Grilling corn on the cob is a classic summer cookout staple. But what if you run out of fresh corn? Can you grill frozen corn on the cob?
The good news is that you can! Frozen corn on the cob can be grilled straight from the freezer without any thawing required. In fact, grilling frozen corn on the cob can actually help to retain its sweetness and moisture.
Grilled frozen corn on the cob is a delicious and easy way to enjoy this summer favorite. It’s perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or just a simple weeknight meal.
The Best Way to Grill Frozen Corn on the Cob
Here’s the best way to grill frozen corn on the cob:
Ingredients
- 6 ears of frozen corn on the cob, husks removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Brush the corn with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill the corn for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until heated through and slightly charred.
- Serve immediately.
Tips
- If you want the corn to be extra tender, you can thaw it before grilling.
- To prevent the corn from sticking to the grill, brush it with a thin layer of oil.
- If you want to add extra flavor, you can grill the corn with your favorite seasonings.
- Grill the corn until it’s heated through and slightly charred.
- Serve the delicious corn immediately and enjoy!
Variations
- You can also grill frozen corn on the cob in the husks. To do this, soak the husks in water for 30 minutes before grilling. This will help them to stay on and prevent the corn from sticking to the grill.
- You can add other seasonings to the corn, such as chili powder, garlic powder, or paprika.
- You can also serve the corn with your favorite toppings, such as butter, cheese, or salsa.
That’s it! Grilled frozen corn on the cob is a delicious and easy way to enjoy this summer staple.
Pros and Cons of Grilling Frozen Corn on the Cob
There are a few pros and cons to grilling frozen corn on the cob.
Pros of Grilling Frozen Corn on the Cob
- It’s a quick and easy way to cook corn on the cob.
- Frozen corn is already cooked, so it does not take long to heat through.
- Grilling frozen corn gives it a nice char flavor.
- It is a good option if you do not have fresh corn.
Cons of Grilling Frozen Corn on the Cob
- Frozen corn may not be as tender as fresh corn.
- The corn may not get as crispy on the outside as fresh corn.
- The corn may stick to the grill if it is not brushed with oil.
Do You Need to Thaw Frozen Corn on the Cob?
Whether or not you need to thaw frozen corn on the cob before cooking depends on your preference and how you plan to cook it.
If you prefer your ear of corn to be tender and juicy, thawing it before cooking is the best option. Thawing the corn allows the ice crystals to melt, which helps the corn to absorb more moisture. The corn then becomes tender and juicy.
To thaw frozen corn on the cob, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight or for several hours. Once the corn is thawed, you can grill it, roast it, or saute it.
If you prefer your corn to have a more crispy texture, you can cook it frozen. Cooking frozen corn results in corn that has a slightly firmer texture and a more pronounced corn flavor.
To cook frozen corn on the cob, simply place it on the grill or in the oven and cook it according to the package directions. You may need to cook it for a few minutes longer than you would if it were thawed to ensure that it is cooked through.
No matter how you choose to cook it, frozen corn on the cob is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
Should You Grill Corn With or Without Foil?
Whether to grill corn with or without foil is a matter of personal preference. There’s an upside and a downside for each method.
Grilling Corn With Foil
Pros:
- The foil helps to keep the corn moist and prevents it from burning.
- It’s a quick and easy way to grill corn.
Cons:
- The foil can trap steam, which can prevent the corn from caramelizing.
- The corn can be a bit bland, as the flavor of the grill is not as pronounced.
Grilling Corn Without Foil
Pros:
- The corn gets a nice char from the grill, which adds flavor.
- The corn is more moist and flavorful than when it’s grilled in foil.
Cons:
- The corn can be more difficult to cook evenly without foil.
- It’s more likely to burn if you are not careful.
Ultimately, the best way to grill corn is the way that you enjoy it the most. If you prefer moist and flavorful corn, then grilling it without foil is the way to go.
If you prefer corn that’s easy to cook and less likely to burn, then grilling it with foil is a good option.
How Do You Know Corn Is Done on the Grill?
There are a few ways to tell if corn is done on the grill. The most obvious way is to pierce a kernel with a fork. If the kernel is tender and slightly soft, the corn is done.
