I love grilled corn on the cob so much. It’s part of that broad group of foods with natural handles: Bananas! Empanadas! BBQ ribs! Sweet corn is evolutionarily designed to be eaten with your hands, which is, without question, the most fun way to eat. Grilled corn on the cob also happens to be the best side to countless other grilling recipes.
How did corn become a summer BBQ staple? Well, the story goes back many, many centuries: Corn was first domesticated by Indigenous people in Mexico around 6,600 BC. Though the exact date is unknown, the first iteration of grilled cobs, elote, was also invented in Mexico. The iconic ears, spread with mayonnaise, Cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime, are now sold all over the country (and beyond, often referred to as Mexican street corn) alongside tacos as a portable snack.
Indigenous people taught European colonists to grow this native grain. From there, corn spread to pretty much every corner of the globe. In Japan, you might find elote-esque, okonomiyaki-inspired cob recipes: grilled corn slathered with Kewpie mayonnaise, yakisoba sauce, furikake, bonito flakes, and scallions. Blackened ears basted with a garlicky soy paste and a sweet chili sauce are a favorite at night markets in Taiwan. And at street carts throughout India, you can get bhutta, roasted corn on the cob seasoned with lime, salt, and chili powder.
There are truly endless ways to customize those charred and beloved kernels. But first: How to cook corn on the cob on the grill so it comes out perfectly every time. You have a couple of options here, depending on your affinity for draaama (i.e., grill marks). The good news is that neither of these methods require brining (soaking your cobs in salty cold water), and husking (a.k.a. shucking or removing the green leafy exterior) is totally optional. You don’t need to boil your corn cobs or wrap them in aluminum foil either. Prep time? Unless you’re making a topping for your cooked corn, consider it zero. The total time, though, will depend on the method you choose. Here we go:
Grill it over a gas burner (5 minutes only), or on a gas grill or grill pan! No need to boil or steam the corn first, all you need to do is remove the husk and silk bits and place the corn over the flame! Serve it plain or with a little lime and a dash of chili flakes or Aleppo pepper.
How to grill corn on the cob in the husk:
For that still-juicy, just-grilled smokiness, grill your corn on the cob in the husk. Don’t sweat it if the leaves get charcoal-colored and brittle—that’s what you want. The leaves prevent the kernels from overcooking while imparting big smoky flavor. Want more color? Just loosen those husks slightly before grilling.
Ingredients
- As many ears of corn as you want to cook
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Butter or mayonnaise, plus all the toppings you can handle
Preparation
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lay the corn ears (still in their husks!) straight on the grill grate and cook corn, turning occasionally, until the outer leaves are evenly charred. Depending on your grill model, this should take around 16 to 20 minutes.
- Once the cobs are cool enough to handle, pull the husks and silk right off. Then slather and dress the cobs as you please.
Are you supposed to boil corn before grilling?
FAQ
How long to parboil corn before grilling?
Is it better to grill corn or boil it?
Do I have to soak corn before grilling?
How long does it take to par boil corn?
Should you boil corn before grilling?
Boiling corn before grilling it gives the corn a smokey flavor from the grill and ensures that it is thoroughly cooked. This method also shortens the grilling time and prevents the corn kernels from drying out. You can even add sugar to the cooking water to make the bland corn taste sweeter and enhance browning on the grill.
How to cook corn on the grill?
Remove the husk and silk from each ear of corn. If desired, brush each corn cob with olive oil. This prevents the corn cobs from sticking to the grill grates and helps them develop those lovely grill marks. Place the corn on the grill and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, turning every couple of minutes. 3. How to Grill Corn in Foil
Can You Grill corn on the cob?
The best techniques and recipes for grilling corn on the cob—including how to grill corn with leaves on or off; should you soak corn before grilling; ways to remove corn silk; and the best seasonings for grilled corn.
Should you Blanche corn before grilling?
Boone advised shucking the corn before par-boiling it and cooking it for one minute in boiling water. Place the corn in an ice bath immediately after to stop the cooking process. “If you blanche corn before grilling it, pat it dry and grill over medium heat, turning, until kernels are tender and browned about 5 minutes,” Boone said.