Description
Achieve smoky, golden, and juicy corn on the cob with fresh kernels, butter, sea salt, and pepper. Retain natural sweetness and char through a simple grilling method that works with or without husks for restaurant-quality results.
Ingredients
Fresh Sugar-Enhanced Corn – 4-8 ears (ensure kernels are tight and glossy)
Unsalted Butter – 4 tablespoons (use clarified butter for oil stability if grilling intensely)
Sea Salt – 1 teaspoon (coarse grain emphasizes texture)
Black Pepper – 1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground adds complexity)
Instructions
Peel husks back 2/3rds, remove and discard silk with a brush
Submerge in cold water 10 minutes to hydrate kernels
Pat dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture
For husked method: Leave husks open and base attached
For shucked method: Discard husks and brush with oil/butter mixture
Preheat charcoal grill (or gas) to 450°F (225°C) with covered burners
Place corn cobs with husks down in indirect heat section
Rotate every 5 minutes to promote even cooking
Monitor husks for scorching and adjust heat if browning too fast
Peel back husks after 13 minutes of cooking to ensure thorough heating
Alternatively, for shucked corn: Preheat grill pan with 1/2 tbsp oil until smoke arises
For shucked corn: Place corn at slight angle to create contact with grates
For shucked corn: Smoke first side until kernels blister, 3-4 minutes per side
For shucked corn: Use tongs to rotate cobs every 2 minutes for full coverage
For shucked corn: Remove when kernels show 3-4 visible char marks
Notes
Hydrate corn for tender results
Coarse salt enhances texture, adjust to taste
Clarified butter resists burning at high heat
Choose husked method for moisture retention or shucked method for visible charring
No pork, bacon, or alcohol used in this recipe
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear of corn
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 575mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5.5g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg