Corn on the cob is a quintessential summer delicacy that can elevate any barbecue or picnic. When grilled to perfection, it boasts a smoky flavor and the sweetness of fresh corn that’s simply irreplaceable. While there are various methods to cook corn, one of the most efficient and flavorful techniques is grilling corn in foil. In this article, we’ll explore how long to cook corn on the grill in foil, the benefits of this method, and tips to achieve the best taste.
Why Grill Corn in Foil?
When it comes to grilling, the method you choose can significantly impact not only the taste but also the texture of the food. Grilling corn in foil offers numerous advantages:
1. Enhanced Flavor
Wrapping corn in foil retains moisture and allows it to steam, which helps in seasoning penetration. This moist heat enhances the natural sweetness of the corn while allowing you to infuse additional flavors from herbs, spices, or seasonings.
2. Easy Cleanup
Using foil makes for easy cleanup. When you’re done grilling, you can simply toss away the used foil without scrubbing sticky grill grates.
3. Even Cooking
Foil wraps allow heat to circulate evenly around the corn, ensuring consistent cooking throughout. This reduces the risk of burnt spots or undercooked kernels.
How Long to Cook Corn on the Grill in Foil
The cooking time for corn on the grill can vary based on several factors including the heat of your grill, the size of the corn, and whether or not it’s soaked. However, a general guideline for cooking corn in foil is as follows:
Cooking Times Based on Grill Temperature
- Medium Heat (350-400°F): Grill for about 15-20 minutes.
- High Heat (400-450°F): Grill for about 10-15 minutes.
Preparing Corn for Grilling
Before you throw your corn on the grill, there are several preparation steps you can take to enhance the flavor and texture.
Step 1: Choose the Right Corn
Select fresh corn on the cob with green husks, plump kernels, and tight-fitting silk. Fresh corn will taste sweeter and more succulent.
Step 2: Prepare Your Corn
After selecting your corn, you’ll want to prepare them properly:
- Husk the Corn: Remove the outer green leaves and the silk threads. If you prefer a smokier flavor, you can leave a few layers of the husk intact.
- Soak (Optional): Soaking the corn in water for 30 minutes can help prevent it from drying out during grilling, especially if you choose not to use foil.
Wrapping Corn in Foil
Once your corn is prepped, the next step is to wrap it in foil properly. This is a crucial step as it determines how well your corn cooks.
Step 1: Season the Corn
Season your corn according to your preference. Popular options include butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, or fresh herbs. To add even more flavor, consider including cheese, chili powder, or lime juice in your seasoning.
Step 2: Wrap the Corn
Place the seasoned corn on a large piece of aluminum foil. Wrap tightly, folding the edges to prevent steam from escaping. It’s important to ensure that the corn is fully enclosed to retain moisture:
Foil Wrapping Technique
- Lay the corn at the center of the foil sheet.
- Fold the long sides of the foil over the corn, followed by the shorter ends, sealing tightly.
- You can create a double layer of foil for extra protection and insulation.
Grilling Corn in Foil
Now that your corn is wrapped and seasoned, it’s time to cook it on the grill!
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill
Preheat your grill to the desired temperature based on your cooking times mentioned earlier.
Step 2: Place the Corn on the Grill
Once the grill is preheated, place the corn in foil directly on the grill grates. If you have a charcoal grill, place the foil-wrapped corn over the hottest part of the grill.
Step 3: Grill the Corn
Close the grill lid and allow the corn to cook for the recommended time based on your grill temperature.
Tip: Turn Occasionally
For even cooking, turn the corn about halfway through the grilling time.
Step 4: Check for Doneness
After the cooking time is up, carefully remove the corn from the grill using tongs. Be cautious of steam when opening the foil. The corn should be hot and tender with a bit of char. If you’re unsure, you can check doneness by piercing a kernel with a fork; it should be juicy and plump.
Serving Grilled Corn on the Cob
Once your corn has finished grilling, it’s time to serve! Follow these tips for a delightful experience:
Step 1: Unwrap with Care
Use tongs or a heat-resistant glove to unwrap the foil carefully, as steam will escape.
Step 2: Add Final Touches
Enhance the flavor even further by adding fresh butter, sea salt, or herbs like cilantro or basil. You can also sprinkle some grated cheese or squeeze fresh lime for an extra layer of flavor.
Step 3: Serve While Hot
Grilled corn is best enjoyed fresh off the grill while it’s still hot. Serve it as a side dish or as a part of a bigger meal.