You can also tell if the corn is done by looking at it. The corn should have a slight char on the outside, but it shouldn’t be burnt. If the corn is cooked through, it should be cooked through all the way to the center.
Another way to tell if corn is done on the grill is by its aroma. The corn should have a nice, roasted corn aroma. If you can smell the corn roasting, it’s probably done.
If you are still not sure if the corn is done, you can cut a kernel off the cob and taste it. If the kernel is tender and slightly sweet, the corn is done.
What Can You Serve With Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob is a classic summer dish that is perfect for cookouts and barbecues. It’s simple to make and can be served with a variety of toppings and sides.
Here are some ideas for what to serve with grilled corn on the cob:
- Salsa: A classic accompaniment to grilled corn, salsa adds a pop of flavor and acidity. You can make your own salsa or buy it pre-made.
- Guacamole: Guacamole is another great option for serving with grilled corn. The creamy avocado and the smoky grilled corn are a match made in heaven.
- Queso fresco: Queso fresco is a salty, crumbly cheese that goes well with grilled corn. It can be sprinkled on top of the corn or melted into a dipping sauce.
- Cotija cheese: Cotija cheese is another salty, crumbly cheese that goes well with grilled corn. It’s a bit more intense in flavor than queso fresco, so use it sparingly.
- Butter: A simple but delicious way to serve grilled corn is with a pat of butter. The butter melts into the corn and adds a richness of flavor.
- Herb butter: If you want to add some extra flavor to your butter, try making herb butter. Simply mix together some softened butter, your favorite herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is a classic condiment that goes well with grilled corn. You can add some extra flavor to your mayonnaise by mixing in some herbs, spices, or even a little bit of hot sauce.
- Lime juice: A squeeze of lime juice adds a tart and refreshing flavor to grilled corn.
- Cilantro: Cilantro is a fresh herb that goes well with grilled corn. You can chop it up and sprinkle it on top of the corn, or you can make a cilantro-lime dressing to drizzle over the corn.
- Nachos: Grilled corn is a great topping for nachos. Simply top your nachos with grilled corn, your favorite toppings, and a drizzle of your favorite sauce.
- Salad: Grilled corn can also be a great addition to a salad. Simply add some grilled corn to your favorite salad greens, along with your favorite toppings and dressing.
These are just a few ideas for what to serve with grilled corn on the cob. There are endless possibilities, so get creative and enjoy!
So, Can You Grill Frozen Corn on the Cob?
You can grill frozen corn on the cob. It’s a quick and easy way to cook corn on the cob, and it’s a great option if you don’t have fresh corn. Frozen corn is already cooked, so it doesn’t take long to heat through. And grilling frozen corn gives it a nice char flavor.
You can also add other seasonings to the corn, such as chili powder, garlic powder, or paprika. You can also serve the corn with your favorite toppings, such as butter, cheese, or salsa.
Grilled frozen corn on the cob is a delicious and easy way to enjoy this summer staple. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy side dish, give it a try!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you grill frozen corn on the cob?
Yes, you can absolutely grill frozen corn on the cob! It’s a convenient and delicious option for your barbecue.
Do I need to thaw the corn before grilling it?
No, you don’t need to thaw the corn before grilling. Simply place the frozen cobs directly on the grill.
How long does it take to grill frozen corn on the cob?
Grilling time may vary, but generally, it takes about 15-20 minutes to cook frozen corn on the cob on a medium-high heat grill.
Should I wrap the corn in foil before grilling?
While wrapping the corn in foil is optional, many people prefer to do so as it helps retain moisture and cooks the corn more evenly.
Can I season the frozen corn before grilling?
Absolutely! You can season your frozen corn with salt, pepper, butter, or any other desired herbs and spices before placing it on the grill.
What if I want charred or grilled marks on my corn?
To achieve those beautiful charred marks, simply rotate your corn every few minutes while grilling until they develop.
Can I use a gas or charcoal grill for cooking frozen corn on the cob?
Both gas and charcoal grills work well for cooking frozen corn on the cob. Just ensure that they are preheated before placing your cobs on them.
What should I do if my frozen cobs are burning too quickly?
If you notice your frozen cobs are browning too fast, try reducing the heat or moving them to a cooler part of the grill to prevent them from burning prematurely.