How to Grill Corn on the Cob

Corn is one of those foods that is just made for the grill.

If you're not sure how to grill corn on the cob, don't fear. It's one of the easiest foods to grill. Just don't overcook it or you'll end up with a cob that's dry and tasteless.

How to Grill Corn on the Cob in Foil

When I barbeque corn, I usually grill them in aluminum foil. First remove the husks and clean off as much of the silks as you can. The cleaner the better. Place each ear in the middle of a good sized piece of aluminum foil. Rub on some butter and sprinkle with a bit of salt.

Fold over the foil so the corn is sealed inside. Poke a few holes in the foil to allow excess steam to escape, then place them on the grill and cook them over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes. Use tongs to turn them occasionally. This will help them to cook evenly.

Let them sit and cool for a bit after removing them from the grill. Open the foil wrapping carefully to avoid being burned by any steam trapped inside. The corn inside will be deliciously moist and buttery!

How to Grill Corn on the Cob in the Husks

Soak the husks in water for a few minutes before placing them on the grill. This will prevent them from burning before the corn is fully cooked. Remove them from the water and shake off any excess water. You want them to be wet, but not dripping.

Place the husks on the grill over medium heat. Turn them every few minutes so they cook evenly. When they husks are charred (usually about 20 minutes), the corn is ready to eat. Carefully remove the corn from its husk, spread on some butter and seasoning, and enjoy!

Q & A

Question - Can I just throw the corn on the grill plain, without any foil or husks?

Answer - Sure you can. I've done that before and they came out fine, but you may want to baste them with olive oil or butter to keep the from drying out.

Question - Do the rules of how long to cook corn on cob on the grill vary or are they always the same?

Answer - The times I provide you above are guidelines, not rules set in stone. Conditions can vary, and so can tastes.

Hot Tip! - If you're grilling corn plain or in foil, try boiling it in water with a little sugar first. This makes the corn sweet and reduces grilling time.

Now you know how to grill corn on the cob. Pretty easy, huh?