Cooking Corn On The Cob On The Grill
Corn on the cob is a perfect summertime staple. It's juicy, sweet, and bursting with flavor. While there are many ways to cook corn on the cob, grilling it on the barbecue is the best way to bring out its natural sweetness and add a smoky flavor. Grilling corn on the cob is easy, and it takes less time than you might think. In this article, we'll take a close look at how to grill corn on the cob, the various methods you can use, and some tips and tricks for making perfect grilled corn.
Choosing the Right Corn
The first step to making perfect grilled corn is choosing the right corn. Look for ears of corn that are fresh and free from blemishes. The husks of the corn should be green, and the silk should be moist, which indicates freshness. When shopping, try to purchase corn that has been harvested the same day, if possible.
Preparing the Corn
Before you grill the corn, you need to prepare it. Start by removing the husks and silk from the corn. Rinse the corn under cold running water to remove any remaining silk.
Next, decide whether you want to keep the corn cobs whole or cut them into smaller pieces. If you prefer to keep the cobs whole, you can tie the husks together at the top to make a handle. Or, you can cut the corn into smaller pieces, which will cook faster and be easier to handle.
Grilling the Corn
Now it's time to start grilling. You can grill the corn on a gas or charcoal grill, or even on an open flame. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
If you kept the cobs whole, place them directly on the grill grates. If you cut the corn into smaller pieces, you can skewer them or use a grilling basket to prevent them from falling through the grates.
Grill the corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn is tender and lightly charred on all sides. Don't worry if the husks start to burn—this is normal and won't affect the flavor of the corn.
Seasoning the Corn
Grilled corn on the cob is delicious on its own, but you can also dress it up with some tasty toppings. Here are some ideas for seasoning your grilled corn:
- Butter or margarine
- Mayonnaise
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh herbs, such as cilantro, parsley, or dill
- Chili powder or paprika
- Lime juice
To add seasoning, brush the corn with melted butter or mayonnaise, then sprinkle on your desired toppings. Or, you can combine the seasoning ingredients in a bowl, then roll the corn cobs in the mixture until they are well coated.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Grilled Corn
Here are some tips and tricks for making perfect grilled corn:
- Soak the corn in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent the husks from burning too quickly.
- For extra flavor, add some wood chips to your grill. Hickory, apple, or cherry wood chips pair well with grilled corn.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, sprinkle the corn with cayenne pepper or hot sauce before grilling.
- Try grilling the corn with the husks still on—it will steam the corn and give it a more intense flavor. Once the corn is cooked, remove the husks and grill the corn for an additional few minutes to give it a smoky flavor.
In Conclusion
Grilled corn on the cob is a delicious and easy summer dish that everyone will love. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy sweet, smoky, and flavorful corn that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a barbecue or just cooking for your family, grilled corn on the cob is sure to be a hit.
