Perfect Grilled Sweet Corn on the Cob
Follow these steps to grill sweet corn on the cob using husks, foil, or directly on the grates for smoky flavor and tender kernels.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 ears fresh sweet corn, husks on
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the corn: Soak the unshucked corn in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents the husks from burning if you use the husk method.
- Choose your grilling method:
- Method 1 (Husks on): Pull back the husks, remove the silk, then pull the husks back over the corn. Soak the corn in water for 30 minutes before grilling.
- Method 2 (Foil): Shuck the corn, remove silk, brush lightly with oil, and wrap each ear tightly in aluminum foil.
- Method 3 (Direct Grate): Shuck the corn completely, remove silk, and brush lightly with oil.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F to 400°F).
- Grill the corn: Place the corn on the preheated grill grates.
- If using husks or foil, grill for 15 to 20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes until tender.
- If grilling directly, cook for 10 to 15 minutes, turning frequently until light char marks appear and the kernels are tender.
- Test for doneness: Carefully peel back a husk or foil to check a kernel; it should be tender when pierced.
- Remove the corn from the grill. If using the husk method, the husks should peel away easily.
- Season immediately with salt and pepper. Serve hot with your preferred toppings.
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, soak wood chips in water for 30 minutes and place them over the hot coals or on a smoker box before grilling.
- If you like a more charred exterior, remove the husks entirely for the last 5 minutes of cooking and place the corn directly over higher heat.
- Toppings ideas include butter, lime juice, chili powder, or crumbled cotija cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 5
- Fat: 2
- Saturated Fat: 0
- Unsaturated Fat: 2
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 0
