Grilled corn on the cob bursts with sweet-and-savory flavor and takes just 5 minutes or less. Learn how to grill corn so it’s perfectly charred with our three easy methods, no grill necessary!
Grilled corn on the cob was one of my go-to summer snacks growing up in Egypt. Some street vendors specialized in the crispiest, fluffiest falafel. Others sold ice-cold hibiscus tea on a sweltering day. Some set up right on the boardwalk by the beach and grilled fresh, raw corn directly over open flames – no fancy grills required.
At home, my family just threw the corn directly on the gas burner! Easiest thing ever. This grilled corn recipe shows exactly how my family did it, depending on our mood. Each method boasts that delicious BBQ flavor that we loved so much about those beachside vendors.
This grilled corn on the cob recipe cooks the corn without its husk. I find that grilling corn with the husk prevents it from getting nice and charred. And for the same reason, I do not cover my corn in foil. I also love to keep the corn’s natural sweetness, so I don’t dull the flavor by boiling it first.
You only need one thing to make this grilled corn on the cob: corn! You can dress it up how you like from there. I like Aleppo pepper and lime. Aioli, cheese like parmesan or feta, extra virgin olive oil, flaky salt, and black pepper or chili flakes are also great options. Heres what I use for this recipe:
The Best Way to Cook Corn Also, the husks charred, giving the corn all the bold, smoky flavor of grilling without the drying or burned bits. If you don’t have a grill, boiling corn in salted water is a great alternative. You won’t get that charred flavor, but the kernels will be plump, juicy, and perfectly salted.
Should You Boil Corn Before Grilling?
You don’t need to boil corn before grilling. You also don’t need to soak or steam it!
Some grilled corn recipes boil the corn to avoid cooking the corn for too long and drying out the kernels. The secret? High heat! Charring raw corn quickly over high heat will ensure the kernels stay juicy and allow their natural flavors to shine.
Using a Grill Pan
- Preheat your grill pan to high. Once it’s very hot, about 5 minutes, arrange the corn on the pan, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding (overcrowding steams the corn and makes it less delightfully springy in texture).
- Turn. Turn the corn often to cook and char all sides. This should take about 10 minutes in total.
No matter your method, season the corn while it’s still warm for the best flavor. I run a cut lime all over the corn and sprinkle with Aleppo pepper for a mild kick.
The BEST way to GRILL CORN on the COB | BBQ Butter | PK Grill (2021)
FAQ
Which is better boiled corn or roasted corn?
Does grilling corn make it sweeter?
How long should you boil corn before grilling?
Is it better to grill corn with or without husks?
Do you boil corn before grilling?
One school of thought dictates that the best results come from cooking corn in boiling liquid before it ever makes its way onto the grill. We experimented with two different methods here. In one test, we blanched the corn in a mixture of whole milk and water (1 cup to 2 quarts, respectively) as suggested in this New York Times recipe.
Is corn a healthy food?
The main source of green corn is carbohydrate, which is slowly absorbed into the bloodstream and prevents blood sugar spikes. Another benefit is the presence of fibers, which contribute to intestinal health and promote the feeling of satiety. And I can’t stop talking about Vitamins and minerals, vitamin A and complex B, which contributes to good mood and the nervous system. Among the minerals, we have magnesium, potassium, iron and copper.
What happens if you cook corn on a grill?
Results: Cooking corn directly on the grill without any barrier resulted in shriveled, burnt kernels that were way too dry. The kernels shrunk significantly, making them hard to eat, and they lost all of their freshness. They had practically no moisture left and they lost their snappy crunch. The corn was burnt, dry, and very disappointing.
Can you cook corn without a grill?
If you don’t have a grill, boiling corn in salted water is a great alternative. You won’t get that charred flavor, but the kernels will be plump, juicy, and perfectly salted. About This Method: I was skeptical to microwave corn, but with over 500 reviews and an average 5-star rating, I knew it was worth testing.