Learn how to grill corn that is juicy and tender with this easy grilled corn on the cob technique! The best way is the easiest way – simply grill fresh corn on the cob in their husks on direct high heat.
How to Grill Corn
The first time I tried to grill corn on the cob, I placed shucked corn directly on the grill. The results weren’t all that stellar. Too dried out and chewy.
I consulted “She-who-knows-everything-when-it-comes-to-home-cooking” (a.k.a. Mom) who informed me that the best way to grill corn on the cob is to grill corn in the husk, directly on a hot grill.
The husks protect the corn on the cob from getting dried out and the corn essentially steams in its own moisture while getting infused with smoky flavor from the charring corn husks.
It’s also so easy! No need to even break off the silks. Just place the corn, as is, in husks, on a hot grill.
More Grilled Corn on the Cob Tips
- Soaking corn on the cob? Many people call for soaking corn on the cob in water first, before grilling. There’s no need if you are working with fresh corn to begin with.
- Removing the silks: Some grilled corn on the cob techniques also have you pull back the husks, take out the silks, and then put the husks back over the corn before grilling. I’ve tried that. It does make it easier after the corn is done when removing the husks. But I find the corn more easily dries out this way, and the best way for juicy grilled corn on the cob is to not mess with the husks.
- Want grill marks? If you want some grill marks on your corn on the cob, (as shown in the photos), you can pull off a few of the outer husk leaves, leaving less of a barrier between the outer leaves and the corn cob, for more the charring to reach the corn.
Love Sweet Corn? Try These Recipes!
- Grilled Corn Salad
- Grilled Mexican Street Corn (Elotes)
- Pasta Salad with Corn, Bacon, and Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
- Caprese Corn Salad
- Corn Salsa
Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 4 ears fresh corn, in their husks
- Butter (or an herb butter) for serving
Method
1 Prepare your grill, gas or charcoal, for direct, high heat. (About 550°F) You know the grill is hot enough if are able to hold your hand one inch above the grill for only 1 second.
2 Grill corn in husks: The corn husks will protect the corn from burning or drying out while it is on the hot grill.
If you want a bit of char on your corn, peel off a few of the outer layers of the corn husks first, before grilling.
Place the corn in their husks on the hot grill.
Cover the grill. Turn the corn occasionally, until the husks are completely blackened and charred on all sides, about 15 to 20 minutes.
3 Remove silks and charred husks: Remove the corn from the grill. Let them sit for 5 minutes or until cool enough to handle.
Remove the silks and charred husks from the corn. If you need to, use a damp towel to protect your hands from any sharp edges from the charred corn husks as you peel them off.
4 Serve with butter. (Or you can sprinkle with a little chili powder, cotija cheese, and some lime juice for a Mexican twist.)
