Prepare slightly charred, smokey, tender grilled corn on the cob effortlessly using one of these three easy methods!
Whether you own a gas grill, charcoal grill, or even just a grill pan, you can enjoy perfectly cooked grilled corn on the cob! Pair this BBQ Corn with Grilled Shrimp or Grilled BBQ Chicken for an irresistible summer meal.
Corn on the Cob is one of my favorite summertime staples. From Instant Pot Corn to Air Fryer Corn on the Cob to Fresh Corn Salsa to grilled corn on the cob, nothing beats fresh summer sweet corn.
One of my favorite methods for preparing corn on the cob is to grill it.
Why You Will Love Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Amazing Flavor. By grilling corn on the cob, the natural sweetness of the corn is enhanced, while the grill imparts a smokey finish, leaving you with insanely flavorful corn on the cob.
- Works with Any Grill. Whether you have a gas grill, a charcoal grill, or a grill pan this recipe gives you the step-by-step process to ensure perfect grilled corn on the cob.
- Customizable. There are three methods for preparing grilled corn on the cob. You can opt to grill your corn husked, without husking it or wrapping the corn in foil prior to grilling. The choice is YOURS!
- Perfect Results. If you follow my tips, you can guarantee that your grilled corn will turn out sweet, juicy, smokey, and delicious! Not at all dried out or charred beyond recognition.
Which Method is Best for Grilling Corn?
When it comes to grilling corn on the cob, you have three options. You can opt to grill your corn with or without the husk or you can wrap your corn in foil prior to throwing it on the grill.
Each of these methods for preparing grilled corn is delicious and has a distinctive result. As for how you grill your corn on the cob, select the method that will yield the results YOU are in the mood for! But I will walk you through the flavor profile of each and give you step-by-step directions to ensure perfect results.
Grilled Husked Corn
Grilling corn directly on the grill, allows the kernels of corn to char slightly and become irresistibly sweet and smokey. This happens to be my personal favorite way to enjoy grilled corn on the cob.
Don't be tempted to heat your grill to high heat. That would result in the corn burning and/or drying out before the corn kernels are tender.
Grilled Corn on the Cob with Husks
Grilling corn on the cob without shucking it first, is not only an EASY way to prepare corn on the cob, but this method also allows the corn to steam perfectly in the husk, keeping the corn SUPER juicy and tender.
For this method, you will have to keep in mind that you MUST soak your corn on the cob FIRST, otherwise, the husks will burn before the corn can cook. I recommend pulling back the husks, removing the silk, covering the corn back up with the husks, and then soaking them in water for 20 to 60 minutes prior to grilling.
Grilled Corn Wrapped in Foil
If you would like to enjoy tender, steamed corn that still has a bit of a smokey flavor, grilling your corn on the cob wrapped in foil is the way to go.
You want to be sure you fully remove the husks and silk from the corn and give it a good rinse. Dry the corn, place it into foil, with or without seasonings, and then grill until tender and steamed.
∗Ideas for Flavoring Grilled Corn on the Cob ∗
Grilled Corn on the Cob is SO delicious, that I can enjoy it even without salt! However, if you really want to amp up the flavor, try out one of the following options.
- Mexican Street Corn Style: Spread mayonnaise on corn, sprinkle with chili powder, and finish with a drizzle of Mexican crema.
- Cilantro Lime Corn: Roll the corn in butter that has been seasoned with fresh lime zest and juice and then sprinkle with cilantro and queso fresco. This is my favorite way to enjoy grilled corn on the cob.
- Butter and Salt: Stick to the classic and season the grilled corn with butter and salt.
- Fresh Herbs: Brush the corn on the cob with yogurt, butter, or mayonnaise and sprinkle with chopped parsley, chopped chives, or chopped fresh dill.
- Parmesan: Spread the corn with butter or brush with extra virgin olive oil and grate fresh Parmesan cheese over the corn.
More Favorite Grilled Recipes
If you gave this recipe a try, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Ingredients
- canola oil for greasing the grill
- 6 fresh ears of corn
Instructions
Husked Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Remove the husks and silk from the corn. Rinse well and then pat dry. Lightly grease a gas or charcoal grill or grill pan with a bit of canola oil and preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Place the husked corn directly on the heated grill grates. Grill the corn for 8-10 minutes, turning frequently, until the kernels are tender. Continue to grill for 2-3 minutes for additional char on the corn if desired.
- Remove the corn from the grill, allow to cool slightly, season as desired, and serve.
Grilled Corn on the Cob in the Husk
- Pull back the husks on the corn on the cob, leaving them attached to the stem of the cob. Remove the silk from the corn cobs as best as you can, and then pull the husks back up around the cob, to keep the kernels from being exposed to direct heat.
- Place the corn into a large pot or deep container and cover them with cold water and soak the corn for 20-60 minutes in the water. Once soaked, drain the water from the corn.
- Preheat a gas or charcoal grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Once heated, place the corn directly onto the grates and grill for 20-25 minutes, rotating every 3-4 minutes. Once the husks are blacked and the corn kernels are tender, remove the corn on the cob from the grill.
- Once cool enough to handle, remove the husks from the corn, season as desired, and serve.
Grilled Corn on the Cob Wrapped in Foil
- Preheat a charcoal or gas grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Remove the husks and silk from the corn. Rinse well and then pat dry. Place each individual ear of corn onto its own piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Wrap the corn loosely in foil and use a fork to poke a couple of holes into the foil to allow steam to escape.
- Place the foil-wrapped corn onto the preheated grill and grill for 22-25 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Remove the corn from the grill and let cool for 5-10 minutes. Unwrap the foil and season as desired before serving.
Allyssa
This tasted so amazing! Thanks a lot for sharing this super easy to make recipe! Fam really loves it! Will surely have this again! Highly recommended!
cathy
This was such a fun way to cook corn...we loved it and it turned out so delicious.
jess
this is super useful and Im so grateful for the extra flavor combinations at the bottom, they'ren delicious and the mexican street corn is my favorite!
AShley
So easy and tastes great every time!
Kristen Chidsey
I agree. Grilling it makes a whole world of difference.
Sophie Heath
Loved this recipe! So glad I found it!
james
I like to keep the husks on my corn. I soak them in water, brush melted buterr on them an srinkle garlic powder on them. throw them on the top rack of the grill at 300 and cook 15 mins per side about an hour. sweet steamsd moist corn after the tin foil is removed
Kristen Chidsey
Oh that sounds like a fabulous way to eat corn! I personally like the char on the actual kernels, but this would be a perfect method for my husband.
Liz
We get the best sweet corn here in Indiana. This sounds like the perfect way to add a delicious twist to our buttered ears!
Kristen Chidsey
Oh yes you do get good corn Liz. I grew up in Ohio where the same was true--miss that! Hope you enjoy this version!
Lauren Gaskill | Making Life Sweet
One can never have too much corn or butter in the summer! Looks lovely Kristen!
Kristen Chidsey
NEVER too much!
Kelly
We can't get enough of corn during the summer and I can't wait to add this one to our list to try! Looks amazing!!
Kristen Chidsey
Enjoy Kelly!
Courtney
Love grilled corn, we actually grill it when in season and freeze for later!
Kristen Chidsey
Courtney---that is so smart and I am SO doing that this year!