Grilled corn on the cob is a classic and easy side dish that adds a delicious, smoky flavor to any BBQ or summer meal. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just enjoying a casual meal at home, this recipe for Grilled Corn on the Cob is sure to impress. With just a few ingredients—sweet corn, butter, and your favorite seasonings—this side dish is both simple and flavorful.
If you’ve never tried grilling corn on the cob, this method will change the way you cook it forever. The husks help steam the corn, while the direct heat of the grill gives it a perfect char. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Grilled Corn on the Cob
To make this Grilled Corn on the Cob, you’ll need:
- 6 ears of sweet corn
- Water
- Butter (to taste)
- Seasoning (to taste)
That’s all you need for a smoky, savory side dish that will complement almost any grilled main course. You can experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or chili powder for added flavor.
How to Make Grilled Corn on the Cob
Step 1: Prepare the Corn
Start by removing the top two layers of husk from each ear of sweet corn. This helps expose the kernels to the grill, allowing for a great char. Leave the rest of the husk on, as it helps steam the corn while grilling, keeping the kernels tender and juicy.
Step 2: Soak the Corn
Place the prepared ears of corn into a large bowl or container of water. Soak the corn for 60 minutes, making sure the ears are completely submerged. This step helps prevent the corn from burning on the grill and ensures that the husks steam the corn as it grills.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
While the corn is soaking, heat your grill to 450°F. A hot grill ensures that the corn will cook quickly and evenly, giving it that perfect smoky flavor and charred appearance.
Step 4: Grill the Corn
After the corn has soaked for an hour, remove it from the water. Place the ears directly on the grill over direct heat. Grill the corn for about 20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes to ensure that all sides are evenly charred. The husks will start to blacken, which is perfectly fine—it adds to the smoky flavor.
Step 5: Remove and Peel
Once the corn has a nice char and is fully cooked, remove it from the grill. Let it cool until it’s safe to handle. Peel the husks off carefully, revealing the perfectly grilled kernels underneath.
Step 6: Add Butter and Seasoning
Now, it’s time to finish off your Grilled Corn on the Cob. Slather the corn with butter, and sprinkle your favorite seasoning on top. Popular choices include salt, pepper, garlic powder, and even a little parmesan cheese for extra flavor. You can also add a squeeze of lime or a dash of cayenne pepper for some extra zest.
Tips for the Perfect Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Don’t Skip the Soaking: Soaking the corn in water for at least 60 minutes helps prevent the husks from burning too quickly on the grill and allows the kernels to cook more evenly.
- Keep the Grill Temperature Consistent: Ensure your grill is heated to around 450°F for the best results. If the grill is too hot, the corn may burn on the outside before fully cooking inside.
- Try Different Toppings: While butter and seasoning are classic, get creative with toppings! Try chili powder, cilantro, or even crumbled feta cheese for a unique twist.
- Grill Multiple Ears at Once: If you’re cooking for a crowd, you can easily grill multiple ears of corn at once by arranging them in a single layer on the grill. Just be sure to turn them regularly for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
These Grilled Corn on the Cobs make a fantastic side dish for just about any BBQ main course. Serve them with grilled burgers, BBQ chicken, or steak for a classic summer meal. For even more BBQ inspiration, try our BBQ Ribs Recipe or Grilled Chicken Skewers for the perfect pairing.
For an extra special touch, serve the corn with a squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftover Grilled Corn on the Cob, it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the corn or place it back on the grill for a few minutes. You can also cut the kernels off the cob and use them in salads, salsas, or tacos.
FAQs
Can I grill the corn without the husk?
While grilling with the husk on gives the corn a nice char and keeps it moist, you can also grill corn without the husk. Simply brush the corn with a little butter or oil and place it directly on the grill. Just be sure to turn it regularly to avoid burning.
Can I grill the corn ahead of time?
Yes, you can grill the corn ahead of time and store it in the fridge. To reheat, place it back on the grill or microwave it until warmed through.
Can I use a gas grill or charcoal grill for this recipe?
Both gas and charcoal grills work perfectly for this recipe. The key is to maintain a consistent temperature of about 450°F for the best results.
Conclusion
Grilled Corn on the Cob is the perfect side dish for your next BBQ or summer meal. With its smoky flavor, tender kernels, and delicious buttery finish, this easy recipe will become a go-to for your grilling sessions. Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite grilled meats, and enjoy the classic flavors of summer!
For more grilling inspiration, check out our Grilled BBQ Chicken Recipe or Grilled Vegetables for an extra burst of flavor!
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Grilled Corn on the Cob: The Perfect Summer BBQ Side
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 ears of corn 1x
Description
Grilled Corn on the Cob is a classic summer side dish that adds a smoky flavor to any BBQ. With simple ingredients like sweet corn, butter, and seasoning, this easy-to-make dish is sure to complement your grilled meals perfectly.
Ingredients
For Grilled Corn on the Cob:
- 6 ears of sweet corn
- Water
- Butter (to taste)
- Seasoning (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Corn: Remove the top two layers of husk from each ear of sweet corn, leaving the rest of the husk on to help steam the corn while grilling.
- Soak the Corn: Place the prepared corn in water and soak for 60 minutes to prevent burning on the grill and allow the husks to steam the corn.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to 450°F for optimal grilling temperature.
- Grill the Corn: Grill the soaked corn for about 20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes to ensure an even char on all sides.
- Remove and Peel: After grilling, remove the corn from the grill and let it cool. Peel the husks off carefully, revealing the perfectly grilled kernels.
- Add Butter and Seasoning: Slather the corn with butter and sprinkle with your favorite seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, or parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Don’t Skip the Soaking: Soaking the corn for 60 minutes helps ensure the kernels cook evenly and prevents the husks from burning.
- Grill Temperature: Ensure your grill is at 450°F for the best results, preventing the corn from burning too quickly.
- Try Different Toppings: Experiment with chili powder, cilantro, or feta cheese for extra flavor.
- Grill Multiple Ears: Grill multiple ears at once for a crowd by arranging them in a single layer, turning them regularly.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: BBQ
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear of corn
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