Tips for Grilling Corn in Foil
To ensure that your grilled corn turns out perfectly every time, consider these additional tips:
1. Experiment with Flavors
Don’t hesitate to try different seasonings! From spicy chili powder to zesty lemon pepper, the options are endless. You can also experiment with herb butter, blending different herbs into softened butter for a unique topping.
2. Use Fresh Corn
Fresh corn will always yield the best results. If fresh corn isn’t available, frozen corn can work in a pinch, but the flavor and texture won’t match that of fresh.
3. Keep an Eye on Time
Overcooking can lead to tough kernels. Stick to the recommended cooking times and keep turning the corn for even results.
4. Use Shiny Side In
When using foil, remember to place the shiny side of the foil inward. This can help to reflect heat back into the corn.
Conclusion
Grilling corn on the cob in foil is a delightful, easy, and hassle-free way to elevate your cooking experience. With just the right cooking time and preparation, you can enjoy perfectly grilled corn that is juicy, flavorful, and a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. So fire up the grill, follow the steps outlined in this article, and discover the joy of grilled corn that is as impressive as it is delicious.
What is the best way to prepare corn on the cob for grilling in foil?
To prepare corn on the cob for grilling in foil, start by shucking the corn to remove the outer leaves and silks. Rinse the ears of corn under cool water to remove any remaining silk. If desired, you can break the cobs in half if they’re too long to fit on your grill. This will make them easier to handle and manage while cooking.
Next, you can enhance the flavor of the corn by applying butter, oil, or seasonings. Spread butter or olive oil evenly on the exposed kernels, and sprinkle salt and pepper, or your favorite spices, if you like. Finally, wrap each ear tightly in aluminum foil, making sure to seal the ends to keep the steam inside during grilling.
How long should corn on the cob be grilled in foil?
Grilling corn on the cob in foil typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the heat of your grill. Preheat your grill to a medium temperature, around 350°F to 400°F (175°C to 200°C). Once the grill is heated, place the foil-wrapped corn directly over the heat source.
During the grilling process, it’s helpful to turn the corn every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. If you prefer a little char on your corn, you can carefully unwrap the foil for the last few minutes of grilling, allowing the kernels to brown slightly before removing them from the grill.
Can I use other seasonings besides butter and salt?
Absolutely! Grilling corn on the cob in foil allows for endless flavor possibilities. Aside from butter and salt, you can experiment with various seasonings such as garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, or Parmesan cheese. Some people also enjoy adding fresh herbs like cilantro or basil to elevate the flavor profile of the corn.
For a zesty twist, consider adding lime or lemon juice and zest to the corn before wrapping it in foil. You can also try different marinades or sauces inspired by your favorite cuisines to give the corn a unique flavor that’s tailored to your palate.
Should I soak the corn before grilling it in foil?
Soaking corn on the cob before grilling is not necessary when using the foil method, as the foil helps to trap steam and moisture, cooking the corn effectively. However, some people prefer to soak their corn in water for about 30 minutes prior to grilling, believing it helps prevent the corn from drying out and makes the kernels juicier.
If you choose to soak the corn, be sure to shake off excess water before wrapping it in foil. This way, you’ll avoid creating too much steam inside the foil, which might make the corn overcook or become too soggy.
What type of corn should I use for grilling in foil?
For grilling in foil, fresh sweet corn is the best choice. Look for ears of corn with bright green husks and plump, moist kernels. The kernels should be tightly packed and not look dried out. When you gently squeeze the cob, it should feel firm. Sweet corn varieties provide the best flavor and tenderness when grilled.
In addition to traditional sweet corn, you can also explore heirloom varieties or colorful corn types, adding visual appeal and unique flavors to your grilled corn. Just ensure that whatever type of corn you select is fresh and in-season for the best taste.
Can I grill frozen corn on the cob in foil?
Yes, you can grill frozen corn on the cob in foil, although the cooking time will likely increase due to the corn being frozen. Start by thawing the corn in the refrigerator overnight or briefly microwave it for a few minutes to speed up the process. Once thawed, it’s advisable to pat the corn dry to prevent excess moisture inside the foil.
After thawing and drying, you can season the corn as you would with fresh corn and wrap it in foil. Grill it for about 20 to 25 minutes and check for doneness, making adjustments based on your grill’s heat and the size of the corn cobs. Just keep in mind that fresh corn will typically yield a better texture and flavor compared to frozen.