple and delicious grilled corn on the cob recipe that will have you impressing your friends and family at your next backyard BBQ. With just a few basic ingredients and some easy steps, you’ll be enjoying perfectly grilled corn on the cob in no time. So grab your apron and fire up that grill, because this recipe is about to become your go-to summer favorite!
Ingredients
Grilled corn on the cob is a classic BBQ recipe that requires just a few simple ingredients to bring out the natural flavors of this summer favorite. To make grilled corn on the cob, you will need:
Fresh corn on the cob
The star ingredient of this recipe is fresh corn on the cob. Look for corn with bright green husks and plump kernels. Fresh corn will have a sweet and juicy taste that elevates this grilled dish.
Butter
Butter is a key ingredient in this recipe, adding richness and a creamy texture to the grilled corn. It also helps to enhance the smoky flavors that come from grilling.
Salt
Salt is essential for bringing out the natural sweetness of the corn while adding a hint of savory flavor. A sprinkle of salt adds the perfect balance to the grilled corn on the cob.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds a touch of heat and enhances the overall flavor profile of the grilled corn. The combination of salt and black pepper adds a delicious savory element to the dish.
Herbs (optional)
If you want to elevate the flavors even further, you can add herbs to your grilled corn on the cob. Popular choices include cilantro, parsley, or chives. These herbs will add freshness and a pop of color to the final dish.
Preparation
Before you start grilling, there are a few steps to prepare the corn on the cob:
Husk and clean the corn
Start by removing the husks and silk from the corn. Peel back the husks and remove the silk strands, ensuring that the corn is clean and ready for grilling.
Preheat the grill
Preheating the grill is an important step in ensuring even cooking and delicious results. Heat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C), before placing the corn on the grill.
Prepare the butter mixture
In a small bowl, mix softened butter with salt and black pepper. This mixture will be brushed onto the grilled corn to add an irresistible buttery flavor.
Season the corn
Take each cleaned corn on the cob and brush it with the butter mixture. Ensure that the corn is evenly coated for maximum flavor. This step will also help prevent the corn from drying out while grilling.
Wrap the corn in aluminum foil
To keep the corn moist and retain its natural juices, wrap each corn on the cob in aluminum foil. The foil creates a pocket that will steam the corn while it grills, resulting in tender and juicy kernels.
Grilling
Grilling corn on the cob is a straightforward process that requires attention to detail to achieve the perfect level of smoky char and tenderness:
Place the corn on the grill
Carefully place the wrapped corn on the preheated grill. Position them away from direct heat if possible to prevent burning and promote even cooking.
Rotate the corn
To ensure even grilling, rotate the corn every few minutes. This will help achieve a beautiful golden color on all sides, giving each bite a delicious smoky flavor.
Grill for 10-15 minutes
Grill the corn for about 10-15 minutes, or until the kernels are tender. The actual grilling time may vary depending on the heat of your grill and the size of the corn cobs.
Check for doneness
To check if the corn is cooked, carefully open the foil and pierce a kernel with a fork. It should be tender and easily break apart. If the corn is still firm, re-wrap it and continue grilling for a few more minutes.
Serving
Once the corn is perfectly grilled and tender, it’s time to prepare it for serving:
Remove from grill
Using tongs, carefully remove the grilled corn from the heat. Be cautious as the corn will be hot.
Unwrap the corn
Gently unwrap the foil from each corn on the cob, being mindful of any escaping steam. The foil may have captured some of the corn’s natural juices, so be sure to pour them back onto the corn for added flavor.
Brush with additional butter
For an extra indulgent touch, brush the grilled corn with additional melted butter. This step will add richness and shine to the already delicious corn on the cob.
Garnish with herbs
If desired, sprinkle the grilled corn with chopped herbs such as cilantro, parsley, or chives. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors of herbs will take your grilled corn to the next level.
Serve and enjoy!
Serve the grilled corn on the cob immediately while it’s still warm. It makes the perfect side dish for any BBQ gathering or summer meal. The sweet and savory flavors of the corn, combined with the smoky aroma from the grill, will surely delight your taste buds.
Variations
While the classic grilled corn on the cob is irresistible on its own, you can also explore different variations and seasonings to suit your taste:
Mexican-style grilled corn
For a burst of flavor, try Mexican-style grilled corn. After grilling, brush the corn with a mixture of mayonnaise, chili powder, lime juice, and sprinkle with crumbled Cotija cheese. This variation adds a tangy and spicy twist to the traditional recipe.
Parmesan and herb grilled corn
For a savory and cheesy option, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, over the grilled corn. The combination of the nutty cheese and fragrant herbs adds an elevated touch to the dish.
Spicy grilled corn
If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a spicy kick to your grilled corn. Mix together melted butter, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Brush the mixture onto the grilled corn to infuse it with a delicious spicy flavor.
Sweet and smoky grilled corn
For a unique flavor experience, brush the corn with a mixture of honey, smoked paprika, and a squeeze of lime juice. This combination of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors creates a mouthwatering grilled corn like no other.
Tips
To ensure success with your grilled corn on the cob, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
Choose fresh, high-quality corn
The quality of the corn you choose will greatly impact the final result. Look for corn with plump and moist kernels, preferably purchased from a local farm or farmer’s market. Fresh corn will have the best texture and flavor.
Soak the corn before grilling
To prevent the husks from burning during the grilling process, soak the corn in cold water for about 15-30 minutes before grilling. Soaking will add moisture to the husks, creating a steaming effect and preventing them from charring too quickly.
Prevent burning by using indirect heat
To avoid burn spots on your corn, it’s best to utilize indirect heat while grilling. Position the corn away from the direct flames or coals, either by moving it to the cooler side of the grill or by using the upper rack if available.
Experiment with different seasonings
Don’t be afraid to get creative with seasonings to elevate the flavors of your grilled corn. Try adding spices like cumin, paprika, or garlic powder to the butter mixture. You can also experiment with flavored salts or seasonings to create unique combinations.
Serve with lime wedges for added flavor
For an extra burst of freshness, serve your grilled corn on the cob with lime wedges. Squeezing fresh lime juice over the corn just before eating will add a tangy and zesty element that complements the natural sweetness of the corn.
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about grilled corn on the cob:
How long does it take to grill corn on the cob?
Grilling time can vary depending on factors such as the heat of your grill and the size of the corn cobs. On average, it takes around 10-15 minutes to grill corn on the cob until the kernels are tender.
Can I grill corn without husks?
Yes, you can grill corn on the cob without the husks. However, grilling with the husks intact helps to retain moisture and adds a smoky flavor to the corn. If grilling without husks, wrap the corn in aluminum foil to achieve a similar steaming effect.
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
While fresh corn is recommended for the best results, you can still use frozen corn on the cob for grilling. Thaw the corn before grilling and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I grill corn on a stovetop grill pan?
Yes, if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, you can use a stovetop grill pan to grill corn on the cob. Preheat the grill pan over medium-high heat and follow the same grilling instructions as you would with an outdoor grill.
How do I know if the corn is cooked?
To check if the corn is cooked, pierce a kernel with a fork. It should be tender and easily break apart. If the corn is still firm, continue grilling for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired tenderness.
Conclusion
Grilled corn on the cob is a simple and delicious BBQ recipe that brings out the best flavors of fresh corn. With just a few basic ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy a tasty summer side dish that will please everyone’s taste buds. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or try one of the flavorful variations, grilled corn on the cob is sure to be a hit at your next BBQ gathering. Don’t forget to experiment with different seasonings and garnishes to personalize the dish and make it your own. So fire up the grill, grab some corn, and get ready to savor the delightful flavors of grilled corn on the cob!
