It is the end of summer and the time of year when fresh corn is appearing in stores, farmer’s markets and roadside veggie stands. Sweet yellow, the delicate white, and the yellow and white corn are all delicious and perfect for any summer barbecue, a tailgating party or a simple side dish. Learn How Grill Corn on the Cob for a delicious way to prepare fresh-picked corn.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
the taste of summer
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Why grill corn on the cob?
- Because it is fast and so easy to do.
- Grilling corn in the husk creates its own steam and leaves the corn tender.
- Grilling caramelizes the sugar in the corn and also adds a bit of smoky flavor.
How to pick a good ear of corn
- Of course, the best corn is the one that was just picked. That’s why I like to get my 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 corn husks that are wrapped around the corn. If they are drying up or brittle that means the corn is getting old.
- The corn should feel a bit soft when you touch the cob through the husk.
Please make sure to pin for later when you want to grill some corn.
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. Once the husk is pulled away from the corn the corn starts drying out. I have seen stacks of corn this way at the markets because the tops just didn’t look perfect. Honestly, now and then I get an ear that just grew funny or the kernels didn’t develop so that one wasn’t a keeper. Most corn is beautiful inside.
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.
Do you have to soak the corn before grilling?
I never do. The thought is soaking the corn will make it so the husks don’t get charred during grilling, but I found the husks charred anyway. No soaking required.
Do you remove the husks before grilling?
No, I don’t even pull them back, having the husks around the ear of corn actually creates steam and that helps cook the corn and keeps it juicy.
Do you remove the corn silk before grilling?
I don’t remove the silk since I don’t pull the husks back. What is do is cut the corn silk off at the very top of the ear of corn since it will burn on the grill.
How to grill corn on the cob in the husk
- Heat the grill, I like a medium-high flame
- Snip off a little bit at the top of the corn so the long silks don’t burn on the grill
- Place the corn directly on the grill in its husk
- Cover and let cook for about 20 minutes. Turn the corn every 5 minutes to cook all sides.
- When done, remove the corn, let cool for a few minutes then pull away the husk and the silk.
- To remove the husk at the bottom of the corn cob either pull it off or cut the husk off at the end of the cob.
- Place the ears of corn on a platter and spread with butter and add a sprinkle of salt.
Quick Grilled Corn on the Cob
Different ways to cook corn on the cob
- Boil in water on the stove for 6 to 10 minutes
- Steam for 6 to 10 minutes
- Bake in the oven in foil for 30 minutes
- Microwave for about 5 to 8 minutes
- Instapot takes less than 5 minutes
The corn I am grilling today comes from my favorite farm stand in Sloughhouse, California. Davis Ranch is known far and wide for its corn that is aptly named Sloughhouse Corn. You know you are getting the freshest corn possible when you can see the corn being picked across the road from the stand, and the workers bagging up the just-picked corn for everyone to buy.
If you live near Sacramento make sure to visit the ranch. I hope wherever you live there is a farmer selling his delicious corn.
Other One Hot Oven farmer’s market recipes
Blue Lake green beans from the farmer’s market are used for Barbequed Green Beans. These beans are tender and braised in a tangy barbecue sauce with ham and onions. A delicious twist on regular green beans.
If you love pickles look for pickling cucumbers at the farmer’s market to make these Bread and Butter Pickles. They are sweet, tangy, crunchy, and delicious. If you haven’t made pickles give this recipe a try, it is very easy.
One of my all-time favorite desserts for summer is the super easy Grilled Cherry Pandowdy. Yes, grilling desserts is easy and you don’t have to heat up your kitchen. Try this recipe with your favorite fruits and see how easy it is to grill a dessert.
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My favorite Weber grill
Now that you have some grilling inspiration let’s talk about the grill.
Do you need a grill? You might want to check this one out. I have always had pretty basic grills and they did ok but never got really hot. I will be honest we splurged on this Weber Grill and I am amazed at the difference in how hot it gets and how well it cooks any food I put on it. When we cook pizza we like it to put a pizza stone on the grill to get that brick oven flavor, that requires a hot grill, and to my delight, this Weber gets to 500 degrees.
By adjusting the burners I can also grill low and slow for brisket and ribs. I even make desserts on the grill. If you love to grill this Weber is one to keep in mind.
For even more great recipes and ideas follow One Hot Oven on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Let’s celebrate the fresh vegetables of summer.
Blessings to all,
Corn on the cob is always a must for our family when ever we find fresh cobs. This grilled corn on the cob looks yummy.
