Grilling corn on the cob in its husk delivers a uniquely sweet and smoky flavor that's hard to beat. This method retains the corn's natural juices, resulting in tender kernels bursting with flavor. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, ensuring perfectly grilled corn every time.
Preparing the Corn for Grilling
Before you even think about firing up the grill, proper preparation is key to juicy, delicious corn. Here's how to get started:
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Select Your Corn: Choose ears of corn that are fresh and in season. Look for tightly wrapped husks with vibrant green color and slightly moist silk. Avoid corn with dried-out husks or damaged kernels.
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Remove the Silk: Carefully peel back the husks, revealing the silk. Remove the silk as completely as possible. Some people find it easier to do this under running water. Don't worry about getting every last strand; a few remaining strands won't drastically affect the taste.
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Soak (Optional but Recommended): Soaking the corn in its husks for at least 30 minutes, or even up to an hour, helps prevent burning and ensures even cooking. Soak the corn in a large bowl of water. Adding a little bit of salt to the soaking water can enhance the flavor.
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Rewrap the Husks (Optional): After soaking (if you choose to soak), you can rewrap the corn in the husks, tying the ends together with kitchen twine or simply folding them over. This keeps the husk intact during grilling, preventing the kernels from drying out.
Grilling the Corn
Now comes the fun part! Here's how to grill your corn to perfection:
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Preheat Your Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350-400°F). A clean grill is crucial for preventing sticking and transferring unwanted flavors.
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Place the Corn on the Grill: Place the corn directly on the grill grates. If using the grill directly, be sure the husks are damp and keep a close eye to prevent burning.
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Rotate and Cook: Grill the corn for about 15-20 minutes, turning it occasionally to ensure even cooking. The cooking time may vary depending on the heat of your grill and the size of your corn. The corn is done when the kernels are tender and slightly charred.
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Check for Doneness: To test for doneness, gently peel back a husk and check a kernel. It should be tender and juicy. The husks will also show some charring at this point.
Serving Your Grilled Corn
Once the corn is cooked, carefully remove it from the grill and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the delicious smoky flavor!
People Also Ask (PAA) Questions & Answers:
How long do you grill corn in the husk on a gas grill?
Grilling time on a gas grill is similar to a charcoal grill – roughly 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally. The key is to reach an internal temperature where the kernels are tender. Gas grills tend to cook more evenly, so you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly based on your grill’s heat.
Can you grill corn in the husk without soaking?
You can, but soaking is highly recommended. Soaking helps prevent the husks from burning and ensures the corn cooks evenly. Without soaking, the outer husks might burn before the kernels are cooked through.
What temperature should I grill corn in the husk at?
Medium heat (350-400°F) is ideal. High heat will likely burn the husks before the corn is cooked, while low heat will take too long and potentially result in dry corn.
How do you know when corn on the cob is done grilling?
The corn is done when the kernels are tender and slightly charred. You can test this by gently peeling back a husk and checking a kernel for tenderness. The husks themselves will also show some charring.
Can you wrap corn in foil before grilling?
Yes, wrapping corn in foil before grilling is another popular method. This helps to steam the corn, resulting in extra-tender kernels. Simply place the corn in a foil packet, add some butter or other seasonings if desired, and grill for 15-20 minutes.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, perfectly grilled corn on the cob! Remember that grilling times may vary depending on your grill and the size of your corn, so always check for doneness.
