Summer is grilling season, and what better way to celebrate than with sweet, smoky grilled corn on the cob? This guide will walk you through how to cook corn on the grill, achieving perfectly charred kernels with a tender interior. Get ready to elevate your BBQ game!
Preparing Your Corn for Grilling Perfection
Before you even think about firing up the grill, proper preparation is key to delicious grilled corn. Here's what you need to do:
1. Selecting the Right Corn
Choose corn that's fresh and in season. Look for ears with tight, green husks and kernels that are plump and milky. Avoid ears with dry or shriveled husks.
2. Husk Removal (or Not!): Your Choice!
You have two main options for prepping your corn:
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Leave the Husks On: This method imparts a smoky flavor and keeps the corn moist. Simply peel back the husks, remove the silks, and then soak the corn in water for about 15-20 minutes. This helps prevent burning.
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Remove the Husks: This allows for more even charring. Remove the husks and silks, and optionally soak the corn as above.
3. Optional: Add Flavor!
Enhance your grilled corn with additional flavor by incorporating these simple steps:
- Butter and Herbs: Spread softened butter on the corn and sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or cilantro.
- Spice Rub: Create a simple spice rub with chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
- Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese (cheddar, parmesan, or cotija) onto the corn before grilling.
Grilling Your Corn: Step-by-Step Guide
Now for the fun part! Here's how to grill your corn to perfection:
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Preheat your grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F). Clean the grates to prevent sticking.
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Grill the Corn: Place the prepared corn directly on the grill grates. If using the husk-on method, be careful not to burn the husks.
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Turning and Cooking Time: Grill the corn for 8-12 minutes, turning it every 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking and charring. Cooking time will depend on the heat of your grill and the thickness of the corn.
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Check for Doneness: The corn is done when the kernels are tender and slightly charred. You can easily test this by piercing a kernel with a fork.
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Remove and Serve: Remove the corn from the grill and let it cool slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions for Grilled Corn
Your perfectly grilled corn is ready to enjoy! Here are some serving suggestions:
- Plain and Simple: Sometimes the simplest is best! Enjoy the corn's natural sweetness.
- With Lime and Chili Powder: A squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of chili powder adds a zesty kick.
- As a Salad Ingredient: Cut the kernels off the cob and add them to your favorite summer salad.
- In a Salsa: Grilled corn makes a delicious addition to fresh salsa.
Tips for Grill Success
- Soaking the corn: Soaking helps prevent burning and keeps the corn moist.
- Don't overcrowd the grill: Give the corn enough space to cook evenly.
- Use tongs: Use tongs to turn the corn to avoid burning your hands.
- Experiment with flavors: Don't be afraid to try different flavor combinations!
With these simple steps, you'll be enjoying delicious grilled corn on the cob all summer long. Happy grilling!
