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How to Grill Corn on the Cob

How to grill corn on the cob

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Grilling corn on the cob is easy, especially when you have options! Here are my 3 favorite ways to cook corn on the grill, one of my favorite summertime BBQ treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ears of corn
  • Olive oil
  • Butter and salt, for serving
  •  

Instructions

On the Grates

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375-450°F).
  2. Shuck the corn by peeling down the outside layers one at a time, keeping them attached and facing downwards away from the cob. 
  3. Optional: Use kitchen twine or string to tie the leaves together and make a natural handle for eating the corn. 
  4. Use your hands to rub oil on each corn cob evenly. 
  5. Place the corn directly on the grill grates and cook until it begins to blacken, then turn.
  6. Cook 12-15 minutes total, until blackened on all sides. 
  7. Serve immediately with butter and sea salt, using the tied corn husks as a handle for easy eating.

In Foil

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375-450°F).
  2. Shuck the corn, and place each corn cob in a sheet of aluminum foil
  3. Rub the corn with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. 
  4. Top each packet with ½ tablespoon butter. 
  5. Seal the foil around the corn without making it too tight. 
  6. Poke a few small holes in each packet. 
  7. Place the packets on the grill grates and grill for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn is bright yellow and cooked.

In the Husks

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375-450°F).
  2. Shuck the corn by peeling down the outside layers one at a time and keeping them attached, facing downwards away from the cob. 
  3. Remove the silk, then pull the husks back up over the corn. 
  4. Soak the corn cobs in cool water for at least 20 minutes to prevent scorching. 
  5. Place the corn directly on the grill grates and cook until the husk begins to blacken, then turn. 
  6. Cook 20-22 minutes total, until the corn is cooked through. To check whether it’s done, pull back the husk on one corn to make sure it is bright yellow to the bottom of the cob.
  7. Serve immediately with butter and salt.

Notes

Delicious grilled corn recipes for home cooks start with a quality product. Summertime is the ideal time to enjoy fresh, sweet corn – especially if you have access to a farmers market where you can buy farm-fresh corn

When picking the best corn, even if it’s at the grocery store, choose firm cobs with tassels that are white, yellow, or light brown. (Those silky bits at the top shouldn’t be brown or sticky.) You really shouldn’t peel the whole cob, but if you need a peek at the husk, peel back a small portion.