In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleHow to Grill Corn on the CobHow to Remove Corn Kernels from the CobHow to Season CornGrilled Corn in RecipesChoosing Corn as a Store or Market
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
How to Grill Corn on the Cob
How to Remove Corn Kernels from the Cob
How to Season Corn
Grilled Corn in Recipes
Choosing Corn as a Store or Market
Corn is a summer staple that demands to be cooked in an equally summery state of mind: out of the kitchen, preferably over an open flame. Picked ripe enough, fresh in-season corn can be eaten raw, right off the cob (seriously!). But nothing tastes better than row upon row of sizzling, smoky kernels roasted over glowing embers. Not only does grilling corn get you out of a too-hot kitchen, but the convenient, easy prep paves the way for a number of delicious dishes.We’ve got the lowdown on picking the best corn at your local farmers market or grocery store, the various ways to cook corn on the cob on the grill—shucked, in the husk or wrapped in foil—and how to utilize grilled corn in everything from salad to succotash.Is Corn a Vegetable, a Fruit or a Grain? Here’s What a Dietitian Has to SayHow to Grill Corn on the CobWhat flavor results do you want? Smoky and charred? Or mostly sweet with a hint of smoke? This is an important distinction, as both results can be achieved on a grill. Read on for the three best methods for grilling corn.How to Grill Shucked Corn for a Lovely CharIf you’re looking for charred, caramelized results, your best bet is to shuck the corn.1. To do this, peel back the husks.2. Then remove the silk and husks, and they’re ready for grilling.3. Heat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high. Brush the shucked corn with olive oil or a neutral oil for optimal roasting, and then line up the cobs on the grill, parallel to the grates, nestling them in to ensure they don’t roll over into your burgers and steaks.Avoid placing the corn directly over the flames to avoid burning.Cook the corn until nicely charred but not shriveled, rotating it a quarter turn every two minutes. Some kernels will inevitably get more blackened than others, but just remember, that’s part of the visual appeal.How long to grill shucked corn:The entire cooking process should take less than 10 minutes, so wandering away for another beer or to catch a crucial at-bat is not advised (sadly!).How to Grill Corn in the Husk for Maximum TendernessIf you’re not concerned about coloring on the kernels and you’re going more for a boiled effect (albeit with some residual smoke) with tender kernels, try grilling corn in the husk.1. Peel back the husks and remove the silks the same way as the first method. Then soak the corn along with some kitchen twine in a pot of cold water for 15 to 30 minutes prior to cooking.2. After soaking, tie the husks back in place with the twine.The extra moisture from soaking will help steam the corn kernels inside the husk and will keep the husks and twine from burning when they’re on the grill.How long to grill corn in the husk:Cook the corn directly over a grill heated to medium-high, turning occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes. The charred husks should easily peel right off.Healthy Corn Side Dish RecipesHow to Grill Corn in Foil for the Juicy KernelsGrilling corn in foil won’t provide any char or smoky flavor, but it does keep the kernels moist. It’s also a very forgiving method, so it’s great when you can’t constantly watch the corn—or if you want tocook the corn over a campfireor at a park.1. Shuck the corn like the first two methods and wrap each cob in heavy-duty foil before placing on the grill or over the fire.How long to grill corn in foil:Place the foil-wrapped corn on a grill heated to medium-high and cook, turning occasionally, for about 15 minutes. Let cool slightly before carefully unwrapping.How to Remove Corn from the Cob after GrillingNow that your corn is grilled, you can eat it off the cob or you can remove the kernels to use it in other recipes likeFresh Sweet Corn Salad.1. To cut kernels off the cob, stand the ear of corn upright. Holding the top of the cob with one hand, position your knife against the cob at the top and cut downward with one stroke.2. The corn kernels from a few rows will fall to your work surface. Continue all the way around the cob until you’ve removed all the kernels.How to Season CornPictured recipe:Grilled Corn on the CobWhen cooking shucked corn, most seasonings are best addedafterremoving the corn from the grill so they don’t burn or just fall off. When grilling in foil or in the husk, feel free to season before or after cooking the corn on the grill. Salt and pepper are naturals, of course; but also consider a compound butter such as thischipotle-lime buttermixed with adobo sauce.For something less fiery, sub out the canned chiles for cilantro, parsley and smashed garlic.The compound butter rule of thumb: softened, unsalted butter + fresh herbs + acid + heat (pepper, chiles, even Old