Cooking Whole Corn On The Bbq: A Simple Guide

Grilled corn on the cob is a delicious summer staple. It's a simple dish to make, but there are a few different ways to cook it depending on your preference. You can grill corn with the husk on or off, directly on charcoal or on the grill. Each method will give your corn a different flavour and texture.

How to choose the best corn for BBQing

When selecting corn to BBQ, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the best results.

Firstly, it is important to choose fresh corn. The fresher the corn, the better the flavour and texture. Ideally, you want to buy corn that is in season and has been picked as close to the BBQing time as possible. If you can, try to buy locally grown corn, as it is more likely to be fresh.

When examining the corn, look for ears with tight green husks and slightly sticky, golden-brown tassels. The husk should be wrapped tightly around the cob, with none of them breaking or falling off. The tassels should be glossy, not dry or black, as this indicates that the corn is past its prime.

Feel the corn to ensure the kernels are plump and not shrivelled. Press the corn gently; it should be firm and the rows of kernels should feel neat and tight. The colour of the kernels doesn't matter as much, but they should smell sweet.

If the corn is still in its husk, you can carefully peel back a little of the husk to check the quality of the kernels. However, only do this for one or two cobs, as it is generally considered a farmers' market faux pas.

Grilled corn is a great way to enjoy the sweetness of fresh corn with a smoky char. By choosing the best corn and preparing it correctly, you can ensure juicy and tender kernels that are full of flavour.

How to prepare corn for the BBQ

Choosing Corn

When shopping for corn, it's best to choose fresh corn that's in season and picked as close to grilling as possible. Look for corn with golden silk, and ears that smell sweet, are firm when pressed, and free of blackened tassels.

Soaking or Brining

Soaking or brining corn in water before grilling is thought to add moisture and season the corn. However, this is only beneficial if you're using older or off-season corn. If you're using fresh corn, this step is unnecessary and may cause it to lose its sweetness.

Preparing the Corn

There are a few different ways to prepare your corn for grilling:

• Grilling with the husk on: This method requires little to no prep work. Simply place the whole cobs with the husks on a medium-hot grill and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally. The husk will char, but the corn won't brown or char. You can also soak the corn in water for 20 minutes to reduce the chance of the husks catching fire and to add moisture.
• Grilling with the husk off: Shuck the corn and clean off the silk threads. Brush the corn with butter or olive oil, season, and place directly over the heat. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are lightly charred.
• Grilling with the husk partially removed: Trim the stalk's tassels and peel back a few layers of the husk to expose the bottom of the ear. This method allows the grill to cook the corn faster and more evenly, while still retaining some moisture.

Grilling the Corn

Heat your grill to high, direct heat (around 450-500°F). Place the corn on the grill, cover, and cook for 5 minutes. Uncover, turn the corn, and cook for another 5 minutes. Repeat this process, turning the corn at 5-minute intervals, until the corn is cooked to your desired level of doneness. This should take around 15-20 minutes in total.

Serving the Corn

Remove the corn from the grill and let it cool for a few minutes. Pull back the husks and silk, and serve with butter and salt. You can also get creative with your toppings, such as chili powder, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs.

How long to cook corn on the BBQ

There are several different methods for cooking corn on the BBQ, and the cooking time varies depending on the method chosen. Here is a guide on how long to cook corn on the BBQ using different techniques.

Grilling Corn with Husks On

If you want to grill your corn with the husks on, it is recommended to soak the corn in water first. Soaking the corn helps to prevent the husks from burning and adds moisture to the corn, resulting in juicy and tender kernels. The soaking time can range from a minimum of 30 minutes to up to 6-8 hours for the best results.

After soaking, place the corn on the grill and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, turning the cobs occasionally. The corn is ready when the husks are charred all over, and the kernels are tender.

Grilling Corn with Husks Off

If you prefer to grill your corn with the husks removed, the cooking time will be slightly shorter. Place the corn directly on the grill grates and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, turning the cobs occasionally. The corn is ready when it has a nice char on the kernels and the kernels are tender.

