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Grilled corn on the cob is an easy, classic summer side dish and a great addition to summer barbecues, camping trips and gatherings. Here’s two ways to grill delicious corn on the cob!
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Who’s grilling corn on the cobb this weekend? Fresh corn is a summer staple, with these step-by-step instructions, you’ll get perfectly charred and flavorful grilled corn on the grill. Here’s a simple guide to cooking corn on the cob in the husk, or without the husk. I love the smoky sweetness of grilled corn which is great as a side dish or as an appetizer. Serve the corn on the cob as is with butter or toppings, or you can cut the kernels off the cob to use in salads, corn salsa, or other dishes.
Who Doesn’t Love Grilled Corn on the Cob!
Nothing is better when you’re grilling up burgers, ribs or chicken than grilling fresh sweet corn on the grill! Whether you have a gas grill or charcoal, the results will be delicious!
- Easy
- In season is the best produce
- Kid-friendly
- Gluten-free, dairy-free and weight watcher friendly
How To Grill Corn on The Cob in the Husk
Soaking method: keeping the husk on while soaked in water helps keep the grilled corn moist and juicy. See exact recipe in recipe card below:
- Prepare the corn: Peel back the husks of the corn, but leave them attached at the base. Remove the silk threads from the corn and discard them. Replace the husks.
- Preheat the grill: Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
- Corn Soak: soak the corn husks in cold water for about 15-20 minutes before grilling.
- Season the corn (optional): Brush the corn with olive oil or melted butter, and sprinkle it with salt, pepper, or any other desired seasonings before grilling. This step is optional but adds flavor to the corn.
- Grill the corn: Place the corn directly on the preheated grill grates. Close the grill and cook the corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the heat of your grill.
- Check for doneness: To check if the corn is done, carefully peel back a small section of the husk and check the kernels. They should be tender and cooked through. If the corn needs more time, re-wrap it in the husks and continue grilling for a few more minutes.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the corn is grilled to your liking, remove it from the grill. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
How To Grill Corn on The Cob without the Husk
Grilling corn on the cob without the husk allows for a more direct interaction between the corn and the grill, resulting in a slightly charred and smoky flavor.
- Preheat the grill: Start by preheating your outdoor grill to medium-high heat, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes. This would also work with a grill pan.
- Prepare the corn: Remove the husks and silk from the corn cobs. Rinse the corn under cold water to remove any remaining silk or debris. Pat the corn dry with a paper towel.
- Season the corn: Spritz the corn with olive oil and sprinkle it with salt and pepper, if desired.
- Grill the corn: Place the corn directly on the hot grill grates. Close the grill and cook the corn for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally. The corn should char and develop grill marks.
- Check for doneness: To check if the corn is done, insert a fork or skewer into the thickest part of the corn cob. The corn kernels should be tender and easily pierced. If needed, continue grilling for a few more minutes until the desired tenderness is achieved.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the corn is grilled to your liking, remove it from the grill. Let it cool for a minute or two before serving.
Toppings for Grilled Corn on the Cob
Before serving, add your favorite toppings to enhance the flavor of the grilled corn. Some popular options include:
- Classic (my favorite way!): Slather butter, salt and black pepper when done
- Compound Butter: Infusing butter with garlic to make garlic butter or fresh herbs to make an herb butter will add lots of flavor
- Lime: Season with chili lime seasoning or fresh lime juice and chili powder
- Elote: For Mexican street corn, brush with mayo and add Grated cheese such as Parmesan cheese or cotija cheese and tajin
- Fresh Herbs: Add fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or chives
- Make A Salad: Cut kernels off cob and place in a bowl with lime juice, olive oil and cilantro for Mexican corn
What to Serve with Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Burgers – Turkey Burgers or Salmon Burgers are perfect with sweet summer corn.
- Chicken Breast – Juicy, flavorful Grilled Chicken Breast or Air Fryer Chicken Breast.
- Chicken Thighs – Juicier and more flavorful than chicken breast, these Grilled Chicken Thighs are a winner in my house. If you have an air fryer, make these Air Fryer Chicken Thighs.
- Steak – Grilled steaks or Air Fryer Steak is perfect with grilled corn.
- More Side Dishes: Round out your summer potluck with Grilled Asparagus, Creamy Cucumber Salad, Greek Pasta Salad, Red Potato Salad or Macaroni Salad.
More Grilled Corn Recipes You’ll Love
- Grilled Corn Salad with Feta
- Mexican-inspired Grilled Corn Salad with Cotija
- Grilled Romaine Salad with Chicken, Corn and Salsa Dressing
- Grilled Shrimp and Vegetables Bowls
- Corn Salsa with Lime
Grilled Corn on The Cob
Grilling corn is an easy, classic summer side dish and a great addition to summer barbecues, camping trips and gatherings. Here's two ways to grill delicious corn on the cob!
Yield: 4 servings
Serving Size: 1 ear
Ingredients
- 4 medium ears corn, silks removed and peeled*
- olive oil spray
- optional, salt to taste
Instructions
Method 1: Juicy and Moist (In the Husk)
- Prepare the corn: Peel back the husks of the corn, but leave them attached at the base. Remove the silk threads from the corn and discard them. Replace the husks.
- Soak the corn: soak the corn in cold water for about 15-30 minutes before grilling.
- Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
- Season the corn (optional): Brush the corn with olive oil or melted butter, and sprinkle it with salt, pepper, or any other desired seasonings before replacing the husk and grilling. This step is optional but adds flavor to the corn.
- Grill the corn: Place the corn directly on the preheated grill grates. Close the grill and cook the corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the heat of your grill.
- Check for doneness: To check if the corn is done, carefully peel back a small section of the husk and check the kernels. They should be tender and cooked through. If the corn needs more time, re-wrap it in the husks and continue grilling for a few more minutes.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the corn is grilled to your liking, remove it from the grill. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Method 2: Charred and Smoky (without the Husk)
- Preheat the grill: Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
- Prepare the corn: Remove the husks and silk from the corn cobs. Rinse the corn under cold water to remove any remaining silk or debris. Pat the corn dry with a paper towel.
- Season the corn: Spritz the corn with olive oil and sprinkle it with salt and pepper, if desired.
- Grill the corn: Place the corn directly on the preheated grill grates. Close the grill and cook the corn for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally. The corn should develop grill marks and a slightly charred appearance.
- Check for doneness: To check if the corn is done, insert a fork or skewer into the thickest part of the corn cob. The kernels should be tender and easily pierced. If needed, continue grilling for a few more minutes until the desired tenderness is achieved.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the corn is grilled to your liking, remove it from the grill. Let it cool for a minute or two before serving.
Last Step:
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Notes
See above for topping and serving suggestions.
*depending on grilling method
Nutrition
Serving: 1 ear, Calories: 77 kcal, Carbohydrates: 17 g, Protein: 3 g, Fat: 1 g, Saturated Fat: 0.5 g, Sodium: 13.5 mg, Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 5.5 g