Bay) = instant corn upgrade.Another tasty option is to go the elotes route. Mexican-style street corn gets richness and flavor from a mayo-based sauce flecked with chili powder and cotija cheese (chopped cilantro and jalapeño are also great additions). The subtle heat and rich, salty results are a foolproof way to impress at your next cookout.The Fastest Way to Cook CornHow to Use Grilled Corn in RecipesPictured recipe:Grilled Corn Salad with Chili-Miso DressingGrilled corn is truly summer’s best friend. Not only is it ubiquitous and affordable, the sweet and toasty kernels are extremely versatile. We wouldn’t blame you for biting right into a just-off-the-grates cob, but you can also combine corn with other peak-season produce (grilled eggplant, tomatoes, okra, peaches, etc.) for a simple salad that feeds a crowd. Or slice off the char-kissed kernels and make asuccotashwith shelled edamame, parsley and basil.One of our favorites is a grilled corn relish that plays well with any kind of fish, burgers, tacos orpizza. Don’t stress about making too much, as the mixture of sweet onion (also try with green onion), corn, lime and olive oil is just as good served cold the next day.Read More:Is Corn Healthy or Not? 5 Myths About Sweet Corn BustedHow to Choose Corn at the Store or MarketWhen you’re shopping for corn on the cob at the grocery store or the farmers market, look for plump, uniform kernels (no holes) tucked inside a bright green, tightly wrapped husk. If the top of the cob is shriveled and dry, or if the tassels (or corn silk) sticking out of the top are dried and black, it’s an old ear of corn.Avoid peeking at the corn before you’re ready to cook it—that means no pre-shucking. Not only is pre-shucking frowned upon at most stores and farmers markets, but the corn inside will get starchier and will dry out much faster if you shuck it before you’re ready to use it.Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Corn is a summer staple that demands to be cooked in an equally summery state of mind: out of the kitchen, preferably over an open flame. Picked ripe enough, fresh in-season corn can be eaten raw, right off the cob (seriously!). But nothing tastes better than row upon row of sizzling, smoky kernels roasted over glowing embers. Not only does grilling corn get you out of a too-hot kitchen, but the convenient, easy prep paves the way for a number of delicious dishes.We’ve got the lowdown on picking the best corn at your local farmers market or grocery store, the various ways to cook corn on the cob on the grill—shucked, in the husk or wrapped in foil—and how to utilize grilled corn in everything from salad to succotash.Is Corn a Vegetable, a Fruit or a Grain? Here’s What a Dietitian Has to SayHow to Grill Corn on the CobWhat flavor results do you want? Smoky and charred? Or mostly sweet with a hint of smoke? This is an important distinction, as both results can be achieved on a grill. Read on for the three best methods for grilling corn.How to Grill Shucked Corn for a Lovely CharIf you’re looking for charred, caramelized results, your best bet is to shuck the corn.1. To do this, peel back the husks.2. Then remove the silk and husks, and they’re ready for grilling.3. Heat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high. Brush the shucked corn with olive oil or a neutral oil for optimal roasting, and then line up the cobs on the grill, parallel to the grates, nestling them in to ensure they don’t roll over into your burgers and steaks.Avoid placing the corn directly over the flames to avoid burning.Cook the corn until nicely charred but not shriveled, rotating it a quarter turn every two minutes. Some kernels will inevitably get more blackened than others, but just remember, that’s part of the visual appeal.How long to grill shucked corn:The entire cooking process should take less than 10 minutes, so wandering away for another beer or to catch a crucial at-bat is not advised (sadly!).How to Grill Corn in the Husk for Maximum TendernessIf you’re not concerned about coloring on the kernels and you’re going more for a boiled effect (albeit with some residual smoke) with tender kernels, try grilling corn in the husk.1. Peel back the husks and remove the silks the same way as the first method. Then soak the corn along with some kitchen twine in a pot of cold water for 15 to 30 minutes prior to cooking.2. After soaking, tie the husks back in place with the twine.The extra moisture from soaking will help steam the corn kernels inside the husk and will keep the husks and twine from burning when they’re on the grill.How long to grill corn in the husk:Cook the corn directly over a grill heated to medium-high, turning occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes. The charred husks should easily peel right off.Healthy Corn Side Dish RecipesHow to Grill Corn in Foil for the Juicy KernelsGrilling corn in foil won’t provide any char or smoky flavor, but it does keep the kernels moist. It’s also a very forgiving method, so it’s great when you can’t