Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil
Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil is a delightful summer treat that brings vibrant flavors and a smoky aroma to your outdoor gatherings. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also versatile enough for barbecues, picnics, or weeknight dinners. The corn becomes tender and juicy while being infused with buttery goodness, making it a must-have side dish for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, you can have perfectly grilled corn ready in no time.
- Flavorful Experience: The combination of butter, garlic powder, and seasoning enhances the natural sweetness of the corn.
- Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for summer barbecues, family meals, or even as a snack while watching a game.
- Mess-Free Cooking: Cooking corn in foil packets keeps your grill clean and makes serving effortless.
- Customizable Toppings: You can easily add your favorite spices or toppings to change up the flavor.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start grilling corn on the cob in foil, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Aluminium foil
- Mixing bowl
- Fork
- Tongs
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: Provides even heat for perfect grilling and adds that delicious smoky flavor to the corn.
- Aluminium foil: Protects the corn from direct heat while allowing steam to cook it through. Double layers ensure extra safety against burning.
- Mixing bowl: Useful for combining butter with seasonings before spreading it on the corn.
- Tongs: Essential for safely handling hot foil packets without burning yourself.
Ingredients
For the Butter Mixture
- 4 tablespoons butter (softened)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried garlic powder (optional)
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper (optional)
For the Corn
- 6 ears corn (shucked)
How to Make Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
- Preheat your grill to 400°F (204°C). This high temperature will help to quickly cook the corn while adding a nice char.
Step 2: Prepare the Butter Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, mash butter, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth using a fork. This mixture will coat the corn evenly.
Step 3: Wrap the Corn
- Rub each ear of corn with the butter mixture thoroughly.
- Place two ears of corn on large pieces of aluminium foil (or one ear per piece if preferred).
- If using regular aluminium foil, use a double layer to protect against direct heat.
- Fold up and crimp the edges of the foil tightly to create packets.
Step 4: Grill the Corn Packets
- Place the foil packets directly on the grill grates.
- Close the lid and grill for about 10 minutes.
Step 5: Flip the Corn
- Carefully remove packets from grill using tongs.
- Open each packet carefully; flip each ear of corn inside.
- Seal packets again and return them to grill for an additional 10-20 minutes or until cooked through and lightly browned.
Step 6: Serve
- Once done, carefully remove foil packets from grill again.
- Open each packet cautiously; serve warm with additional butter and salt if desired.
Enjoy this easy and delicious Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil as a flavorful side dish for any summer gathering!
How to Serve Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil
Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil makes for a delightful and versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with many meals. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your grilled corn experience.
With Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Cilantro: Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the corn after grilling for a burst of flavor.
- Basil and Parsley Mix: A mix of basil and parsley adds a refreshing touch to each bite.
With Cheese
- Feta Crumbles: Crumbled feta cheese provides a tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the corn.
- Parmesan Shavings: Add shavings of Parmesan cheese for a nutty and savory finish.
With Spices
- Chili Powder: A sprinkle of chili powder adds a kick and enhances the natural sweetness.
- Smoked Paprika: This spice gives the corn a smoky flavor, perfect for summer BBQs.
With Sauces
- Garlic Butter Drizzle: Enhance the buttery goodness by drizzling more garlic butter over the corn before serving.
- Lime Juice Splash: A squeeze of lime juice brightens up the flavors and adds acidity.
How to Perfect Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil
Perfecting Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil is easy with just a few simple tips. Follow these recommendations to elevate your grilling game.
- Choose Fresh Corn: Select ears that are bright green with moist silk. Fresh corn will be sweeter and more tender.
- Season Generously: Don’t hold back on seasoning. The butter mixture should coat each ear well for maximum flavor.
- Double Wrap for Safety: Use double layers of foil if you’re concerned about direct heat burning your corn.
- Rotate During Cooking: Flip the packets halfway through cooking to ensure even grilling and browning.
- Check Tenderness: Test for doneness by piercing an ear with a fork; it should be tender but not mushy.
Best Side Dishes for Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil
Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil can complement many dishes, making it an excellent addition to any meal. Here are some side dishes that pair perfectly with it.
- Grilled Veggies: Colorful veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus add variety and nutrition to your plate.
- Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad is classic and balances well with the smoky flavor of grilled corn.
- Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and tanginess, making it a great contrast to sweet corn.
- BBQ Ribs: The savory richness of BBQ ribs creates a delicious combination with sweet grilled corn.
- Baked Beans: Hearty baked beans provide protein and fiber, rounding out your meal nicely.
- Pasta Salad: A cool pasta salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing taste alongside warm corn.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Grilling corn on the cob in foil can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can hinder your results. Here are some tips to ensure perfect grilled corn every time.
- Not preheating the grill: Skipping preheating can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your grill to 400°F before placing the corn inside.
- Using too little butter: Insufficient butter can make the corn dry. Make sure to generously rub each ear with the butter mixture for maximum flavor.
- Overcooking or undercooking: Timing is crucial. Keep an eye on the corn and flip it halfway through grilling to ensure even cooking.
- Skipping seasoning: Corn needs flavor! Don’t forget to add salt and optional seasonings like garlic powder and pepper for a delicious taste.
- Not sealing packets properly: If the foil packets aren’t sealed well, juices may leak out. Be sure to crimp all edges tightly to keep moisture in.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store grilled corn on the cob in airtight containers.
- It can last up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil
- Wrap each ear of corn tightly in aluminum foil.
- Place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 6 months.
Reheating Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place foil packets directly on the rack and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Unwrap one ear from foil and place on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes or until warm.
- Stovetop: Place corn in a skillet over medium heat, covering it with a lid. Heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I grill corn on the cob in foil?
Grill for about 10 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 10-20 minutes until tender and slightly browned.
Can I add spices to my grilled corn on the cob in foil?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, or herbs for added flavor.
What’s the best way to serve grilled corn on the cob in foil?
Serve hot with extra butter, salt, or your favorite toppings like cheese or lime juice for a fresh twist!
Is grilled corn on the cob in foil suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It stores well and can be made ahead of time, making it easy for quick meals throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil is a delightful side dish ideal for summer gatherings or family dinners. Its versatility allows you to customize flavors and ingredients based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try and enjoy deliciously juicy corn that everyone will love!
Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil is the ultimate summer delight, bringing together the sweet, juicy flavor of fresh corn with a rich buttery finish. This simple recipe transforms your outdoor gatherings into a culinary celebration, offering easy preparation and mess-free cooking. Wrapped in foil, each ear of corn steams to perfection while absorbing delicious seasonings like garlic and pepper. Perfect for barbecues, picnics, or a cozy family dinner, this versatile dish can be customized with your favorite toppings for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy the smoky aroma and vibrant taste that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter (softened)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried garlic powder (optional)
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper (optional)
- 6 ears corn (shucked)
Instructions
- Preheat grill to 400°F (204°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine butter, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
- Rub each ear of corn generously with the butter mixture.
- Wrap two ears in large pieces of aluminum foil (or one per piece) and seal tightly.
- Grill packets directly on grates for about 10 minutes. Flip and grill for another 10-20 minutes until tender.
- Carefully open packets and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear of corn (approximately 125g)
- Calories: 193
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
