Grilling corn on the cob in its husk delivers a smoky, sweet, and incredibly juicy result. This method is simple, requires minimal cleanup, and produces perfectly cooked corn every time. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, answering common questions along the way.
Preparing the Corn for Grilling
Before you even think about firing up the grill, proper preparation is key to delicious grilled corn.
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Select Your Corn: Choose corn that's in season for the best flavor. Look for ears with tight, green husks and silks that are moist and not too dry or brown.
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Clean the Corn: Remove any loose silks or damaged husks. You can leave the husk intact, but it's a good idea to gently peel back the husk and remove the silks. This helps prevent burning and ensures even cooking. Some people prefer leaving the silks on—personal preference really.
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Soak (Optional but Recommended): Soaking the corn in its husks for about 30 minutes before grilling adds moisture and helps prevent burning. Simply place the corn in a large bowl, cover with cold water, and let it soak. For extra flavor, add a splash of water with some lemon juice and a few tablespoons of olive oil to the soaking water.
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Oil the Corn (Optional): Before grilling, lightly oil the husks with olive oil or melted butter to prevent sticking and to add flavor.
How Long to Grill Corn on the Cob in the Husk?
The grilling time depends on the heat of your grill and the size of the corn. Generally, you'll need to grill the corn for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, to ensure even cooking.
Medium-High Heat: Aim for medium-high heat on your grill. This helps create a nice char on the husks without burning the corn. You'll need less time cooking on high heat, approximately 10-15 minutes.
Low Heat: If you prefer a more gently cooked corn, a low heat setting can still achieve tender corn, but it will take longer; about 20-25 minutes.
Grilling Techniques for Perfect Corn
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Direct vs. Indirect Heat: For perfectly charred corn, grill it directly over the heat. If you are concerned about burning, move it to a less hot area of the grill when the husks are well-charred.
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Turning the Corn: Turn the corn every 5-7 minutes to ensure even cooking and browning. Use tongs to gently rotate the corn while it's still in its husks.
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Checking for Doneness: The corn is done when the kernels are tender and juicy, and the husks are slightly charred. You can gently peel back a husk to check the kernels for doneness. They should appear plump and slightly translucent.
What to Do After Grilling
Once the corn is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it cool slightly before handling. The husks will be hot! You can enjoy the corn directly from the husk, or you can remove the husk and silks for easier eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when corn on the cob is done grilling?
The corn is done when the kernels are tender and juicy. The husks will be slightly charred, and you can gently peel back a husk to check the kernels—they should appear plump and slightly translucent.
Can I grill corn in the husk without soaking it?
Yes, you can, but soaking it is recommended. Soaking adds moisture, resulting in more tender and juicy corn, and helps prevent the husks from burning.
How long does it take to cook corn on the cob in the husk on the grill?
The cooking time depends on the heat of your grill and the size of the corn. Generally, it takes about 15-20 minutes on medium-high heat, turning occasionally.
What are some good toppings for grilled corn on the cob?
Grilled corn is delicious on its own, but you can add a variety of toppings to enhance the flavor, such as butter, chili powder, lime juice, parmesan cheese, or even a sprinkle of cotija cheese. Get creative!
Can I freeze grilled corn on the cob?
Yes, you can freeze grilled corn. After it has cooled completely, remove the kernels from the cob and place them in freezer-safe bags.
This guide should provide you with everything you need to know to grill perfect corn on the cob in the husk. Enjoy!
