Grilled Roasted Corn: How Long Should You Cook It?

how long does roasted corn take on the grill

Grilled corn on the cob is a delicious treat, and a great side dish for a summer BBQ. But how long does it take to roast corn on the grill? The answer depends on a few factors, such as whether you grill the corn in the husk or out of it, and how hot your grill is.

Grilling corn in the husk will result in tender, juicy kernels, as the husk creates a steam chamber that prevents the corn from drying out. This method takes a bit longer, around 15 to 20 minutes, and requires less prep work. You can speed up this process by removing the silk, soaking the corn in water for 10-20 minutes, and then grilling it for about 15 minutes, rotating it every 3 to 5 minutes.

Grilling corn without the husk will give you those desirable char marks and a stronger smoky flavour. This method is quicker, taking around 10 to 15 minutes, but it's easy to overcook the corn, so keep an eye on it! Simply place the corn on a very hot grill, and rotate it every couple of minutes until the kernels are tender and have a nice char.

So, depending on your preferred method and grill temperature, roasting corn on the grill can take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes. Now, go fire up that grill and enjoy some delicious grilled corn!

Characteristics Values
Time 10-15 minutes
Temperature Medium-high heat
Corn preparation Husk on or off
Soak corn 10-20 minutes
Corn colour Bright yellow
Corn texture Tender, juicy

shungrill

How long to grill corn in the husk

Grilling corn in the husk is a great way to get juicy, sweet kernels with minimal prep. The husk acts as a steam chamber, keeping the moisture around the corn cobs.

There are a few ways to grill corn in the husk, and the cooking time varies slightly depending on the method you choose. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to grill corn in the husk:

Preparation:

First, pull back the husks on each ear of corn, being careful to keep them attached at the base. Remove the silk threads from the corn, then pull the husks back over the corn. Soak the corn in cold water for 10 to 20 minutes to prevent the husks from burning on the grill and to add moisture to the corn. After soaking, drain and pat dry.

Grilling:

Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat, around 400 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the corn on the grill and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, rotating the cobs every 3 to 5 minutes, or every few minutes, to ensure even cooking. You will know the corn is done when the husk are charred and the kernels are bright yellow and tender.

Serving:

Remove the corn from the grill and tie back the husks, or remove them completely. The husks can be used as a handle when eating. Serve the corn with butter, salt, and pepper, or get creative with seasonings and sauces.

Tips:

  • If you want to reduce the chance of the husks catching fire, you can secure them with a twist tie or string before grilling.
  • To add extra flavour, brush the corn with butter or olive oil and season with salt before grilling.
  • For a spicy kick, try brushing the corn with a compound butter made with garlic, sugar, salt, pepper, cumin, and hot sauce.
  • If you like your corn with char marks, remove the husks after grilling and place the corn directly on the grill for a few minutes, turning frequently to avoid overcooking.

Grilling corn in the husk is a simple and delicious way to prepare this summer favourite. With a little preparation and some time on the grill, you'll have juicy, sweet corn ready to enjoy!

shungrill

How long to grill corn without the husk

Grilling corn without the husk is a simple process that yields delicious results. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to achieve perfectly grilled corn without the husk:

Step 1: Prepare the Corn

Start by shucking the corn, which involves removing the husk and corn silk. This step is crucial to ensure that the corn grills evenly and achieves the desired charring. After shucking, give the corn a quick rinse under cold water to remove any remaining silk. Then, lightly brush the corn with olive oil or vegetable oil to prevent sticking and aid in browning.

Step 2: Preheat the Grill

Before placing the corn on the grill, ensure that your grill is nice and hot. For a charcoal grill, spread the hot coals evenly across the surface. If you're using a gas grill, turn the burners to high. Aim for a temperature between 350°F and 450°F. Cover the grill and allow it to preheat for about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Grill the Corn

Once your grill is preheated, it's time to add the corn. Place the corn directly on the grill grates and cover the grill. For corn without husks, the recommended grilling time is between 10 and 15 minutes. Turn the corn occasionally with tongs to ensure even cooking. Keep in mind that the goal is to achieve a slight charring on the kernels without overcooking them, as overcooked corn can become dry and shrivelled.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Once the corn is grilled to your desired level of doneness, it's time to season and serve. You can keep it classic by brushing the corn with melted butter and sprinkling it with flaky sea salt. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try a flavoured butter like garlic butter, or even a combination of butter, honey, and chipotle powder. You can also sprinkle on some chopped parsley for a fresh herb flavour.

