Mastering The Art Of Bbq Corn: Timing Secrets

how long do you cook corn on the bbq

Grilled corn on the cob is a delicious side dish for any barbecue. The time it takes to cook corn on the barbecue varies depending on the method used, but it typically takes between 10 and 30 minutes. Cooking corn on the barbecue is easy to do and can be done with or without the husk. The husk traps moisture, so you wind up steaming the corn as it grills, resulting in juicier kernels. However, grilling corn without the husk will give it a smokier flavour.

Characteristics Values
Cooking time 10-15 minutes
Corn type Fresh corn, frozen corn
Corn preparation With husk on or off
Grill preparation Medium-high heat
Grill type Charcoal, BBQ, grill pan
Additional ingredients Butter, salt, pepper, garlic, olive oil, lime juice, hot sauce, sugar

shungrill

How long to grill corn on the cob

Grilling corn on the cob is a great way to add a smoky flavour to your dish. The time it takes to grill corn on the cob depends on the method you choose.

Grilling Corn with the Husk On

If you're grilling corn with the husk on, it's a good idea to soak the husks first. This prevents them from burning and adds moisture so the corn steams as it grills. Soak the corn in water for at least 30 minutes and up to 6-8 hours. Then, place the corn on the grill and turn it every few minutes for about 15 minutes in total.

Grilling Corn with the Husk Removed

If you remove the husk, you can place the corn directly on the grill. Turn the corn every few minutes until it's steaming hot and tender. This method usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Grilling Corn Wrapped in Foil

If you wrap the corn in foil, it will take longer to cook. This method typically requires about 30 minutes on the grill.

Checking for Doneness

Regardless of the method you choose, the corn is done when the kernels are tender when pierced with a knife. Raw corn kernels are hard and pale yellow, while cooked kernels are bright yellow and tender. Be careful not to overcook the corn, as this will result in shrivelled and dry kernels.

shungrill

How to grill corn with husks on

Grilling corn with the husks on is a unique method that results in a deliciously moist, sweet flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to grill corn with husks on:

Step 1: Prepare the corn

Peel back the husks of the corn without completely detaching them from the ear of corn. Remove the silk, or thread-like strands, from each ear of corn. Then, fold the husks back to their original position, covering the corn.

Step 2: Soak the corn

Fill a large bowl or pot with cold water and submerge the corn. Allow the corn to soak for at least 20 minutes to prevent scorching and add moisture. The corn can be soaked for up to 12 or even 24 hours for maximum moisture.

Step 3: Preheat the grill

Preheat your grill to a medium to medium-high heat setting, which is typically between 350°F to 450°F.

Step 4: Grill the corn

Place the corn directly on the grill grates and cook until the husks begin to blacken, turning the corn occasionally for even cooking. Grill the corn for a total of 15 to 22 minutes, or until the corn is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Step 5: Serve

Once the corn is grilled to your liking, remove it from the grill and allow it to cool slightly. Peel off the husks and serve the corn with your choice of toppings, such as butter, salt, and pepper. Enjoy!

shungrill

How to grill corn without husks

Grilling corn without the husk is a great way to get a bit more char on your corn. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to grill corn without husks:

Firstly, source the freshest corn you can find. Corn starts to undergo changes immediately after it is picked, so the fresher the corn, the crispier and juicier it will be. Remove the husk and put it in the compost bin. Then, remove the corn silk. Don't worry about removing every single strand as any remaining silk will burn off when you start grilling.

Next, decide whether you want to add oil or butter to your corn. Some people swear by a spritz of vegetable oil, preferably butter-flavoured, or they rub the corn in real butter. Others argue that you can just place the corn directly on the grill. If you do decide to add oil or butter, be vigilant to avoid burning.

Now, it's time to grill your corn. You want your grill to be at least medium heat, around 350f. Place the corn directly onto the grate over the hot coals. Close the lid and use vents to keep the grill temperature at around 350f. Turn the corn every 1-2 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Keep an eye on the kernels. You want them to deepen in colour, but be careful not to let them burn. The total cooking time will be between 10-15 minutes.

Once your corn is cooked, serve it with butter, salt and pepper to taste. You could also try a flavoured butter, such as garlic butter, or ancho chilli powder, grated Cojita cheese, salt and pepper for a Mexican Elote flavour.

Enjoy your grilled corn!

Cooking Pizza on a BBQ: A Tasty Twist

You may want to see also

shungrill

How to grill frozen corn

Grilling frozen corn is a great way to enjoy corn when it's not in season. It's also a convenient option as frozen corn is available year-round and can be cooked straight from the package, without any prep work. Here's how to grill frozen corn on the cob:

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

Start by preheating your grill to high heat. You can use a charcoal grill or a natural gas grill.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn

Take your frozen corn cobs straight from the freezer and coat them with olive oil, canola oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil. This will prevent the corn from sticking to the grill grates. You can use a silicone basting brush or your hands to coat the corn.

Step 3: Grill the Corn

Place the corn directly on the hot grill grates and close the lid. Every few minutes, open the grill, rotate the corn cobs, and close the lid again. Continue this process for 10 to 25 minutes, or until the corn is your desired tenderness. You can test if the corn is ready by piercing a kernel with a fork.

Step 4: Add Toppings and Serve

Once the corn is grilled to your liking, remove it from the grill and add your favourite toppings. The classic combination is melted butter, salt, and black pepper, but you can also get creative with toppings like grated parmesan or cotija cheese, garlic salt, chili powder, paprika, fresh lime juice, or chopped herbs such as basil, cilantro, or parsley.

Tips for Grilling Frozen Corn:

  • It is not necessary to thaw frozen corn before grilling. Grilling it straight from the freezer will give you the best results.
  • Soaking corn in water before grilling is also not required, especially if you are using frozen corn as it has already been blanched.
  • For even cooking and those beautiful grill marks, remember to rotate the corn cobs periodically and keep the grill lid closed as much as possible.
  • To prevent freezer burn and ensure your corn stays fresh, store it in an airtight container with all the air removed.

shungrill

How to tell when corn is cooked

There are a few ways to tell when corn is cooked on the BBQ, depending on the method you use.

Grilling Corn in the Husk

If you are grilling corn in the husk, it will take around 15-20 minutes. The husk will char all over and will be a little messy, but the corn itself won't brown or char. You can check if the corn is cooked by peeling back the husk and checking that the kernels are tender and cooked through. If you want to avoid the mess of burnt husks, you can wrap the corn in foil before grilling.

Grilling Corn without the Husk

Grilling corn without the husk will give it a more charred and smoky flavour. It should take around 10-15 minutes, and you can check if it is done by inserting a fork or skewer into the thickest part of the corn cob. The kernels should be tender and easily pierced.

Grilling Corn on the Grates

Grilling corn directly on the grates without the husk will give it the most charred flavour. It should take around 12-15 minutes, and you can check if it is done by looking for blackening on all sides.

Grilling Corn in Foil

Grilling corn in foil is the easiest method and results in very moist corn, but it won't have much grill flavour. It should take around 20-25 minutes, and you can check if it is done by looking for a bright yellow colour.

Frequently asked questions

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment