How to Grill Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn is delicious, and the best way to enjoy this summertime favorite. The intense heat of a wood or charcoal grill caramelizes the natural sugars in the corn, creating a smoky, sweet, and savory flavor that is irresistible. There are a few tips to follow to make your grilled corn on the cob the best you have ever tasted. We’ll discuss tips and tricks for grilling corn in the husk and some delicious recipe variations for grilled corn cob, Mexican grilled corn, grilled corn salad and grilled corn salsa.
How to grill corn in the husk
Whether you’re using a Weber kettle, height adjustable Santa Maria grill, or Argentine parrilla, to grill corn over wood or charcoal is not difficult, but there are a few things to know for good results. Primarily, grilled corn is best when it’s able to steam on the grill. This can be achieved by grilling the corn in the husk or grilled corn on the cob in foil. Since the husk has moisture already, we feel that grilling corn in the husk is both easier and better.
Do you soak corn before grilling?
Soaking corn for 5-10 minutes prior to grilling allows the grill to steam in the husk versus dehydrate. The corn will soak up the moisture and we all know that roasted corn is best when the kernels are plump and juicy. Skipping this step is not worth it!
Grilled Corn on the Cob Recipe
Ingredients:
- 6 ears of corn in husks
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions:
- Light your grill. Add fuel to your grill and let the wood or coal burn until it begins to ash over slightly after about 20 minutes.
- Fill a large stock pot and soak your corn in the husks.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the seasoning for grilled corn. Combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper and set aside.
- Place the corn on the hot grill and turn occasionally, so the husk can steam the kernels for about 10-12 minutes. The grill is a good temp to grill corn when you can hold your hand over the grate for about 5 seconds.
- Remove the corn from the grill and use gloves to de-husk.
- Brush the corn with the oil mixture, making sure to coat all sides.
- Return the corn to the grill until the kernels have a light char.
- Sprinkle the fresh parsley and cilantro over the corn and squeeze the lime wedges over the top.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Grilled corn cook time including grill preheating totals about 40 minutes.
Grilled Corn Toppings and Recipe Variations
- For an extra kick of spice, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the oil mixture.
- You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, such as thyme, oregano, or smoked sea salt, to create your own unique flavor combinations.
- If you are going Mexican corn on the cob or roasted corn elote, once grilled you can roll your corn in a mixture of sour cream, mayo, lime juice, chili powder, and garlic. A sprinkle of tajin and/or parmesan cheese adds another level of flavor.
- For grilled corn salad with avocado, cut the roasted corn off the cob and mix in diced cherry tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, and feta cheese.
- For grilled corn salsa, cut the grilled corn off the cob and add in diced red onion, tomato, cilantro, lime juice and a pinch of serrano for some heat.
Grilling corn on a wood grill or charcoal grill is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this summertime favorite. With just a few simple ingredients and some hot coals, you can create a bright, colorful, fresh corn side dish that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next BBQ or cookout. Check out our heirloom quality line of JD Fabrications line of charcoal grills with height adjustable grates to make your grilling experience as easy as possible. We also have a full line of Santa Maria grills and Argentine grills, all made by hand in the USA.
