Introduction
If you’re a fan of sweet, juicy corn on the cob, there’s nothing quite like grilling it to perfection. But, as with any culinary endeavor, grilling corn can be tricky. From husking to seasoning to determining doneness, there are many factors to consider. But fear not! This article will provide a comprehensive guide to grilling corn, along with topping and pairing suggestions, tips and tricks, and a comparison of fresh vs. frozen corn. With these tools, you’ll be churning out charred, flavorful ears of corn in no time.
Grilling Corn 101: A Step-by-Step Guide
Before you fire up your grill, there are a few steps you should take to prep your corn:
Preparing the Corn
1. Husking: Remove the husks and silks from each ear, being careful to remove all the silks while leaving the kernels intact.
2. Rinsing: Rinse the ears under cold water to remove any remaining silks and debris.
Selecting the Right Grilling Tools and Techniques
1. Gas vs. charcoal grill: While both types of grills can be used to cook corn, gas grills are generally more convenient and allow for better temperature control.
2. Direct vs. indirect heat: Direct heat is best for searing the corn and creating grill marks, while indirect heat is better for cooking the corn through without charring it too much.
3. Grilling basket vs. foil wrap: A grilling basket is a convenient tool for turning the corn without losing kernels or it can be wrapped in foil to keep it moist while cooking.
Grilling the Corn
1. Timing: Grilling times can vary depending on the heat source and corn thickness, but a general rule of thumb is to grill for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally.
2. Turning: Turning the corn frequently helps to evenly cook and char all sides.
3. Checking for doneness: Use a meat thermometer or poke the corn with a fork to check that it’s cooked through and the kernels are tender.
5 Delicious Ways to Top Your Grilled Corn
Now that you’ve mastered the art of grilling corn, it’s time to add some flavor. Here are five topping suggestions that will take your corn from ordinary to extraordinary:
Classic butter and salt
A simple mixture of softened butter and salt will make your grilled corn sing. For extra pizzazz, try adding chopped herbs or spices to your butter, such as garlic, parsley, or smoked paprika.
Spicy mayo
A creamy, spicy mayo is a great way to add a kick to your corn. Simply mix mayo, hot sauce, lime juice, and chili powder to your desired spice level.
Avocado crema
An avocado crema, with its creamy texture and fresh flavor, pairs well with grilled corn. Mash avocados with sour cream, lime juice, and cilantro, and season with salt and pepper.
Parmesan and herbs
Grated Parmesan cheese and chopped herbs, such as basil, thyme, and oregano, add an Italian touch to your corn. Mix the cheese and herbs together and sprinkle over the ears of corn.
Elote-style
This Mexican-inspired topping features a mixture of mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and cotija cheese. For extra crunch, sprinkle with chopped cilantro and crushed tortilla chips.
The Best Drinks to Pair With Grilled Corn
No meal is complete without a tasty beverage to wash it down. Here are some drink recommendations that complement the flavors of grilled corn:
Crisp white wine
A dry, crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs well with grilled corn. The wine’s acidity cuts through the sweetness of the corn.
Hoppy IPA
If you’re a beer lover, try pairing your corn with a hoppy IPA. The bitterness of the beer complements the sweetness of the corn and adds a nice contrast to the charred flavor.
Cold glass of lemonade
For a refreshing non-alcoholic option, try a cold glass of lemonade. Add in some herbs like mint or basil to give it an added flavor.
Tips and Tricks for Perfectly Grilled Corn
Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you perfect your grilled corn game:
Soaking the corn before grilling
You can soak your corn for 30 minutes to an hour before grilling to prevent it from drying out. This is especially helpful if you’re using a charcoal grill.
Using a foil packet to lock in flavor
You can add your toppings to the corn while it cooks by making a foil packet. Simply place your seasonings and butter on the corn and seal it in the foil, then grill as usual.
Experimenting with different herbs and spices
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasonings. Some delicious combinations include lime and cilantro, chipotle and lime, and smoked paprika and thyme.
Grilling Fresh vs. Frozen Corn: Which Is Better?
One of the biggest debates in the corn world is whether fresh or frozen corn is better for grilling. Here are the pros and cons of each:
Pros and Cons of Fresh Corn
Pros: fresh corn has the best texture and flavor and is widely available during the summer months
Cons: fresh corn can be more expensive than frozen corn, and you may need to frequent the farmers market or grocery store to get the best ears.
Pros and Cons of Frozen Corn
Pros: frozen corn is convenient, available year-round and consistent in quality which can be perfect for last-minute grill sessions.
Cons: frozen corn tends to be less flavorful and slightly mushy in texture when compared to fresh corn.
Ultimately, the choice between fresh and frozen corn is a personal one. Whichever option you choose, you can still follow the steps above to grill it to perfection.
Conclusion
Congratulations – you’re now a corn grilling pro! With this article as your guide, you can prepare perfectly charred ears of corn with a variety of toppings and drink pairings. And with tips and tricks for grilling fresh and frozen corn, there’s no end to the delicious meals you can create. So fire up that grill and get ready to impress your dinner guests with your newfound corn mastery.