constantly watch the corn—or if you want tocook the corn over a campfireor at a park.1. Shuck the corn like the first two methods and wrap each cob in heavy-duty foil before placing on the grill or over the fire.How long to grill corn in foil:Place the foil-wrapped corn on a grill heated to medium-high and cook, turning occasionally, for about 15 minutes. Let cool slightly before carefully unwrapping.How to Remove Corn from the Cob after GrillingNow that your corn is grilled, you can eat it off the cob or you can remove the kernels to use it in other recipes likeFresh Sweet Corn Salad.1. To cut kernels off the cob, stand the ear of corn upright. Holding the top of the cob with one hand, position your knife against the cob at the top and cut downward with one stroke.2. The corn kernels from a few rows will fall to your work surface. Continue all the way around the cob until you’ve removed all the kernels.How to Season CornPictured recipe:Grilled Corn on the CobWhen cooking shucked corn, most seasonings are best addedafterremoving the corn from the grill so they don’t burn or just fall off. When grilling in foil or in the husk, feel free to season before or after cooking the corn on the grill. Salt and pepper are naturals, of course; but also consider a compound butter such as thischipotle-lime buttermixed with adobo sauce.For something less fiery, sub out the canned chiles for cilantro, parsley and smashed garlic.The compound butter rule of thumb: softened, unsalted butter + fresh herbs + acid + heat (pepper, chiles, even Old Bay) = instant corn upgrade.Another tasty option is to go the elotes route. Mexican-style street corn gets richness and flavor from a mayo-based sauce flecked with chili powder and cotija cheese (chopped cilantro and jalapeño are also great additions). The subtle heat and rich, salty results are a foolproof way to impress at your next cookout.The Fastest Way to Cook CornHow to Use Grilled Corn in RecipesPictured recipe:Grilled Corn Salad with Chili-Miso DressingGrilled corn is truly summer’s best friend. Not only is it ubiquitous and affordable, the sweet and toasty kernels are extremely versatile. We wouldn’t blame you for biting right into a just-off-the-grates cob, but you can also combine corn with other peak-season produce (grilled eggplant, tomatoes, okra, peaches, etc.) for a simple salad that feeds a crowd. Or slice off the char-kissed kernels and make asuccotashwith shelled edamame, parsley and basil.One of our favorites is a grilled corn relish that plays well with any kind of fish, burgers, tacos orpizza. Don’t stress about making too much, as the mixture of sweet onion (also try with green onion), corn, lime and olive oil is just as good served cold the next day.Read More:Is Corn Healthy or Not? 5 Myths About Sweet Corn BustedHow to Choose Corn at the Store or MarketWhen you’re shopping for corn on the cob at the grocery store or the farmers market, look for plump, uniform kernels (no holes) tucked inside a bright green, tightly wrapped husk. If the top of the cob is shriveled and dry, or if the tassels (or corn silk) sticking out of the top are dried and black, it’s an old ear of corn.Avoid peeking at the corn before you’re ready to cook it—that means no pre-shucking. Not only is pre-shucking frowned upon at most stores and farmers markets, but the corn inside will get starchier and will dry out much faster if you shuck it before you’re ready to use it.
Corn is a summer staple that demands to be cooked in an equally summery state of mind: out of the kitchen, preferably over an open flame. Picked ripe enough, fresh in-season corn can be eaten raw, right off the cob (seriously!). But nothing tastes better than row upon row of sizzling, smoky kernels roasted over glowing embers. Not only does grilling corn get you out of a too-hot kitchen, but the convenient, easy prep paves the way for a number of delicious dishes.
We’ve got the lowdown on picking the best corn at your local farmers market or grocery store, the various ways to cook corn on the cob on the grill—shucked, in the husk or wrapped in foil—and how to utilize grilled corn in everything from salad to succotash.
Is Corn a Vegetable, a Fruit or a Grain? Here’s What a Dietitian Has to Say
What flavor results do you want? Smoky and charred? Or mostly sweet with a hint of smoke? This is an important distinction, as both results can be achieved on a grill. Read on for the three best methods for grilling corn.
How to Grill Shucked Corn for a Lovely Char
If you’re looking for charred, caramelized results, your best bet is to shuck the corn.
- To do this, peel back the husks.
- Then remove the silk and husks, and they’re ready for grilling.
- Heat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high. Brush the shucked corn with olive oil or a neutral oil for optimal roasting, and then line up the cobs on the grill, parallel to the grates, nestling them in to ensure they don’t roll over into your burgers and steaks.
Avoid placing the corn directly over the flames to avoid burning.
