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Easy Grilled Corn on the Cob

There is nothing quite like fresh corn on the cob cooked on the grill. This easy grilled corn recipe is one of my favorite ways to prepare corn during the summer. It is quick, simple, and doesn’t require boiling a pot of water or heating the kitchen.

For this method, the corn is shucked and placed directly on the grill over medium-high heat. As it cooks, the kernels develop delicious little charred spots while the corn becomes tender and golden brown.

The best part is that you don’t need a long list of ingredients. All you really need is fresh corn, and you can use a little oil or butter if you’d like.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Grilled Corn

Easy to make: There is very little preparation involved.
No boiling required: The corn goes straight onto the grill.
Only a few ingredients: Fresh corn is the star of the recipe.
Great summer side dish: Perfect for cookouts, barbecues, and family dinners.
Delicious charred flavor: Direct grilling gives the corn those flavorful browned and charred spots.
Easy to customize: Serve it with butter and salt or your favorite corn toppings.

Ingredients

Corn on the Cob

You can grill anywhere from 2 to 10 ears of corn with this recipe. Shuck the corn and remove all of the silk before placing it on the grill.

Fresh sweet corn is especially good for grilling, but you can use whatever corn is available.

Oil or Butter

Oil or butter is optional. You can lightly brush the corn with oil or melted butter before grilling, or simply grill the corn without either.

I usually like to add butter after the corn comes off the grill so I can season it while it’s still hot.

How to Grill Corn on the Cob

Grilling corn directly on the grill is one of the easiest ways to cook corn. There is no need to soak the corn or wrap it in foil.

Step 1: Prepare the Corn

Shuck the corn and remove the silk. Give the ears a quick rinse if needed and pat them dry.

If you want to use oil or butter, lightly brush the corn before grilling.

Step 2: Preheat the Grill

Lightly oil the grill grates to help prevent sticking.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

Step 3: Place the Corn on the Grill

Place the shucked corn directly on the grill grates over direct heat.

Let the corn cook until dark spots begin to appear.

Step 4: Turn the Corn Frequently

Turn the ears every 1 to 3 minutes as they cook.

Continue rotating the corn so it cooks evenly on all sides. You want the corn to become golden brown with small charred spots, but you don’t want it to become black or burnt.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

The total cooking time will depend on your grill and how hot it runs, but grilled corn will usually take about 10 to 15 minutes.

The finished corn should be hot and tender with golden-brown kernels and scattered char spots.

Remove the corn from the grill and serve immediately.

How Long Does It Take to Grill Corn?

Shucked corn cooked directly on the grill usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes over medium-high heat.

The exact cooking time can vary depending on your grill, the temperature, and the size and freshness of the corn.

Because the corn is directly over the heat, keep an eye on it and turn it frequently. You want it nicely browned and lightly charred rather than burned.

Should You Put Oil or Butter on Corn Before Grilling?

You can, but it isn’t necessary.

The recipe works perfectly well without oil or butter. If you want to use it, lightly brush the corn with oil or melted butter before placing it on the grill.

You can also grill the corn without anything on it and add butter, salt, pepper, or other toppings once it is cooked.

Can You Grill Corn Without the Husk?

Yes! This recipe is specifically for shucked corn grilled directly on the grill.

Cooking corn without the husk gives it more direct contact with the heat, which creates those delicious browned and charred spots on the kernels.

The key is to turn the corn frequently and avoid overcooking it. Overcooking can cause the kernels to become dry or chewy.

Other Ways to Grill Corn

While grilling shucked corn directly over the heat is my favorite method when I want something quick and easy, there are a couple of other ways you can prepare corn on the grill.

Grilled Corn in the Husk

Corn can be grilled with the husks left on. You can partially peel back the husks and remove the silk first, or simply trim away any loose silk.

If desired, soak the corn in water before grilling. This can help keep the husks from burning too quickly.

Grill the corn over medium-high heat, turning every few minutes. This method generally takes longer than grilling shucked corn—usually around 15 to 30 minutes.

Grilled Corn in Foil

For foil-wrapped corn, shuck and clean the corn, then wrap each ear tightly in aluminum foil.

You can add butter and seasonings before wrapping the corn if you’d like.

Place the foil-wrapped corn on a medium-high grill and turn occasionally. It will generally take about 15 to 25 minutes.

Grilled Corn Topping Ideas

Grilled corn is delicious with nothing more than butter, salt, and pepper, but you can have fun with the toppings.

Try:

Butter and sea salt
Garlic butter
Parmesan cheese
Chili powder and lime juice
Smoked paprika
Ranch seasoning
Fresh cilantro and lime
Grated cheddar cheese
Everything bagel seasoning
A sprinkle of your favorite barbecue seasoning

For a Mexican-inspired grilled corn, spread the cooked corn with mayonnaise or Mexican crema and sprinkle with chili powder, lime juice, cotija cheese, and cilantro.

What to Serve With Grilled Corn

Easy grilled corn makes a great side dish for almost any summer meal.

Serve it with:

Grilled burgers
Hot dogs
Grilled chicken
Steak
Grilled pork chops
BBQ ribs
Pulled pork
Grilled fish
Brats and sausages

It is also perfect for backyard barbecues, cookouts, picnics, and summer family gatherings.

Tips for Perfect Grilled Corn

Turn the corn frequently. Because the corn is cooking directly over the heat, turning it every 1 to 3 minutes helps it cook evenly.

Don’t worry about a few dark spots. Small charred spots are exactly what you’re looking for. They add a delicious smoky flavor.

Don’t let it burn. You want the kernels golden brown with scattered char marks, not completely black.

Don’t overcook the corn. Direct heat can cause corn to lose moisture, so take it off the grill once it is hot, tender, and nicely browned.

Keep the toppings simple. Freshly grilled corn is delicious with just butter, salt, and pepper.

Easy Grilled Corn FAQs

Do you have to soak corn before grilling?

No. If you are using this recipe and grilling shucked corn directly on the grill, there is no need to soak it first.

How long should I grill corn?

Shucked corn grilled directly over medium-high heat usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Turn the corn every 1 to 3 minutes so it cooks evenly.

What temperature should I grill corn?

Medium-high heat works well for grilling corn directly on the grill.

How do I know when grilled corn is done?

The corn should be hot and tender with golden-brown kernels and small charred spots throughout. Avoid cooking it until the kernels are completely black.

Can I grill corn with butter?

Yes. You can lightly brush the corn with melted butter before grilling, or add butter after the corn comes off the grill.

Can I grill frozen corn on the cob?

Fresh corn is best for this method. If using frozen corn on the cob, thaw it completely and pat it dry before grilling. Cooking time may vary.

How should I store leftover grilled corn?

Allow leftover corn to cool and store it in a covered container in the refrigerator. Use within a few days for the best quality.

Leftover grilled corn can also be cut from the cob and added to salads, soups, tacos, casseroles, or other recipes.

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