How Long to BBQ Corn on the Cob?
Are you ready to transform simple corn on the cob into a smoky, irresistible treat this BBQ season? Whether you prefer the kernels tender and juicy or charred to smoky perfection, know How Long to BBQ Corn on the Cob as it is a simple pleasure that elevates any summer meal. With or without the husks, there’s a method that’s just right for you.
Imagine biting into perfectly grilled corn, steam rising, butter melting, and just the right touch of seasoning. It’s easier than you think to achieve!
Keep reading to discover the foolproof times and tips for BBQing corn on the cob that will have everyone asking for more.
What is BBQ Corn on the Cob?
It’s simply fresh corn grilled over a fire, which transforms it from just plain old corn into a smoky, tantalizing treat. When you grill corn, you’re not just cooking it; you’re adding layers of flavor. The high heat from the BBQ chars the kernels slightly, giving them a unique, crispy texture and enhancing their natural sweetness.
Whether you wrap it in its husk to steam in its own moisture or bare it to the flames for that delightful char, each method introduces a different vibe to the corn. You can spice it up with butter, herbs, or spices, making it not just a side dish but a star of your backyard feast. Trust me, once you’ve tried it, plain boiled corn just won’t cut it anymore!
How Do You Know When BBQ Corn is Done?
Ever stood by the grill wondering if your corn on the cob is perfectly done or just turning into charcoal? Here’s the scoop on how to nail the timing every time. When you’re BBQing corn, you’re looking for a few key signs that it’s ready to come off the grill.
First, if you’ve left the husks on, they should be charred on the outside. Don’t worry about the blackened look; it’s not only normal but desired—it means the corn inside is steaming up nicely.
When you peel back the husk (careful, it’s hot!), the corn should be tender and bright in color.
If you’re grilling without the husks, watch for the kernels to get some golden-brown spots and a bit of char. You want that lovely, caramelized look—that’s when you know the sugars in the corn have done their magic. Give the cob a turn every few minutes to get an even cook all around.
A quick taste test doesn’t hurt either! If it’s juicy and tender, it’s time to pull it off, butter it up, and dig in.
How Long to BBQ Corn on the Cob?
Grilling corn on the cob can be a tale of two techniques—each bringing its own flavor and texture to the table. So, let’s break it down:
Without Husks:
For those who crave that caramelized, slightly smoky flavor, grilling the corn without the husks is the way to go. It exposes the kernels directly to the flames, allowing them to char and sweeten beautifully. Typically, this method takes about 10-12 minutes on medium heat. Rotate the cobs every few minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent them from burning.
With Husks:
Prefer a steamer, more subtly flavored corn? Keeping the husks on might be your best bet. The husks shield the kernels from direct flames, steaming the corn in its own moisture. This method takes a bit longer, about 15-20 minutes. Soak the corn with its husks in water for about 30 minutes before grilling to prevent the husks from catching fire.
Both methods deliver delicious results, so it’s just a matter of personal preference and how you like your corn textured and flavored!
How to BBQ Corn on the Cob: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to master the art of BBQing corn on the cob? Follow these detailed steps, and you’ll be dishing out delectably grilled corn at your next cookout!
Step 1: Preparing Your Corn
- Husked: If you’re grilling with the husks on, gently pull them back (but don’t detach them) and remove the silk. Soak the corn in husks in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning too quickly on the grill.
- Huskless: For grilling without husks, strip off the husks and all the silk. Brush the corn lightly with oil to help prevent sticking and to enhance caramelization.
Step 2: Preheating the Grill
- Heat your grill to a medium heat, around 350-400°F (177-204°C). This temperature is ideal to cook the corn evenly without burning it.
Step 3: Grilling the Corn
- With Husks: Place the soaked corn on the grill. Close the lid and let them cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes. The husks will char, which is perfectly fine—they’re protecting the tender kernels inside.
- Without Husks: Place the corn directly on the grill grates. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning them frequently to achieve an even char and prevent burning.
Step 4: Checking for Doneness
- Corn is done when it feels tender when poked with a fork, and the kernels have some brown or charred spots (if huskless) or the husks are charred (if husked).
Step 5: Adding Flavors
- Once off the grill, this is the perfect time to add extra flavors. You can brush the corn with melted butter, sprinkle with salt, and add other seasonings like chili powder, lime zest, or grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Serving
- Serve the corn hot, ideally immediately after grilling to enjoy its fullest flavor and ideal texture.
With these steps, your BBQ corn on the cob will not only taste fantastic but also become a highlight of your outdoor meals!
How to Serve BBQ Corn on the Cob: Topping Ideas
Serving BBQ corn on the cob is all about adding those final touches that make it irresistible. Here’s a list of some delicious toppings to elevate your grilled corn:
- Classic Butter and Salt: Can’t go wrong with this traditional favorite. Slather your hot grilled corn with butter and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Herb Butter: Mix softened butter with chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or cilantro. Spread it over the warm corn for a burst of fresh flavor.
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Coat the corn with a layer of mayonnaise, sprinkle with Cotija cheese, a dash of chili powder, and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Parmesan and Garlic: Brush your corn with garlic-infused olive oil, then roll it in grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy, garlicky twist.
- BBQ Sauce: Brush your freshly grilled corn with your favorite BBQ sauce. This adds a smoky, tangy layer to each bite.
Each of these toppings can be adjusted according to taste, and feel free to mix and match to create your own signature version!
Conclusion
As we wrap up our guide to BBQing corn on the cob, remember that this humble dish can be as simple or as gourmet as you like. Whether you choose to grill your corn with husks on for a steamy, tender bite, or go huskless for that delightful charred flavor, each method brings its own unique taste and texture to your table.
Experiment with the various toppings listed—from the creamy richness of butter and the boldness of BBQ sauce to the exotic touch of truffle oil—to find your perfect match. Grilling corn is not just about cooking; it’s about creating experiences and memories around the fire.
So next time you fire up the grill, make sure to throw on some corn and watch as it turns into the star of your backyard feast. Happy grilling!
