Grilling corn on the cob is a staple of summer barbecues and outdoor gatherings. However, many people wonder if it’s possible to grill already shucked corn. The answer is yes, but it requires some special care to achieve that perfect, smoky flavor and tender texture. In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to grill already shucked corn, including preparation tips, grilling techniques, and delicious recipe ideas.
Understanding the Challenges of Grilling Already Shucked Corn
Grilling already shucked corn can be a bit tricky, as it lacks the natural protection of the husk and silk. The husk acts as a shield, allowing the corn to steam and cook evenly. Without it, the corn is more exposed to direct heat, which can lead to burning and uneven cooking. However, with the right techniques and precautions, you can still achieve amazing results.
Preparation is Key
Before grilling already shucked corn, it’s essential to prepare it properly. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Soak the corn in water: Soaking the corn in water for at least 30 minutes can help to rehydrate the kernels and reduce the risk of burning.
- Pat dry the corn: After soaking, pat the corn dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the corn to grill more evenly.
- Brush with oil and season: Brush the corn with a neutral oil, such as canola or grapeseed, and season with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices.
Grilling Techniques for Already Shucked Corn
Now that your corn is prepared, it’s time to fire up the grill. Here are some techniques to achieve perfectly grilled already shucked corn:
Direct Grilling
Direct grilling involves placing the corn directly over the heat source. This method can produce a nice char and smoky flavor, but it requires careful attention to prevent burning.
- Grill over medium heat: Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350°F to 400°F).
- Grill for 5-7 minutes per side: Place the corn on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it’s lightly charred and tender.
- Rotate frequently: Rotate the corn frequently to ensure even cooking and to prevent burning.
Indirect Grilling
Indirect grilling involves placing the corn away from the direct heat source. This method is ideal for cooking larger quantities of corn and can produce a more even, tender result.
- Grill over low heat: Preheat your grill to low heat (around 300°F to 350°F).
- Grill for 10-15 minutes: Place the corn on the grill, away from the direct heat source, and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until it’s tender and lightly charred.
- Rotate occasionally: Rotate the corn occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Delicious Recipe Ideas for Grilled Already Shucked Corn
Now that you know the basics of grilling already shucked corn, it’s time to get creative with some delicious recipe ideas. Here are a few to get you started:
Herb Butter Grilled Corn
- Ingredients:
- 4-6 ears of already shucked corn
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, or dill)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, garlic, and chopped herbs.
- Brush the herb butter mixture onto the corn, making sure to coat all surfaces evenly.
- Grill the corn for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it’s lightly charred and tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Grilled Corn with Cotija Cheese and Chili Powder
- Ingredients:
- 4-6 ears of already shucked corn
- 1/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Grill the corn for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it’s lightly charred and tender.
- In a small bowl, mix together the crumbled Cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice.
- Brush the cheese mixture onto the corn, making sure to coat all surfaces evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Conclusion
Grilling already shucked corn can be a bit tricky, but with the right techniques and precautions, you can achieve amazing results. By following the tips and recipe ideas outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a grilled corn master. So next time you’re planning a summer barbecue or outdoor gathering, don’t be afraid to throw some already shucked corn on the grill. Your guests will thank you!
Can you grill already shucked corn?
Yes, you can grill already shucked corn. In fact, grilling shucked corn can be a great way to add smoky flavor and a slightly charred texture to your corn. To grill shucked corn, simply brush the corn with a little bit of oil, season with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices, and place it on the grill. You can grill the corn over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it’s lightly charred and tender.
One thing to keep in mind when grilling shucked corn is that it can dry out quickly, so make sure to keep an eye on it and adjust the heat as needed. You can also wrap the corn in foil to help retain moisture and promote even cooking. Additionally, you can add a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice to the corn after grilling to add a burst of citrus flavor.
How do you prepare already shucked corn for grilling?
To prepare already shucked corn for grilling, start by rinsing the corn under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat the corn dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which can help the corn cook more evenly. Next, brush the corn with a little bit of oil, such as olive or avocado oil, to help prevent sticking and promote browning.
After brushing the corn with oil, season it with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices. You can also add a sprinkle of grated cheese, such as parmesan or cotija, for extra flavor. Finally, place the corn on the grill and cook over medium heat, turning frequently, until it’s lightly charred and tender.
What are the benefits of grilling already shucked corn?
Grilling already shucked corn can add a rich, smoky flavor and a slightly charred texture that’s hard to achieve with other cooking methods. Additionally, grilling can help bring out the natural sweetness of the corn, making it a delicious and flavorful side dish. Grilling also allows for a high level of customization, as you can add a variety of herbs, spices, and other seasonings to the corn to suit your taste.
Another benefit of grilling already shucked corn is that it’s a relatively quick and easy process. Simply brush the corn with oil, season with salt and pepper, and place it on the grill. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a delicious and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for summer barbecues and outdoor gatherings.
How do you prevent already shucked corn from drying out on the grill?
To prevent already shucked corn from drying out on the grill, make sure to keep an eye on it and adjust the heat as needed. You can also wrap the corn in foil to help retain moisture and promote even cooking. Additionally, you can brush the corn with a little bit of oil or butter to help keep it moist and add flavor.
Another way to prevent drying out is to grill the corn over medium heat, rather than high heat. This will help cook the corn more slowly and evenly, reducing the risk of drying out. You can also try grilling the corn with the husks on, which can help retain moisture and promote even cooking.
Can you grill already shucked corn in a skillet?
Yes, you can grill already shucked corn in a skillet. In fact, grilling corn in a skillet can be a great way to achieve a similar flavor and texture to grilling on an outdoor grill. To grill corn in a skillet, simply heat a little bit of oil over medium heat, add the corn, and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it’s lightly charred and tender.
One thing to keep in mind when grilling corn in a skillet is that it can be easy to burn the corn, so make sure to stir frequently and adjust the heat as needed. You can also add a little bit of liquid to the skillet, such as chicken or vegetable broth, to help retain moisture and promote even cooking.
How do you store grilled already shucked corn?
Grilled already shucked corn can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To store, simply place the corn in an airtight container, such as a plastic bag or a covered bowl, and refrigerate. You can also freeze grilled corn for up to 3 months. To freeze, simply place the corn in an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer.
When reheating grilled corn, you can simply microwave it for a few seconds or heat it up in a skillet over low heat. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice to the corn after reheating to add a burst of citrus flavor.
Can you grill already shucked corn in the oven?
Yes, you can grill already shucked corn in the oven. In fact, oven-grilling can be a great way to achieve a similar flavor and texture to grilling on an outdoor grill. To oven-grill corn, simply preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the corn on a baking sheet, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s lightly charred and tender.
One thing to keep in mind when oven-grilling corn is that it can be easy to overcook the corn, so make sure to check on it frequently and adjust the cooking time as needed. You can also add a little bit of oil or butter to the corn before cooking to help promote browning and add flavor.