Tips for Success:

  • When grilling corn without the husk, it's important to monitor the corn closely to avoid overcooking.
  • For the best results, use fresh corn if possible, as it tends to have a better texture and flavour. However, frozen corn can also be used.
  • If you want to add some extra flavour, try brushing the corn with melted butter while it's on the grill. This will enhance the buttery flavour and help to create more charring.

shungrill

How to prevent the husk from burning

Grilled corn is a delicious treat, but it can be tricky to get right. Here are some tips to prevent the husk from burning:

First, it's important to note that grilling corn with the husk on is the best way to retain its natural moisture and sweetness. However, this method can be tricky as the husk can easily burn. So, what can you do to prevent this?

One method is to soak the corn in water before grilling. Soaking the corn for around 15 to 20 minutes can help prevent the husk from burning and also helps the corn steam. However, some people argue that this step is unnecessary, as fresh corn typically has enough moisture. Instead, they recommend skipping the soaking and letting the husk char naturally, as burned husk layers can add a smoky flavour to the corn.

If you do choose to soak your corn, make sure to trim any loose pieces of the husk and cut the ends off each ear of corn before placing them in a large bowl or sink full of water. This will ensure that the corn doesn't burn when you put it on the grill.

Another way to prevent the husk from burning is to remove some of it before grilling. While you don't want to shuck the corn entirely, removing two or three layers of the husk can help the heat penetrate the kernels more easily. Just be sure to stop short of a full shuck. You should also trim any excess silk sticking out of the top with kitchen scissors.

Additionally, it's important to grill the corn at the right temperature and for the right amount of time. Grill the corn at a high temperature of around 400°F for 20-30 minutes, depending on the heat. Hotter fires will cook the corn faster. Be sure to turn the corn every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. If the corn is charring too quickly, adjust the logs or move the corn further from the fire.

Finally, if you're concerned about the husk burning, you can always try grilling the corn with the husk off. This method maximizes the char and smoky flavour of the corn. Just be sure to brush the corn with oil or butter and season it before placing it on the grill.

By following these tips, you can help prevent the husk from burning and enjoy perfectly grilled corn.

shungrill

How to tell when corn on the cob is cooked

Grilled corn on the cob is a tasty treat, but how do you know when it's cooked?

Colour

The colour of the kernels is a good indicator of whether your corn is cooked. Raw corn is a pale yellow, but when cooked, the kernels turn a bright yellow.

Texture

You can also tell by the texture. Raw corn kernels are hard, but when cooked, they become tender and can be pierced easily with a knife. Another way to test this is to try and burst a kernel with slight pressure from your finger. If it's soft enough and cooked properly, it will burst.

Timing

Timing is also important. Corn on the cob usually takes around 10 minutes to cook on a very hot grill, but this can vary depending on your heat source and cooking method. If you're boiling your corn, it can take anywhere from 1 to 10 minutes, depending on how well-done you like it.

Other indicators

You can also tell when corn is cooked by the smell. If you're grilling your corn, it's done when you can smell it. You can also test by tasting it. Raw corn has a starchy taste, so you want to boil it just enough to get rid of that.

So, there you have it! By keeping an eye on the colour, texture, timing, smell, and taste of your corn on the cob, you can easily tell when it's cooked to perfection.

shungrill

How to serve grilled corn on the cob

Grilled corn on the cob is a perfect side dish for a summer barbecue. It goes well with veggie burgers, black bean burgers, and vegan hot dogs, as well as classic barbecue dishes like hamburgers, steak, and grilled chicken.

When it comes to seasonings, you can't go wrong with the classic combination of butter, salt, and fresh black pepper. If you're not feeling butter, you can try one of the following options:

  • Slather the corn with mayo, dust it with chili powder, and sprinkle it with Cotija cheese to make elote, or Mexican street corn. Serve with a squeeze of lime juice.
  • Slice the kernels off the cob to make a Mexican grilled corn salad.
  • Stir in some fresh chopped herbs with your melted butter before brushing it onto the corn.
  • Make a garlic butter by heating garlic and butter in a small saucepan over low heat for 5 minutes. Brush this onto the corn as it cooks.
  • Make a cilantro lime butter by mixing 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter with 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro, 1/4 teaspoon lime zest, and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt.
  • For a spicy kick, add some chipotle sauce to your butter.
  • For a more savoury option, try garlic parmesan butter by mixing in minced garlic and sprinkling with grated parmesan.
  • Squeeze lime over your corn and add a dash of paprika or chipotle powder.

Frequently asked questions

Roasted corn on the grill can take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes depending on the method used. Cooking corn with the husk on takes longer, around 15 to 20 minutes, while cooking corn with the husk off takes about 10 minutes.

To grill corn with the husk on, soak the corn in water for 15 to 20 minutes before placing it on the grill. Rotate the corn every few minutes to ensure even cooking and grill for a total of 15 to 20 minutes.

To grill corn with the husk off, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the corn directly on the grill and cook for about 10 minutes, rotating the corn every couple of minutes to ensure even cooking.

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

Leave a comment