Grilled Corn on the Cob

Cook corn on the cob the way it was meant to be enjoyed!

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If you don’t prepare your corn on the cob using a grill, it’s possible you’ve been doing it the wrong way. To be fair, there is almost no wrong way to prepare corn on the cob. But grilling it over an actual fire is the way it was meant to be prepared. If you’ve never done it before, prepare to have your world view changed – at least when it comes to corn.

Grilling corn on the cob has literally been around for centuries. The dish has a history that dates back to 6,600 B.C. in what is now Mexico. In Mexico, the dish is called elote, and it comes with mayonnaise, chili powder, lime, and Cotija cheese. The indigenous people of Central America eventually shared the recipe with European colonists, and somewhere along the way, grilling corn on the cob was no longer the norm. Well, it might be time to change that.

When you cook corn on the cob in the grill, you get the sweetness of the corn combined with a smoky flavor. It’s a wonderful combination that you can’t get if you prepare corn any other way. Of course, you still get to cover the corn with butter, salt, and any other flavors you wish to add. It’ll be the same corn on the cob you’ve always enjoyed, just better because it was prepared on the grill.

Admittedly, there is more than one way to cook corn on the cob. If you don’t have time to fire up the grill, there are other options. There is baked corn on the cob or steamed corn on the cob. If you have time to try something new, give crock pot corn on the cob a chance.

Is Grilled Corn Healthy?

Grilled corn on the cob is potentially a healthy side dish. Grilling vegetables tends to limit fats and oils, making grilled corn on the cob a low-fat option. Don’t forget that corn is rich in nutrients that your body needs. It’s typically a good source of fiber and antioxidants. The catch is that you have to be careful about what goes on the corn on the cob. Adding too much butter or salt could negate some of the health benefits of something that is vegetarian friendly and gluten-free.

How do you like your corn?

Obviously, grilling is the key cog in this recipe. But there are so many potential variations for this recipe. Things like avocado oil, butter, salt, and pepper are always good options when making corn on the cob. But the sky is the limit. As mentioned, the recipe for elote includes mayonnaise, cheese, and lime.

It’s also possible to drizzle some barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or various other sauces on the corn. Some folks are known to use blue cheese or parmesan cheese to improve their corn on the cob. The trick is to think about the sweetness of the corn and the smokiness of the grill before thinking about what other flavors would complement them. The possibilities are endless, which is why grilled corn on the cob is always a great idea.

INGREDIENTS

4 ears of corn, husks removed
Avocado oil (optional, for brushing)
Butter (optional, for topping)
Salt (optional, for topping)
Pepper (optional, for topping)

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat

Get your grill hot and ready for those ears of corn.

Brush

Optionally, give each ear of corn a light coat of avocado oil for extra flavor and to reduce sticking.

Grill

Cook the corn on the grill, turning occasionally, until it’s perfectly charred and tender.

Season

Finish your grilled corn with a touch of butter, salt, and pepper for a classic taste.

Enjoy

Time to enjoy your delicious grilled corn on the cob.

DEVOUR!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store?

If there are leftover cobs or you want to prepare corn on the cob ahead of time, store in an airtight container inside the fridge for up to 3 days. If your plans involving freezing the corn, cut the kernels off the cob before storing them in the freezer, where they can last up to 2 months.

Should the corn be wrapped in foil?

This isn’t required but can be a good idea because foil can help to trap the corn juices and steam, preserving the flavor of the corn.

Should I leave the corn unhusked?

This is another option and a matter of personal preference. By leaving the husks on, the smoke from the grill can still permeate the husks and cook the corn. However, you lose the ability to add butter, oil, or other sauces to the corn before cooking.

Cooling off period

Don’t forget to give grilled corn up to five minutes to cool before serving because it will be hot coming off the grill.

What’s the fastest way to grill corn on the cob?

Grilling corn in foil or with the husks still on will take longer than grilling right on the grates. Placing corn directly on the grill grates will help you cook quicker and get the most charred flavor.

Serving Suggestions

You can use grilled corn on the cob as a side dish for just about anything, especially if the grill is already fired up. To keep it simple, juicy grilled chicken breast will be great with a side of corn. Naturally, hamburgers and hot dogs are a great option, especially a flavorful cajun burger. Of course, you can’t go wrong with corn on the cob next to a plate of ribs, especially juicy boneless pork ribs. Frankly, any meat dish, especially if it’s grilled, is the perfect occasion to make some grilled corn on the cob too.