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Grilled Corn on the Cob

This grilled corn on the cob is tender and delicious! Learn how to grill corn in the husk, directly on the grill or wrapped in foil with this easy recipe that is perfect for summer.

Corn on the cob is a favorite side dish during the summer! We also love to use the kernels for corn salsa, elote corn dip and this corn and tomato salad.

Grilled corn on the cob on a plate with a pat of butter.
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Why I Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy: There are few things that scream summer like corn on the cob! While you can make corn in the microwave, the grill is just as easy and gives it way more flavor!
  • Tender and delicious: Whether you choose to grill corn in the husk, in foil or directly on the grill, it turns out sweet and flavorful.

Ingredients

Corn on the cob.

Seasoning Variations

  • Classic: Butter or olive oil, salt and pepper
  • Garlic herb butter: Softened butter mixed with fresh herbs and salt and pepper
  • Mexican street corn: Crema sauce, fresh cilantro and cotija cheese

How to Grill Corn

If you like steamed corn and prefer it to be super tender, your best option is grilling corn in the husk. Start by partially husking and removing the silks. Soak the corn in water for about 20 minutes to help prevent it from burning. Then remove from water and let dry.

Brush a little butter or oil on top of the kernels, then cover with the husks to help the corn steam. Place on grill and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes. Make sure to turn every 5 minutes so that all sides get cooked evenly.

Grilled corn in the husk.

For tender corn with a slight char, I’d recommend making grilled corn in foil. For this method, start by removing the husk and silks. Then brush with butter and season with salt and pepper. Wrap in foil, then place on grill.

Cook about 20 to 30 minutes, or until it’s lightly browned. Make sure to turn every 5 to 10 minutes so it cooks evenly. If you’d still like more of a char once you remove the foil, place the corn directly on the grill and cook without foil for a few more minutes.

Grilled corn in foil.

Grilling corn directly on the grill will give you the most charred flavor and cook a bit faster since it’s not wrapped or covered. Remove the husks and silks, then brush with a little olive oil. Place directly on the grill and cook for 10 minutes, or until tender and charred.

Serve Corn with These BBQ Recipes

Corn in foil with a pat of butter.

More Corn Recipes

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Grilled corn on the cob on a plate with a pat of butter.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

5 from 1 vote
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Author: Jamielyn Nye
This grilled corn on the cob is tender and delicious! Learn how to grill corn in the husk, directly on the grill or wrapped in foil with this easy recipe that is perfect for summer.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients 

  • 4 ears corn
  • 2-3 Tablespoons softened butter , or olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat the grill to medium high heat.

Grilling corn in foil:

  • Husk the corn and then brush with butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Wrap corn in foil and then place on the grill. Turn every 5-10 minutes. Cook until light browned, about 20-30 minutes. Remove from foil and place directly on the grill the last few minutes if you'd like it more charred.

Grilling corn in husk:

  • Partially husk the corn and remove the silks. Soak the corn and husks in water for 20 minutes. Place the corn on paper towel to dry. Then brush the corn kernels with a little bit of butter or oil and push the husks over top to help steam the corn. Cook for 15-20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes.

Direct grill corn:

  • Remove husks and silks. Then brush with a little bit of olive oil and place directly on the grill. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping at 5 minutes.
  • Remove corn from grill once it is tender and charred to your liking. Add more butter, salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Variations:
  • Another way to grill it is to pull down the husk, place the butter inside and then place it back on the grill with the husk. 
  • Make a herb butter with 1/4 cup softened butter, 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh herbs and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. 

Nutrition

Calories: 128kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 63mg | Potassium: 243mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 345IU | Vitamin C: 6.1mg | Iron: 0.5mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

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