Grilling Corn on a Gas or Charcoal Grill

When grilling corn on a gas or charcoal grill, it is best to cook the corn for 15 to 20 minutes total. Place the corn on the grill, cover it, and cook for 5 minutes. Then, uncover and turn the corn, cooking for another 5 minutes. Repeat this process, turning the corn at 5-minute intervals, until the desired level of doneness is achieved.

Grilling Frozen Corn on the Cob

If you are using frozen corn on the cob, wrap each cob in aluminum foil and place them on the grill. Cook for 10 minutes, turning the cobs occasionally, until they are heated through.

Tips for Perfectly Grilled Corn

• Choose fresh corn: Select corn that is in season and picked close to grilling. Look for ears with tight green husks and golden brown, slightly sticky tassels. The kernels should be plump and the corn should smell sweet.
• Avoid overcooking: Grilled corn is best when it is slightly charred but still juicy. Overcooking can lead to dry and shrivelled kernels.
• Season generously: Butter, salt, and various seasonings can enhance the flavour of grilled corn. Try compound butters, chilli powder, or fresh herbs for a more gourmet experience.

How to add flavour to corn on the BBQ

There are several ways to add flavour to corn on the BBQ, and the method you choose will depend on the type of flavour you want to achieve. Here are some options:

Brining or Soaking the Corn

Soaking or brining the corn in water before grilling is thought to add moisture and season the corn. However, this technique is not necessary if you are using fresh, juicy corn as it will already be moist. If you do choose to soak your corn, submerge it in water for at least 30 minutes, or up to 6-8 hours for the best results. This technique is ideal if you want to add moisture to older corn or corn that is out of season.

Grilling with the Husks On

Grilling corn with the husks on will give the corn a subtle grassy flavour. This method requires little to no prep work and helps to keep the corn tender and juicy. The husks will char and burn while the corn cooks, making them easy to remove after grilling. If you want to reduce the chance of the husks catching fire, soak the corn in water for 20 minutes before grilling, or wrap the corn in foil.

Grilling with the Husks Off

Grilling corn with the husks off will give the corn a more intense smoky flavour. This method is ideal if you want to add char and a bit more flavour to the corn. When grilling with the husks off, brush the corn with butter or olive oil and season with salt to enhance the flavour. You can also add a compound butter or sauce for extra flavour.

Adding Flavoured Butters or Sauces

After grilling your corn, you can add flavoured butters or sauces to take the flavour to the next level. Some options for flavoured butters include garlic butter, ancho chilli powder, grated Cojita cheese, salt, pepper, fresh basil, Old Bay seasoning, sugar, and cinnamon. For a Hawaiian twist, try a mixture of honey, butter, and cayenne pepper. Alternatively, you can add a compound sauce such as coconut glaze (made with coconut milk, coconut sugar, salt, and turmeric) or Mexican elote (made with mayo, chilli powder, cotija cheese, and lime).

What to serve with BBQ corn

Grilled corn is a versatile side dish that can accompany many different types of food. Here are some ideas for what to serve with BBQ corn:

Classic Potato Salad

A classic potato salad is a perfect side dish to serve with grilled corn. It's a simple dish that can be made ahead of time and served cold, making it a convenient option for summer gatherings.

Grilled Chicken Thighs

Grilled chicken thighs are a delicious and easy-to-prepare option to serve alongside grilled corn. Chicken and corn are a classic combination, and grilling both items adds a smoky flavour that pairs well together.

Baked Mac and Cheese

Baked mac and cheese is a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish that can be served as a side or main course. The creamy cheese sauce and tender pasta complement the sweetness of grilled corn.

Southern-Style Buttermilk Biscuits

Buttery, flaky buttermilk biscuits are a delicious addition to any meal featuring grilled corn. They can be used to soak up any extra butter or sauce from the corn, and their savoury flavour pairs well with the sweetness of the corn.

Grilled Shrimp

Corn and shellfish are a perfect match, so grilled shrimp skewers are an excellent choice to serve alongside grilled corn. Both items can be cooked on the grill, making this a convenient and tasty combination.

Cilantro-Lime Chicken Skewers

For those who prefer chicken over shellfish, cilantro-lime chicken skewers are a great option. The bright, tangy flavours of cilantro and lime complement the sweetness of grilled corn, and the skewers can be cooked on the grill alongside the corn.

Frequently asked questions