Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilled corn on the cob is easier than you think. This recipe delivers deliciously sweet grilled corn on the cob perfect for summertime meals—even without pre-soaking the husk!

By
Elise Bauer
Elise Bauer
Elise Bauer
Elise founded Simply Recipes in 2003 and led the site until 2019. She has an MA in Food Research from Stanford University.
Learn about Simply Recipes' Editorial Process
Updated May 22, 2023
Elise Bauer
A Plate of Grilled Corn on the Cob Slathered with Butter

Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek

The first time I tried to grill corn on the cob, I placed shucked corn directly on the grill. The results weren't all that stellar. Too dried out and chewy.

A Platter of Grilled Sweet Corn with Husks Partially Removed

Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek

The Best Way To Grill Corn on the Cob

I consulted "She-who-knows-everything-when-it-comes-to-home-cooking" (a.k.a. Mom) who informed me that the best way to grill corn on the cob is to grill corn in the husk, directly on a hot grill.

The husks protect the corn on the cob from getting dried out, and the corn essentially steams in its own moisture while getting infused with smoky flavor from the charring corn husks. It's also so easy! No need to even break off the silks. Just place the corn, as is, in husks, on a hot grill.

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How to Grill Corn on the Cob

More Tips for Grilled Corn

  • Soaking corn on the cob? Many people call for soaking corn on the cob in water first, before grilling. There's no need if you are working with fresh corn to begin with.
  • Removing the silks: Some grilled corn on the cob techniques also have you pull back the husks, take out the silks, and then put the husks back over the corn before grilling. I've tried that. It does make it easier after the corn is done when removing the husks. But I find the corn more easily dries out this way, and the best way for juicy grilled corn on the cob is to not mess with the husks.
  • Want grill marks? If you want some grill marks on your corn on the cob, (as shown in the photos), you can pull off a few of the outer husk leaves, leaving less of a barrier between the outer leaves and the corn cob, for more the charring to reach the corn.
Grilled corn on the cob served on an oval platter
Elise Bauer

How To Store Grilled Corn on the Cob

Refrigerate leftover grilled corn on the cob, tightly wrapped in plastic or foil, for 3 to 5 days. It's never quite as good eaten off the cob as it was fresh, but you can cut off the kernels and use them in salsas, salads, and relishes. To freeze the kernels, cut them off the cob, put them in a freezer-proof container or zip top bag, and freeze up to 3 months.

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From the Editors Of Simply Recipes

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 20 mins
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 ears fresh corn, in their husks

  • Butter (or an herb butter), for serving

Method

  1. Preheat your grill:

    Whether using gas or charcoal, you want to prepare your grill for direct, high heat (about 550°F). You know the grill is hot enough if you are able to hold your hand one inch above the grill for only 1 second.

  2. Grill the corn:

    The corn husks will protect the corn from burning or drying out while it is on the hot grill.

    If you want a bit of char on your corn, peel off a few of the outer layers of the corn husks before grilling.

    Place the corn in its husks on the hot grill.

    Cover the grill. Turn the corn occasionally, until the husks are completely blackened and charred on all sides, about 15 to 20 minutes.

    Corn (with Husks) on a Grill for Corn on the Cob Recipe

    Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
    Grilling Corn on the Cob (Partially Charred) and Flipped Using Tongs

    Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
    Grilled Corn Recipe on the Grill

    Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
  3. Remove the silks and charred husks:

    Remove the corn from the grill. Let sit for 5 minutes or until cool enough to handle.

    Remove the silks and charred husks from the corn. If you need to, use a damp towel to protect your hands from any sharp edges from the charred corn husks as you peel them off.

    Corn Husk Carefully Removed from Grilled Corn on the Cob Using a Kitchen Towel

    Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
  4. Serve:

    Keep it simple and serve with butter, or you can sprinkle with a little chili powder, Cojita cheese, and some lime juice for a Mexican twist.

    Did you love the recipe? Leave us stars below! 

    How to Make Grilled Corn on the Cob

    Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
76 Calories
1g Fat
17g Carbs
3g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 76
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 0g 1%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 200mg 9%
Total Carbohydrate 17g 6%
Dietary Fiber 2g 7%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 3g
Vitamin C 4mg 22%
Calcium 2mg 0%
Iron 0mg 2%
Potassium 172mg 4%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.