I’m actually grilling extra corn on the cob and freezing it for later.
Luckily this year I grew my own corn and am harvesting it now. I have never grilled corn with the husks on, I am so excited to try this!
Wow, fresh corn out of your own garden, you are so lucky.
There is nothing better than the perfect corn on the cob, esapecially on the grill! We do a lot of barbeques now and one of our favourites is the corn. I love how you gave some tips as well, very helpful. Will keep them in mind for next time!
Love grilled corn on the cob, it just tastes amazing even with a drizzle of slat and lemon juice. Perfect recipe for rainy weather.
I agree – grilling surely brings out all that yummy and sweet flavors of the corn! Thanks for the great tips – should come in handy this summer!
We absolutely love grilling corn on the cob! Your tips and tricks are so helpful for grilling corn with the husk on. Now I’m even more excited to grill the rest of our fresh corn this weekend!
Grilled corn on the cob is my family’s favorite. A frequent item to make when corn is in season. So delicious
Grilling just adds so much great flavor.
I have never grilled corn in the husk but now I’m on a mission to do so!
I grew corn this year in my garden and grilling it using your instructions was so delicious! I think grilling corn is my new favorite way to enjoy it!
This is such a helpful post for grilling corn! THere is so much gorgeous corn in the stores right now and this is such a wonderful way to make it.
Grilled corn is one of my favorite things about summer. I love to drive down the road and see all the corn stalks growing. Thank you for sharing this perfect summer recipe.
Thanks for the tips on how to grill corn. My Dad grows corn in his garden and we look forward to putting some on the BBQ but we don’t cook them in the husk. I can’t wait to try this method, thanks for sharing.
Everything about this is just a HUGE YES! Everyone needs to know how to enjoy corn this way. It’s the best!!
Yes, and I’ve got the grill fired up for this evenings corn, can’t wait.
i’ve cooked corn in so many ways but grilling it has always been my favorite! thanks for such a great recipe 🙂
Sweetcorn is one of my favourite vegetables. I find grilling really brings out the flavour and sweetness.
My family loved your grilled corn on the cob! thanks for sharing your method its going to be making regular appearances on our menu!
We love grilled corn on the cob especially my toddlers! Thanks for all these tips that you shared to give us the most successful results.
I do loved grilled corn a lot, to be honest this is one of my favorite snack but I promised next time I will try grilling my corn in cob. Thank you!
This post is really helpful. Now I know what to look for when buying corn with husks.
Grilled corn on the cob is my favorite. Funny thing..we always have corn during summertime here in the U.S.; however, we always have corn when the weather is cold in Asia. Can’t wait to try this version before summer ends.
Grilled corn on the cob is one of my favorite summer snacks! Thanks for the detailed post, this is super helpful and I know I will refer back to it again and again.
Grilled corn on the cob is my preferred way to make and eat corn. I love the charred flavor it gives.
This reminds me of the corn we use to get at the State Fair, it was always grilled in the husk and was tender and charred in spots. Can’t wait to get some good homegrown corn and try this out myself. Your pictures of the corn look so appetizing.
How easy do the husks and silks come off after cooking? I usually peel mine and wrap them in foil before grilling, but would be curious to try this.
The husks are easy to get off. I just pull them down and either pull them off or cut them all off at the base of the cob. I will have to try your foil method.
We have been buying Sloughhouse corn since it was 8 years for $ 1.25. That was about 1982. Have seen many high school and college kids work at the corn stand. Everything is so good. Will try your recipe.
We buy enough to freeze so we have it most of the year. Seriously, they have the best corn.
Winter is now over in Australia and as the Spring/summer rolls around, we’re dusting off the BBQ to get ready for the warmer weather. Grilling corn on the BBQ is something we do on a regular basis and the kids just love it! Great tip about the ears!
Never knew about the difference of seasons with Australia. Luckily I live in Northern California and can usually grill all year long.
Delicious looking corn – I can’t wait to try this recipe over the weekend. I think the weather will be perfect for it. Thank you!
Oh god how I love corn! Every picture wants me to have more too. Thanks for all the great tips!
We love corn too, getting ready to freeze about 20 ears for winter.
I love the idea of making corn right on the grill while I cook all my other favorites. Perfect for cookouts.
I do enjoy grilled corn! It has such a good flavor. Thank you for the corn tips, I am guilty of peeling my corn to see it before I buy it!
Really, who hasn’t taken a peek?
YAY! Davis Ranch is the best! This looks so good!
Best corn ever!!!
That is the truth. Everybody says that.