Any One Can Put The Heat To The Meat But Only A Few Can Barbeque

How to Barbecue Corn on the Cob: Perfectly Grilled Corn

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Corn on the cob is a quintessential BBQ food that brings out the flavors of summer. Whether you’re hosting a cookout or just enjoying a casual dinner, barbecued corn is a versatile side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats and other BBQ favorites. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of barbecuing corn on the cob, covering everything from choosing the best corn to grilling techniques, flavoring, and serving suggestions.

Introduction

Grilling corn on the cob on the BBQ is a time-honored tradition in many cultures. The smoky aroma and natural sweetness of the corn, combined with the crispy char from the grill, make for an unforgettable experience. While it’s easy to throw corn on the grill, achieving that perfect balance of tenderness and smokiness requires a little know-how. In this article, we will explore different methods for grilling corn, tips for enhancing flavor, and suggestions for serving this BBQ favorite.

Choosing the Right Corn for Barbecuing

To create the perfect barbecue corn on the cob, selecting the right corn is essential. The variety and quality of corn will impact both the texture and the flavor of your grilled corn.

How to Barbecue Corn on the Cob
How to Barbecue Corn on the Cob

Fresh vs. Pre-packaged Corn

  • Fresh, in-season corn is always the best option for grilling. It’s more flavorful, sweeter, and has a crisp texture that holds up well on the grill.
  • Pre-packaged corn might be convenient, but it can lack the freshness and sweetness of corn picked at the peak of the season. If you can, always opt for fresh corn from your local farmer’s market or grocery store.

Types of Corn

While there are various types of corn available, the three most common varieties you’ll find are yellow, white, and bi-color corn.

  • Yellow corn is the classic choice for grilling. It has a sweet, buttery flavor and bright color that looks great on the grill.
  • White corn tends to be milder in flavor compared to yellow corn but is still delicious when grilled.
  • Bi-color corn combines yellow and white kernels, offering a visually appealing and slightly sweet flavor profile.

All three varieties work well on the BBQ, but yellow corn is generally preferred for its rich flavor.

Preparing the Corn

Once you’ve selected your corn, it’s time to prepare it for grilling. Proper preparation is key to ensuring that the corn turns out perfectly cooked with a delightful smoky flavor.

Peeling and Cleaning the Corn

  1. Remove the Husk and Silk (if desired): The husk is the leafy covering on the corn cob, and silk is the stringy thread-like material attached to the kernels. Some prefer to remove the husk entirely before grilling to achieve a smoky, charred flavor, while others leave it on to protect the corn and lock in moisture.
    • To remove the husk: Pull back the leaves, snapping them off at the base of the cob, and then remove the silk by gently pulling it off the kernels.
    • To keep the husk on: Simply peel back the husk without removing it completely. You can fold it back over the cob after soaking for grilling.
  2. Clean the Silk: After peeling off the husk, remove any remaining silk. You can use a vegetable brush or a damp paper towel to clean the kernels.

Soaking the Corn

Soaking corn before grilling helps prevent it from burning and keeps the kernels moist. This is especially important if you’re grilling corn with the husk on.

  • Soaking Time: Soak the corn in cold water for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. This allows the husk to absorb water, which helps steam the corn as it grills.
  • Husked Corn: If you remove the husk, soaking the corn is still a good idea. It adds moisture and prevents the kernels from drying out during the grilling process.

Barbecuing Corn on the Cob

Now that your corn is prepared, it’s time to get it on the grill! There are a few different ways to barbecue corn on the cob, each resulting in slightly different flavors and textures.

Grilling with the Husk On

Grilling corn with the husk on helps retain moisture, creating tender kernels while imparting a subtle smoky flavor. Here’s how to grill corn with the husk on:

  1. Preheat the Grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat, around 350°F to 400°F.
  2. Place the Corn on the Grill: Place the soaked, husked corn directly on the grill grates. Arrange them so that they are evenly spaced and not overcrowded.
  3. Turn Occasionally: Grill the corn for 15-20 minutes, turning the cobs every 4-5 minutes to ensure even cooking. The husks will begin to darken and char, which is a sign that the corn is cooking properly.
  4. Check for Doneness: Once the husks are charred and the kernels are tender, remove the corn from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Why Use the Husk?
The husk acts as a natural barrier, protecting the kernels from direct heat and moisture loss. This method creates soft, juicy corn that is perfect for those who enjoy a more steamed, tender texture.

