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How to Tell When Grilled Corn Is Done

Grilled corn is a delicious summertime treat, but it can be tricky to tell when it’s cooked just right.

Here’s a simple guide on how to test if your grilled corn is done so you can enjoy perfectly cooked kernels every time.

Four ears of corn grilling on a charcoal grill.

The Best Way to Test if Corn is Cooked

Grilled corn is a great summer food. It’s sweet, crunchy, and easy to cook. But knowing when grilled corn on the cob is done can be tricky.

The corn should be cooked until it is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.

The best way to test if corn is cooked is by using a skewer or knife to pierce the center of the kernels.

If the corn kernels are soft when pierced, then the corn on the cob is done. If the kernels are still firm and difficult to pierce, then the corn needs to cook longer.

When grilling with the husk you can check by looking at the corn husks at the top of the cob, and when it has darkened in color, remove it from the grill.

Allow it to cool enough to handle it and pull back on the husk to check the kernels.

When corn is well done, it has a soft, buttery texture and is full of flavor. The kernels will be tender and moist, without any traces of crispness or chewiness.

The outer layer will also be slightly charred from being cooked over an open flame or on a grill pan.

What factors do you need to consider when grilling corn

1. Corn grilling methods

There are three main methods of grilling corn on the cob: in the husk, in foil, and directly on the grill grates.

With the husk is the most traditional way of cooking corn on the grill and allows for maximum grill flavor retention.

Corn cooked in foil is wrapped tightly in aluminum foil so it can steam and cook quickly without losing its flavor.

Lastly, grilling directly on the grill grate allows for more direct heat exposure which helps caramelize some of the sugars in corn kernels resulting in a sweeter taste.

2. Size of Corn

When selecting the size of corn for grilling, it is important to consider the size of the ears as well as the length of the corn on the cob.

Smaller ears will require less time to cook than larger ones, while longer corn-on-cob pieces will need more time.

Additionally, thicker cobs will take longer to cook than thinner ones.

3. Type of Grill

Gas grills are more convenient and easier to use than charcoal grills. They provide more consistent heat and can be used year-round.

Gas grills also allow you to control the temperature more precisely, allowing you to grill food with better results.

On the other hand, charcoal grills offer a unique grill flavor that cannot be replicated by gas grills.

Additionally, charcoal is typically cheaper than propane or natural gas and it is also easier to control flare-ups when using charcoal compared to propane or natural gas.

4. Heat of the Grill

The heat of the grill affects grilling corn in several ways. First, high temperatures can char the corn, giving it a bitter taste and ruining its texture.

Second, grilling at too high of a temperature can cause the corn to burn before it has time to cook through.

Lastly, not enough heat may result in poor browning or no browning at all which can make the corn lack flavor and take longer.

What are the benefits of grilling corn with husks?

Grilling corn on the cobs with husks has many benefits. The husk protects the corn from direct heat while it is grilling, allowing you to grill longer without any repercussions.

It also serves as a steaming agent for the corn, ensuring that it tastes delicious when cooked.

The husk also helps keep moisture and flavor while also preventing the burning or drying out of the corn kernels during grilling.

Finally, using the husk allows you to enjoy all of the delicious flavors of grilled corn on the cobs without having to worry about any messy cleanup afterward since all of the mess is contained within its protective layers.

Best way to grill corn on the cob

The best way to cook corn on the grill is to soak the cobs in water for about 30 minutes before grilling.

This helps to prevent them from drying out or burning during the cooking process.

Additionally, be sure to keep an eye on the corn while it is grilling and to rotate the cobs frequently so that all sides are even.

Once the corn is cooked through, you can remove it from the grill and enjoy!

Advantages of grilling corn with the husk verses without

The husk of the corn helps to protect the kernels from drying out or burning while grilling. Additionally, it helps to keep all of the mess contained within its protective layers.

Some people believe that grilling corn with the husk versus without the husk gives you a better corn taste.

The husks are full of nutrients and some say that they add a unique flavor to the corn. Others believe that the husks make the corn difficult to grill and that they can create a mess.

The main disadvantage of grilling corn with the husk is that it can be difficult to tell when the corn is cooked through.

Grilling corn without the husk is said to have a few advantages of its own, such as a crisper texture and a sweeter taste.

The husk can get in the way while grilling and can leave pieces of corn on the grill. It can also be difficult to remove the husk without ruining the corn.

FAQ

How long does it take for corn to be done on the grill?

It takes about 10-12 minutes for corn to cook on the grill. To test if it is done, insert a knife into the center of the cob. If the knife slides in easily, the corn is done.

Can I grill corn without husks?

Yes, you can grill corn without husks, but it’s best to remove them first. The husks protect the kernels from direct heat and help them cook evenly.
If you leave the husks on, they’ll char and the corn will be harder to eat.

Can you overcook corn on the grill?

You can overcook corn on the grill if you’re not careful. The best way to test if your corn is cooked is to insert a skewer or sharp knife into the center of an ear of corn.
If the skewer slides in easily, the corn is done. If it meets resistance, give the ear of corn a few more minutes on the grill.

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