Transform your backyard harvest into a summer delicacy with this simple technique. As fresh-picked corn meets the grill’s heat, each kernel develops a tantalizing smoky char while retaining its natural sweetness. This easy preparation method elevates garden-fresh corn into an irresistible side dish, adding depth and complexity to any seasonal meal. The result is a perfect blend of smoky and sweet flavors that captures the essence of summer dining.
Why Grill Corn On The Cob
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email & I’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
- It’s simply the best way to eat corn because it is fast, easy, and delicious.
- No big pots, baking, or foil are required, just a grill.
- Grilling corn in the husk creates its own steam, and leaves create tender, moist corn kernels.
- Grilling caramelizes the corn’s sugar, adds a delicious smoky flavor, and chars the corn kernels.
To learn more: Grilled Corn
Start By Picking A Good Ear Of Corn
- Of course, the best corn is the one that was just picked. That’s why I like getting corn from farmer’s markets or roadside stands. More than likely, the corn was picked that day.
- The silk tassel coming out of the top of the corn is the key to a fresh ear. Look for beautiful golden silk threads that are still moist. Once the corn silks turn black, you may want to put the ear back.
- Look for nice green and moist outer husks that are wrapped around the corn. If they are drying up or brittle, the corn is getting old.
- The corn should feel soft when you touch the cob through the husk.
Buying Fresh Corn, Tip #1
Tip #1 What about the brown and ugly tops of corn or that dreaded little worm? I am here to tell you the corn is still good. Simply cut off the top; that’s not good. When I see a little worm in my corn, I almost welcome it since that means the corn most likely isn’t covered with a nasty insecticide. It’s a good sign the corn is organic.
Buying Fresh Corn Tip #2
Tip #2 Let’s talk about peeling back the corn husk to check the corn inside before you buy it. Well, I have a few words about this.
Please don’t.
The corn starts drying out once the husk is pulled away from the corn. I have seen stacks of corn this way at the markets because the tops didn’t look perfect, only to become unwanted corn. Honestly, now and then, I buy an ear that just grew funny, or the kernels didn’t develop, so that one wasn’t a keeper. Most corn is beautiful inside.
Step 1- Grilling Corn
Pull any loose husks off the corn cob. The more out leaves you pull off the more your corn will get charred during grilling.
Step 2- Grilling Corn
With a pair of kitchen shears or just scissors, snip off a little bit at the top of the corn so the long silks and the tips of the husks don’t burn on the grill.
Step 3- Grilling Corn
Place the prepared corn cobs directly on the hot grill grates. Adjust the temperature to about 375 degrees or adjust the flame to between medium and medium-low. Cover and grill for 5 minutes. Turn the corn a quarter turn and repeat turning the corn every five minutes for about 20 minutes.
Step 4- Grilling Corn
Lay the grilled corn on a paper bag, and pull the husk back, and serve the corn with plenty of butter.
The Perfect Grilled Corn
Grilling corn on the cob in the husk is so easy and tastes amazing. Just 20 minutes on the grill and the corn will be nice and juicy with tender charred kernels. A delicious summer staple side dish.
To learn more: Grilled Corn On The Cob
Grill Extra Corn For More Recipes
Roast some extra corn so you can make other recipes like – Iron Skillet Cornbread, Chicken & Corn Noodle Soup, or this hearty Mexican Corn & Bean Soup. You can even freeze the corn for later.
