Imagine a warm summer day, the tantalizing aroma of grilled corn wafting through the air, and the anticipation of sinking your teeth into sweet, smoky kernels.
Grilling corn in foil is not only a popular method, but also an effortless way to achieve a burst of flavor.
In order to get that perfect, delicious goodness, it’s crucial to be well aware of the required grilling times: nobody wants undercooked or burned corn to ruin the day.
No need to worry: we’ve got you covered! Find out how long to grill corn in foil and elevate your grilling game.
Why Grill in Foil?
Grilling in foil is a nifty cooking technique that folks use to jazz up their grill game. You may have heard it referred to as “foil grilling” or “grilling en papillote.”
It involves wrapping your food in aluminum foil before tossing it on the grill. Why would someone go through the trouble of doing that? Well, let’s have a look at the positives of grilling food in foil.
Easy Clean-Up
Nobody likes scrubbing stubborn grill grates after a scrumptious meal: you want to end your day by relaxing. That’s where foil comes in, placing a barrier between your food and the grates. It prevents any direct contact and makes clean-up a breeze.
No more worrying about drippings, marinades, or sauces falling through and causing flare-ups or sticky grates.
Moisture and Flavor Retention
Some delicate foods, like fish and veggies, can sometimes end up dry and lackluster on the grill. But if you wrap your food snugly in foil, it helps trap moisture and steam, creating a humid environment inside that little packet.
As for the flavors, you can get creative with your seasonings, herbs, spices, or marinades. Put everything into the foil, sit back, and let it do its magic, infusing the dish with a mouthwatering taste.
The result? Juicy, tender goodness without much hassle and mess.
It’s important to remember that grilling in foil might not be the best fit for every food out there. Steaks and burgers, for instance, often benefit from that direct contact with the grill grates to develop that crave-worthy char or those fancy grill marks.
How Long to Grill Corn in Foil
Summer calls for burning charcoal and a big pile of grilled corn. How about giving a shot at a different grilling method this year using foil? It’s your chance to retain the perfect moisture and flavors while grilling to perfection.
This begs the question: how long do you grill corn in foil? Well, there’s not a straightforward answer to this – it all comes down to your preference and type of grill.
Some grills have a more substantial heat, which may require less time to cook: in addition to that, your preference also counts. Some of us appreciate well-cooked corn, while others may prefer a tender and mild roast.
Ingredients
First things first: let’s take a look at the ingredients you need for perfectly grilled corn.
- Corn (of course, the main player)
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
- Seasoning or topping (according to your preference)
In addition to the ingredients, you might also want to check out some of these handy grill accessories to help you with the task.
Fire Up the Grill
It’s time you started the flame and got yourself some summer goodness! If you own an electric grill, let it heat adequately before you start grilling. Or if you own a charcoal one, you also need to give it some time before throwing on some corn.
A little pro tip to handpick the best cob of corn for grilling is to look for fresh, vibrant ears of corn with green, tightly wrapped husks.
Once you have the freshest corn, there’s a little something to be mindful of. There are two ways you can grill the corn in foil:
- Corn without husk
- Corn with husk
If you prefer the corn without the husk, clean the cobs and make sure you get rid of all remaining silk strings. Once cleaned, rub the corn with butter or drizzle some oil along with the seasoning of your choice.
Once you’ve marinated the huskless corn, wrap it in foil and throw it on the grill. Let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes at a medium heat temperature ranging between 375 and 450ºF, rotating every 3 to 4 minutes. Cook until you feel it’s tender and lightly charred.
If you plan to grill the corn with its husks on for a nuttier flavor, you can also do that using foil. Start by unfolding the first few layers of husks and leaving the last few intact. Then soak the corn in water for 15 to 20 minutes.
Wrap the corn in foil and put it on the grill for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep turning until you feel the corn husks are charred on every side.
Remove the remaining husks or silk, and your corn is ready to accept some seasonings or toppings according to your choice.
If you prefer roasted corn to have a smoky flavor, you can remove the piece of foil and roast the corn without foil on direct heat. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, and if you feel it still needs more frying, let it cook for an additional 2 to 5 minutes.
Choice of Toppings
If you want to add a little kick to your corn, you can choose from a wide range of seasonings to enhance the taste.
- Lemon and salt: Starting small and simple, you can squeeze a little lemon juice and sprinkle some salt for a sharp sour kick. Or, if you prefer a stronger salt profile, you can go with kosher salt.
- Mexican taste: Tantalize your taste buds with cotija cheese, mayo, chili powder, fresh cilantro, and a touch of zesty lime juice. You can even substitute butter for the mayo: these ingredients can give you a homemade Mexican street food taste.
- Mediterranean Style: You also have the option to go Mediterranean. Use Greek yogurt, olive oil, and fresh herbs like oregano and basil. Top all this with crumbly and briny feta cheese, and your homemade Mediterranean corn is ready.
- Paprika: A sprinkle of paprika or smoked paprika can help lift the taste and color of the corn, giving it a reddish hue.
Final Word
Grilled corn is a perfect summer treat: you can take it to the next level by wrapping foil around it. An ear of corn grilled in foil retains its moisture and flavor, allowing you to feast on well-cooked juicy corn with fresh flavors.
Timing is everything if you’re wondering how long to grill corn in foil. If you cook it for too long, you’ll have burnt corn, but if you wrap things up quickly, you’ll end up with a hard, uncooked ear of corn.
Armed with our grilling time guidelines and handy tips, you’re ready to conquer the grill for that perfectly grilled corn. So, gather your fresh corn, wrap it lovingly in foil, and let the grill work its magic. Happy grilling!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I grill corn in foil?
Grill corn in foil for about 15-20 minutes.
Do I need to pre-boil the corn before grilling it in foil?
No, there’s no need to pre-boil the corn. Just wrap it in foil and throw it on the grill!
Should I remove the husk before wrapping the corn in foil?
Yes, you should remove the husk and silk from the corn before wrapping it in foil.
Can I add seasonings or butter to the corn before grilling it in foil?
Definitely! Feel free to add any seasonings, butter, or other toppings you like before wrapping the corn in foil.
Do I need to flip the corn while grilling it in foil?
It’s a good idea to flip the corn once halfway through grilling to ensure even cooking.
Can I cook other vegetables along with the corn in foil?
Absolutely! You can cook other vegetables like peppers or zucchini alongside the corn by wrapping them separately in their own foils.
Can I use aluminum foil alternatives for grilling corn?
If you don’t have aluminum foil, you can use parchment paper or banana leaves as an alternative to wrap your corn.
What type of grill should I use for grilling corn in foil?
You can use either a gas or charcoal grill to cook your corn wrapped in foil – both will give delicious results!
