Grilling season is upon us, and what better way to enjoy it than with a delicious ear of corn? But how long should you leave the corn on the grill for it to be perfectly cooked? Specifically, if you want to grill corn in the husk, how long will it take to get perfect results? The answer is more nuanced than you might think, and it depends on a variety of factors. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about grilling corn in the husk, from preparation to cook time, so you can enjoy this summertime staple to the fullest.
First, we’ll dive into the benefits of grilling corn in the husk, including how it can help prevent the corn from drying out and how it imparts a smoky flavor to the kernels. We’ll also talk about how to prepare the corn for grilling, including whether to soak the husks in water first. Then, we’ll get into the nitty-gritty of grill time, covering the ideal heat range, how to know when the corn is done, and more. By the end of this article, you’ll be armed with all the knowledge you need to grill perfect corn in the husk every time.
Choosing the Right Corn for Grilling on the Husk
When it comes to grilling corn on the husk, the right corn is absolutely essential. You want to choose sweet corn that is as fresh as possible. This means buying from a local farmer if possible, or selecting ears that are tightly wrapped in green husks and have plump, moist kernels. Avoid ears that have dry, brown husks or yellowed silks, as these are signs that the corn is past its prime.
Another important factor when choosing corn for grilling on the husk is size. Aim for medium to large ears that are around 6-8 inches long. These will have a better chance of cooking evenly and won’t dry out as quickly. Ultimately, the key to selecting the right corn for grilling on the husk is freshness and quality. With the right ears, you can achieve perfectly grilled corn that is juicy, flavorful, and sure to be a hit at your next backyard BBQ.
Preparing the Corn for Grilling
Preparing the corn is the first step towards grilling perfect corn on the cob. The first thing you need to do is soak the corn in water for at least 15-20 minutes. This step is crucial as it keeps the husk from burning on the grill and ensures the corn is juicy and tender. Soaking also helps remove any dirt or debris stuck between the husk and corn.
Once the corn is soaked, gently pull back the husk but do not remove it completely. Remove the silk from the corn and then brush the corn with butter or olive oil. Season the corn with salt and pepper or any other spices of your choice. Finally, pull the husks back up to cover the corn. Now, you’re all set to grill the corn to perfection!
Setting Up the Grill for Corn on the Husk
To prepare your grill for cooking corn on the husk, you will need to create a medium-high heat zone. Begin by starting your grill and letting it heat up for 10-15 minutes. Then, turn all of the burners to high and close the lid. Allow the grill to heat up to around 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Next, clean the grates of the grill by scrubbing them with a wire brush. It’s important to remove any debris or leftover food to prevent sticking. After cleaning, dip a cloth in vegetable oil and use it to coat the grates. This will create a non-stick surface for the corn to cook on.
Once the grill is hot and clean, place the corn on the husk directly on the grates. Close the lid of the grill and set a timer for 15-20 minutes. Remember to check the corn occasionally and rotate them to ensure even cooking. When they are done, remove the corn from the grill and allow them to cool before serving.
Tips and Tricks for Grilling Corn on the Husk Perfectly
Grilling corn on the husk may seem like a simple task, but there are a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve the perfect grilled corn. Firstly, make sure to soak the corn in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This will prevent the husk from burning and drying out too quickly on the grill. Additionally, you can add herbs or spices to the water for an extra burst of flavor.
Secondly, after grilling the corn, allow it to rest for a few minutes before shucking. This will allow the steam to finish cooking the kernels and the flavors to fully develop. Finally, consider adding butter or other toppings to the corn after grilling for an extra burst of flavor. Overall, by following these simple tips and tricks, you can easily grill perfect corn on the husk every time.
Monitoring Corn on the Grill and Knowing When It’s Done
Monitoring Corn on the Grill is an important aspect of grilling. After around 15-20 minutes of grilling, it is important to start monitoring the corn carefully. It is advisable to use a pair of tongs to rotate the corn to ensure that all the sides are uniformly cooked. It is also important to rotate the corn with care so as to avoid breaking the husk.
Corn in the husk will take longer to cook than corn without the husk when grilling. Once the husk has turned black and has started to slightly peel away, it’s time to move the corn to a cooler section of the grill. This is to keep the corn warm while ensuring that it doesn’t overcook. Once removed from the grill, it is advisable to let the corn cool down for around 5 to 10 minutes before peeling the husk. This will allow the corn to evenly distribute all the flavors and will make for a perfect bite every time.
Removing and Serving Corn on the Husk
Once you’ve grilled your corn in the husk until it’s cooked through, it’s time to remove the husks and serve the delicious corn to your guests. The first step is to let the corn cool down for a few minutes, as the husks will be hot to the touch after being on the grill. Once the corn is cool enough to handle, simply peel back the husks and discard them.
It’s worth noting that some people prefer to leave a few of the inner husks attached to create a little “handle” for easier eating. If you choose to do this, simply tie a piece of kitchen twine around the inner husks to secure them in place. Once the corn is husked, feel free to top it with melted butter, salt, pepper, or any other seasonings you like, then enjoy!
Alternative Corn Grilling Techniques and Recipes for Variation
Just like anything else, grilling corn in the husk has its own advantages and disadvantages, and some people may want to experiment with other grilling methods or recipes for variety. If you want to switch things up a bit, consider these alternative techniques and recipes:
First, you can try grilling corn without the husk to achieve a smokier flavor and a more charred appearance. After removing the husk and silk, brush the corn with oil or butter and grill directly over the heat for 10-15 minutes. To add some extra kick, you can coat the corn with seasonings like chili powder, garlic powder, or cumin.
Another variation you might enjoy is grilling Mexican-style street corn. After grilling the corn in the husk, remove the husk and silk and coat the corn with a mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, and lime juice. Sprinkle shredded cotija cheese on top and garnish with chopped cilantro and lime wedges for added flavor and presentation. Whatever technique or recipe you choose, enjoy the deliciousness of grilled corn in its varied glory.
Final Thoughts
Grilling corn in the husk is a delicious and easy way to prepare this summertime staple. While the exact grilling time may vary depending on the size of the corn and the heat of your grill, a good rule of thumb is to grill the corn for about 20-25 minutes, turning it occasionally.
To ensure the corn cooks evenly, it’s also a good idea to soak it in water for at least 10 minutes before grilling. This will help prevent the husks from burning and keep the kernels moist and tender. With a little patience and attention to detail, you’ll have perfectly grilled corn on the cob in no time!