Grilled Corn On The Cob

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I never really need an excuse to host an impromptu backyard BBQ. Sunny afternoons, random weekends, Memorial Day, 4th of July and summer dinners, always result in someone grilling corn on the cob, aaaaaaaaaall the ways.

Honestly, I love it so much I could happily eat grilled sweet corn as a full dinner and call it a day. Add a little butter, some sweet, smoky charred bits, fresh-off-the-grill flavor that tastes like summer, and some lime, and I’m all good. Love side dishes, then check out this selection of the best bbq side dishes and these 4th of July recipes. #givemeallthesides.

Why You’ll Love Grilling Corn On The Cob

You know when a recipe quietly becomes part of your regular rotation? Yeap, that’s what going to happen here friend.

• Super easy: If you’re new to grilling, or you’re like me and want something that doesn’t involve a pile of dishes, this incredibly easy grilled corn is about to be your new go-to. I just toss the ears on the grill, brush on some butter, and that’s literally it.
• Quick: Grilling corn on the cob is fast, so can be whipped up last minute. I am talking just 5 minutes of prep.
• Affordable: This is budget friendly especially in the summer – a win. Just a handful of ingredients you already own. Simple flavors, big taste.
• Super versatile: Serve with all your summer favorites, like steak, chicken, seafood, and the classics like burgers and hot dogs. Easy to dress up with toppings.
• Great for entertaining: This is great for cooking in batches when you need to feed a crowd. Perfect for BBQs, cookouts, and weeknight dinners. Great along with my grilled broccoli, this baked potato on the grill, and my best summer grilling recipes.

Key Ingredient Notes

You probably already have everything. Full measurements in recipe card below.

• Fresh sweet corn: Get really fresh ears of corn, as the fresher the corn, the sweeter it is. I look for bright green husks, soft silky strands and plump kernels. But feel free to get pre-shucked corn and pre cut ears of corn if easier.
• Oil and butter: I usually use good-quality extra virgin olive when grilling corn directly on the grates without the husk, for that lovely char without drying out. I also brush on some rich melted butter at the end of grilling, it is soooo worth it.

How To Make Corn On The Cob On The Grill

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Methods for Grilling Corn

• Keep the husk on: ends with juicy corn kernels, but it’s a guessing game as I have to peel it back the husk to see if it’s done. It ends up cooked in steam, so no char.
• Husk removed and wrapped in foil: in which case it still comes out juicy, but it will take longer to cook.
• Husk removed and direct on the grill: the quickest way I grill corn, is by placing the shucked cobs directly on the grill for those smoky char marks. I just have to watch them carefully and turn frequently to avoid burning. Perfect for parties and easy entertaining. You can prep them ahead and toss them on when guests arrive.

Grilling the Corn

Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Remove husks and silk, then brush the corn with oil or butter.
3. Grill for 8 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly charred and tender. Add a few extra minutes for husk-on or foil-wrapped corn.
4. Top with butter and seasonings, then serve.

How Long To Grill Corn On The Cob?

This is normally the first question people ask and friend, the answer is not very long. The most important thing to turn the the corn every couple of minutes so all sides cook equally with awesome char marks. You want kernels that look bright yellow and juicy with some lightly blackened spots dotted around. Not burnt or dry.

• With the husk off: plan on 10 to 12 minutes.
• With the husk on: plan on 15 to 20 minutes.
• If foil wrapped: plan on 12 to 15 minutes.

Bintu’s Recipe Tips

Whilst this is super easy, I have a few tips that make a big difference.

• You can soak de-husked corn in cold water for about 20 minutes to keep the kernels plump and juicy before direct grilling. No need to do this if grilling them in foil.
• Do brush with butter during the last minute of grilling for extra buttery flavor.
• If using the Ninja grill – make sure to use silicon tongs for turning and removing to avoid scraping the plate And make sure to turn the corn at leats half way through cooking so they cook evenly.

Optional Toppings

I love taking my grilled corn to the next level with some of my favorite, alway optional but totally fun topping ideas, there’s something for everyone.

• Classic: just some good old butter and salt.
• Mexican: I love adding on some crumble Cojita cheese and lime zest along with butter. Feel free to sprinkle on some Tajin too.
• Fresh herbs: sprinkle on some finely chopped fresh herbs like chopped cilantro, parsley, basil, or chives.
• Lime: use your favorite chili lime seasoning or lime zest. I loooove Tajin!
• Cheesy: simply add butter and tons of freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Serving Suggestions

These are good as is, but man do they go well with soooooooo many other treats like these Pasta salads, or this Orange fluff salad, and mains like Grilled steak, delicious crispy air fryer fish, Air Fryer burgers or this Grilled whole chicken and the best Smoked chicken breast. I cut off the kernels to add them to Cajun shrimp salad, burrito bowls, pasta, or tacos.

More Sweetcorn Recipes

Love this, then try this Boiled Corn on the cob, Microwave Corn on Cob, Instant pot corn on the cob, Air Fryer Corn on the cob, this Oven baked corn on the cob, and How to cook frozen corn on the cob, and Air Fryer corn ribs.

More Recipes You Might Like

Like this then you will like these Summer grilling recipes, Grilled shrimp kabobs best ever Grilled chicken kabobs, easy Grilled broccoli and family friendly Grilled chicken wrap, my fav Grilled mackerel, this Ninja Woodfire Grill chicken tenders and all the best BBQ side dishes and Memorial Day recipe ideas.

FAQS

• These handy grilling tongs make handling the corn a breeze.
• Skewers to use for checking the corn for doneness.
• For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon.

Weight Watchers Points

There are 2 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

Thank you for reading my grilled corn on the cob recipe post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice, and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, Southern Recipes, and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.

How To Grill Corn on the Cob Recipe