If you’re looking for super plump and juicy corn, then Instant Pot corn on the cob and boiled corn on the cob are your best friends. But when it’s hot outside, the grill is ready, and you’re looking forward to the slightly charred, smoky flavor that only grilled food can provide, then it’s time to learn how to grill corn on the cob! Not only is grilling corn on the cob super simple, but grilling weather coincides with the best in-season juicy sweet corn. Plus, grilling corn is versatile too. You can make grilled corn in foil, in their husk, or without either, depending on the corn you have and the desired results. For example, grilling corn in the husk is a great way to lock in moisture while still charring somewhat with a sweet and nutty flavor. In foil, it won’t be as nutty, but it is still wonderfully moist and juicy. In comparison, learning how to BBQ corn on the cob without husk is a little trickier and carries a few more risks to avoid burning and/or drying out, but it has the smokiest, most charred flavor. No matter which method you choose, follow my tips and methods below for perfect corn on the cob on the grill every single time. Best of all, grilled corn on the cob is frugal, simple, and fast—ready in just 15-20 minutes to pair with all your favorite grilled mains and summery sides!
How to Grill Corn on the Cob the Perfect Way
First, use the freshest corn available. Also, preheat your gas grill to high (around 550ºF/290ºC). Then, choose your method for making corn on the cob on the grill—in foil, in the husk, or without foil and no husk. How Long to Grill Corn on the Cob in Foil If you have corn without husks but still want to lock in the moisture, foil is your best friend. Even better, this corn-on-grill recipe method allows cooking corn on the cob on the grill WITH butter and the seasonings of your choice, as the foil will lock it all in. Though it won’t end up very charred. Don’t wrap the foil too tightly, as it’s good to still have air circulation within the parcel. To grill the parcels at medium-high heat (375-450ºF/190- 230ºC) will take 20-25 minutes. You can carefully unpeel one cob to check on the process if needed. Grilled Corn on the Cob in Husk Grilled corn in the husk will help it steam within the husk while still slightly charring. The husks also infuse the corn with a slightly nuttier flavor. Grilled Corn on the Cob No Foil, No Husk When grilling corn on the cob without any covering, the corn will become the most charred and lose the most moisture (so make sure to use the freshest corn available). However, it also has the smokiest, nuttiest flavor, with that classic BBQ flavor. This should take between 10-15 minutes (on a medium-hot grill), turning every 2-3 minutes. Using a Grill Pan or the Stovetop If it’s not grilling weather outside, you can still enjoy grilled corn on the cob using a grill pan. Preheat the pan to high, oiling it slightly, then cook the corn on each side until lightly charred and tender (10 to 15 minutes). Alternatively, you could even cook an ear of corn over the direct flame of a gas stovetop. Use medium-high heat and turn it until it’s charred on all sides (6-10 minutes). Using this method, be careful not to stand too close, as the corn will sizzle and pop slightly, spitting juice as it cooks.
Serving Suggestions
If I’m serving the grilled corn on the cob as a side, I’ll often just add a bit of butter (or garlic herb compound butter) and some sea salt and black pepper. If I want a kick, I’ll add some lime juice and red pepper flakes/chili powder, optionally with paprika for extra smokiness. Enjoy it alongside burgers, hotdogs, kofta kebab, grilled cauliflower steaks, roasted cabbage steaks, and all your favorite BBQ side dishes. If you decide to remove the corn kernels (refer to my post on how to freeze corn for my favorite method), there are plenty of ways to use the corn, too, including:
In a corn salad, Mexican salad, and other salads & salsas (like Texas caviar). Stir into pasta salad and other grain salads. Use them as a filling for burritos and in burrito bowls.
Storage Instructions
Make ahead/Prep: Depending on the method you choose for how to cook corn on the cob on the grill, you can remove the silk and several layers of the husk and leave the corn to soak for up to a day in advance before grilling the cobs. Store: You can grill, cool, and store the grilled corn on the cob (whole or kernels) for 3-5 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Freeze: I prefer to cut away the kernels (rather than whole cobs) and freeze them in a Ziploc bag for 1-2 months.
How to Reheat Grilled Corn on the Cob
I prefer not to reheat grilled corn, as it’s already drier than other cooking methods. Instead, you can use the leftovers in one of the many serving options listed above. However, if you wish to reheat the corn, my favorite way to reheat grilled corn is in the oven. Reheat the corn wrapped in foil (to lock in moisture) at 350F/180C for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
More Ways to Cook Corn on the Cob
How to boil corn on the cob Microwave corn on the cob Oven-roasted corn Instant Pot Corn on the cob How To Make Spiced Corn Ribs (Corn ‘Riblets’)
If you try any of these methods for how to cook corn on the grill (grilled corn on the cob recipe), I’d love to hear your thoughts/questions below. Also, I’d appreciate a recipe card rating below, and feel free to tag me in your recipe recreations on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