Grilling with the Husk Off

Grilling corn with the husk off is a great option if you’re aiming for a more charred and smoky flavor. Here’s how you can achieve this:

  1. Preheat the Grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat, around 350°F to 400°F.
  2. Brush with Oil or Butter: For added flavor, brush the corn with oil or melted butter. This helps the corn develop a delicious, crispy exterior.
  3. Grill the Corn: Place the corn directly on the grill grates. Turn the corn every 2-3 minutes to ensure even charring. Grill for 10-12 minutes until the kernels have a deep golden-brown color and some nice grill marks.
  4. Check for Doneness: Once the kernels are tender and well-charred, remove the corn from the grill. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Why Grill Without the Husk?
Grilling corn without the husk exposes the kernels directly to the heat, resulting in a smoky, charred exterior and a slightly crisp texture. The corn will have a more intense flavor, which is ideal for those who love a smoky BBQ taste.

Indirect Heat Grilling

If you prefer a more controlled cooking method, using indirect heat is an excellent option. Here’s how you can grill corn using indirect heat:

  1. Preheat the Grill: Set your grill to medium heat.
  2. Place the Corn Away from Direct Heat: Place the corn on the cooler side of the grill, ensuring it’s not directly over the flame. This method uses the ambient heat of the grill to slowly cook the corn.
  3. Grill the Corn: Cover the grill and cook the corn for 20-25 minutes, turning the cobs every 5-7 minutes. This slow cooking method ensures the corn remains tender without burning.

Why Use Indirect Heat?
Indirect heat provides a gentle cooking environment that helps cook the corn evenly. It’s the perfect method for large batches of corn when you don’t want to constantly monitor the grill.

Flavoring Your Corn

Once your corn is grilled to perfection, it’s time to add flavor! Whether you prefer classic butter or more adventurous seasoning, there are many ways to enhance the taste of your barbecued corn on the cob.

Butter and Seasoning

The most common and simple way to flavor grilled corn is by slathering it with butter. Here are a few ideas:

  • Classic Butter and Salt: Spread a generous amount of softened butter over the corn and sprinkle with sea salt. It’s a classic combination that never disappoints.
  • Flavored Butters: Experiment with flavored butters such as garlic butter, herb butter, or even spicy chipotle butter. You can easily make flavored butter by mixing softened butter with fresh herbs, garlic, or spices of your choice.

Spices and Marinades

For a more exotic twist, try marinating the corn or sprinkling it with spices before grilling.

  • Chili Powder and Lime: A sprinkle of chili powder and a squeeze of lime juice adds a tangy, spicy kick to your corn.
  • Paprika and Cumin: These spices give the corn a smoky, earthy flavor that complements the grill’s charred taste.

Cheese and Garnishes

For a more decadent corn experience, try topping your grilled corn with cheese and other garnishes.

  • Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Coat your grilled corn with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice for a classic Mexican street corn recipe.
  • Parmesan or Feta: A sprinkle of Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese can add a salty, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the corn.

Serving Suggestions

Barbecued corn on the cob is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of foods. Here are some ideas for serving:

  • As a Side Dish: Serve your grilled corn alongside burgers, ribs, steaks, or grilled vegetables.
  • As Part of a Salad: Cut the kernels off the cob and add them to a fresh summer salad, along with tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro.
  • BBQ Parties: Corn on the cob is the perfect finger food for outdoor BBQs and gatherings. Serve it as a fun, hands-on snack for your guests.

Conclusion

Grilling corn on the cob is one of the easiest and most delicious ways to enhance your BBQ spread. Whether you choose to grill it with the husk on or off, the key is to master the heat and timing to get those perfect charred, tender kernels. Don’t forget to get creative with flavorings and spices to suit your taste. With these tips and techniques, you’ll be grilling corn on the cob like a pro in no time! Happy grilling.