By Christie Vanover | Published January 3, 2016 | Last Updated February 16, 2023
There are many ways to cook grilled corn, and I’ve probably tried them all. In the end, I have found that this method yields the juiciest kernels with the least amount of work.
I rarely use a microwave because grilled food tastes so much better, but microwaving certain vegetables before throwing them on the grill speeds up the cooking process. That’s the case with corn.
Corn sold in its shucks is generally cheaper, but do your self a favor and shuck it in the store. Leave all those strands behind.
Once you get home, select how many ears you want to serve and wrap them in a damp paper towel – this helps keep the kernels moist. The microwave timing guide is in the recipe below.
Just before dinner, toss them on the grill to get that beautiful char. Corn has natural sugars, so grilling creates a tasty caramelization that you’ll never get with a pot of boiling water.
Then, finish them however you like. You can just spread them with butter and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Or go Mexican style with mayo, cotija cheese and Tajin.
Learn how to grill 20 vegetables
Grilled Corn
Ingredients
- 1 Corn on the cob
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the grill to medium-high (375-400F degrees).
- Shuck the corn.
- Wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave:
1 ear = 5 minutes
2 ears = 6 minutes
3 ears = 7 minutes
4 ears = 8 minutes
5 ears = 9 minutes
6 ears = 10 minutes - Season both sides with olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Grill 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally.
Nutrition
This estimate was created using an online nutrition calculator
I always try to grill my corn. Unless you feel the need, there is no reason to peel the corn and add the butter. Simply soak the corn in water for a few minutes and grill can be a great time saver.
I put the unshucked corn in the microwave for a few minutes. Cut along the base and the cob will slip out clean. Then grill.