Cook the corn until nicely charred but not shriveled, rotating it a quarter turn every two minutes. Some kernels will inevitably get more blackened than others, but just remember, that’s part of the visual appeal.
How long to grill shucked corn:The entire cooking process should take less than 10 minutes, so wandering away for another beer or to catch a crucial at-bat is not advised (sadly!).
How to Grill Corn in the Husk for Maximum Tenderness
If you’re not concerned about coloring on the kernels and you’re going more for a boiled effect (albeit with some residual smoke) with tender kernels, try grilling corn in the husk.
- Peel back the husks and remove the silks the same way as the first method. Then soak the corn along with some kitchen twine in a pot of cold water for 15 to 30 minutes prior to cooking.
- After soaking, tie the husks back in place with the twine.
The extra moisture from soaking will help steam the corn kernels inside the husk and will keep the husks and twine from burning when they’re on the grill.
How long to grill corn in the husk:Cook the corn directly over a grill heated to medium-high, turning occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes. The charred husks should easily peel right off.
Healthy Corn Side Dish Recipes
How to Grill Corn in Foil for the Juicy Kernels
Grilling corn in foil won’t provide any char or smoky flavor, but it does keep the kernels moist. It’s also a very forgiving method, so it’s great when you can’t constantly watch the corn—or if you want tocook the corn over a campfireor at a park.
- Shuck the corn like the first two methods and wrap each cob in heavy-duty foil before placing on the grill or over the fire.
How long to grill corn in foil:Place the foil-wrapped corn on a grill heated to medium-high and cook, turning occasionally, for about 15 minutes. Let cool slightly before carefully unwrapping.
How to Remove Corn from the Cob after Grilling
Now that your corn is grilled, you can eat it off the cob or you can remove the kernels to use it in other recipes likeFresh Sweet Corn Salad.
- To cut kernels off the cob, stand the ear of corn upright. Holding the top of the cob with one hand, position your knife against the cob at the top and cut downward with one stroke.
- The corn kernels from a few rows will fall to your work surface. Continue all the way around the cob until you’ve removed all the kernels.
Pictured recipe:Grilled Corn on the Cob
When cooking shucked corn, most seasonings are best addedafterremoving the corn from the grill so they don’t burn or just fall off. When grilling in foil or in the husk, feel free to season before or after cooking the corn on the grill. Salt and pepper are naturals, of course; but also consider a compound butter such as thischipotle-lime buttermixed with adobo sauce.
For something less fiery, sub out the canned chiles for cilantro, parsley and smashed garlic.
The compound butter rule of thumb: softened, unsalted butter + fresh herbs + acid + heat (pepper, chiles, even Old Bay) = instant corn upgrade.
Another tasty option is to go the elotes route. Mexican-style street corn gets richness and flavor from a mayo-based sauce flecked with chili powder and cotija cheese (chopped cilantro and jalapeño are also great additions). The subtle heat and rich, salty results are a foolproof way to impress at your next cookout.
The Fastest Way to Cook Corn
How to Use Grilled Corn in Recipes
Pictured recipe:Grilled Corn Salad with Chili-Miso Dressing
Grilled corn is truly summer’s best friend. Not only is it ubiquitous and affordable, the sweet and toasty kernels are extremely versatile. We wouldn’t blame you for biting right into a just-off-the-grates cob, but you can also combine corn with other peak-season produce (grilled eggplant, tomatoes, okra, peaches, etc.) for a simple salad that feeds a crowd. Or slice off the char-kissed kernels and make asuccotashwith shelled edamame, parsley and basil.
One of our favorites is a grilled corn relish that plays well with any kind of fish, burgers, tacos orpizza. Don’t stress about making too much, as the mixture of sweet onion (also try with green onion), corn, lime and olive oil is just as good served cold the next day.
Read More:Is Corn Healthy or Not? 5 Myths About Sweet Corn Busted
How to Choose Corn at the Store or Market
When you’re shopping for corn on the cob at the grocery store or the farmers market, look for plump, uniform kernels (no holes) tucked inside a bright green, tightly wrapped husk. If the top of the cob is shriveled and dry, or if the tassels (or corn silk) sticking out of the top are dried and black, it’s an old ear of corn.
Avoid peeking at the corn before you’re ready to cook it—that means no pre-shucking. Not only is pre-shucking frowned upon at most stores and farmers markets, but the corn inside will get starchier and will dry out much faster if you shuck it before you’re ready to use it.
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