Ah, summer! There’s just something about those long, warm days and the smell of the grill firing up that makes my heart sing. And what’s a summer gathering without perfectly grilled corn on the cob? This Irresistible Grilled Corn On The Cob A Summer Delight recipe is an absolute staple in my backyard. It’s so ridiculously simple, but trust me, the flavor is out-of-this-world! We’re talking sweet kernels kissed by flame, with just a hint of char and smoky goodness. Forget boiling; this is how corn on the cob was meant to be enjoyed all summer long.
Why This Irresistible Grilled Corn On The Cob A Summer Delight Is A Must-Try
Seriously, if you’re not grilling your corn, you’re missing out! Here’s why this recipe is a summer essential:
- Super Easy: We’re talking barely five minutes of prep. Seriously, it’s that simple!
- Minimal Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your pantry. Simple is best, right?
- Unbeatable Flavor: That slight char from the grill? Mwah! It adds a smoky depth that boiling just can’t match.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: BBQ, picnic, or just a Tuesday night dinner – this corn always steals the show.
Gather Your Ingredients for Irresistible Grilled Corn On The Cob
Okay, so the beauty of this recipe is that you don’t need a million fancy things. Just a few fresh ingredients will do the trick!
- 4 ears of corn – Make sure they’re fresh and the husks are still on. We’ll get those husks off in a second!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Just a good regular olive oil is perfect. Nothing too fancy needed here.
- Salt, to taste – Use your faves, whether it’s sea salt, kosher salt, or even that pink Himalayan stuff!
- Black pepper, to taste – Freshly ground pepper makes all the difference, but pre-ground is fine too.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Irresistible Grilled Corn On The Cob
Alright, let’s get this corn on the grill! It’s almost embarrassingly easy, which is why I love it so much for those spontaneous summer nights. If you’re planning a whole BBQ spread, this grilled chicken with vegetables is always a hit, and this corn is the perfect sidekick. Or, if you want to go all out on corn, a grilled corn salad is another fantastic option!
Prepping the Corn for the Grill
First things first, you gotta get those ears ready. Gently pull back the husks, but don’t toss them completely! You can leave a few leaves attached to act like a little handle, or just pull ’em all the way off. Give the kernels a quick brush with that olive oil – this helps them get nice and golden, and stops them from sticking. Then, sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy!
Grilling Your Irresistible Grilled Corn On The Cob To Perfection
Now for the magic! Get your grill heated up to a nice medium-high. We’re talking hot enough that it sizzles nicely, but not so hot it’ll scorch instantly. Carefully place the corn right onto the grates. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, and here’s my little trick: turn it every few minutes! This ensures every single side gets those lovely char marks and cooks evenly. You’re looking for kernels that are tender and have those delicious little blackened spots. Mwah, perfection!
Serving Your Delicious Grilled Corn
As soon as it smells amazing and looks perfectly grilled, pull it off the heat. This corn is truly best served immediately, while it’s still piping hot and those smoky flavors are at their peak. Just serve it up on a platter and watch it disappear!
Tips and Variations for Your Grilled Corn On The Cob
You know, this basic recipe is fantastic just as it is, but sometimes I love to jazz it up a bit! It’s all about making it your own. Don’t be afraid to get creative – that’s what cooking is all about, right? For example, if you’re feeling adventurous, you absolutely MUST check out this zesty chili-lime corn on the cob recipe for a real flavor explosion!
Flavor Boosts and Ingredient Substitutions
The basic olive oil, salt, and pepper combo is perfect, but oh, the possibilities! Try brushing with melted butter instead of oil right at the end for extra richness. A little sprinkle of smoked paprika or even a dash of garlic powder before grilling adds a lovely savory note. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a sprinkle of cotija cheese after grilling is pure heaven. Seriously, a lime and chili powder dusting takes it to a whole new level!
Grilling Without a Grill: Alternative Methods
Okay, so maybe you don’t have a grill, or maybe it’s raining – no worries! You can get that yummy grilled flavor right in your kitchen. Pop your oiled and seasoned corn under the broiler in your oven. Keep a close eye on it and turn it often, just like on the grill, until it’s tender and has nice little charred spots. It’s almost the same! A grill pan on the stovetop works wonders too.
Serving Suggestions for Your Irresistible Grilled Corn
This grilled corn is honestly amazing with pretty much anything summer-related. It’s the perfect sidekick for that juicy ultimate BBQ chicken salad or a big platter of ribs. On a more relaxed picnic day, it pairs beautifully with a refreshing tomato and cucumber salad, or even a hearty chicken pasta salad. Basically, if it’s a warm day and you’re outside eating, this corn belongs on your plate!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftover grilled corn? Lucky you! To store it, just pop it into an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay good for about 2-3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, I like to just pop it back on the grill for a few minutes, or even under the broiler for a minute or two. That way, you get some of that lovely char back! You can also gently warm it in a pan with a little butter if you don’t want to fire up the grill again. It’s still delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Corn
Got questions about grilling up that perfect ear of corn? I totally get it! Here are a few things people often ask, and my two cents on how to make your grilled corn the best it can be.
How do I prevent corn from drying out on the grill?
Oh, dry corn is the worst, isn’t it? My go-to trick is to make sure you’re using fresh corn and that you brush it really well with olive oil or melted butter before it hits the grill. That fat creates a little barrier. Also, don’t overcook it! Just 10-15 minutes is usually plenty, turning it often so it all cooks evenly. Keeping it in the husk can also help a bit, but I find oiling the kernels directly gives you the best char and flavor!
Can I grill corn in the husk?
Absolutely! Grilling corn in the husk is a classic move. You just need to soak the whole ears in water for about 30 minutes beforehand to stop the husks from burning up too fast. Then, you can pull back the husks slightly to brush the kernels with oil and seasonings, or leave them on for a more steamed effect with smoky undertones. It creates a really tender, moist result!
What’s the best temperature for grilling corn?
I find a medium-high heat is just perfect. You want your grill hot enough to get those lovely grill marks and a little char, but not so scorching hot that the outside burns before the inside is cooked through. Think around 400-450°F (200-230°C). If your grill runs super hot, you might need to cook it a few degrees lower or just turn it more frequently.
How long does it take to grill corn?
Honestly, it’s pretty quick! Most of the time, you’re looking at about 10 to 15 minutes. The exact time really depends on how hot your grill is and how thick the corn kernels are. The best indicator is simply looking for those kernels to be tender and have those sweet little charred spots. Give it a little poke with a fork – if it pierces easily, you’re golden!
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Just a heads-up, this is a rough estimate, as the actual nutrition can change depending on how much oil you use or any extra toppings you add. But generally, you’re looking at about 120 calories per ear of this delicious grilled corn, with around 5g of fat and 4g of protein. It’s a pretty healthy side dish, all things considered!
Print
Irresistible Grilled Corn On The Cob
- Total Time: 20 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious way to prepare corn on the cob, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush the corn kernels with olive oil.
- Season the corn with salt and pepper.
- Place the corn directly on the grill grates.
- Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and lightly charred.
- Remove from grill and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can brush the corn with melted butter or your favorite seasonings before grilling.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can achieve a similar result under your oven’s broiler.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: grilled corn, corn on the cob, summer recipe, BBQ side dish, easy corn recipe