Why You Need Tin Foil For The Most Flavorful Grilled Corn On The Cob

Grilled corn on the cob is a summer staple, and using tin foil can significantly enhance its flavor and texture. Wrapping corn in tin foil creates a steaming effect that locks in moisture, ensuring each kernel remains tender and juicy. This method also allows for even cooking, preventing the corn from drying out or charring excessively on the grill. The foil acts as a barrier, allowing you to infuse the corn with additional flavors by adding butter, herbs, or spices directly onto the cob before sealing it. As the corn grills, the heat inside the foil packet melts the butter and releases the aromatic flavors of the added seasonings, which are then absorbed by the corn. This results in a rich, flavorful taste that permeates every bite. Moreover, using foil makes cleanup easier, as it catches any drips or spills, and helps to keep the grill grates clean. Ultimately, tin foil is an essential tool for those looking to elevate their grilled corn, offering a simple yet effective way to achieve a deliciously moist and flavorful result.
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How to grill corn on the cob in foil

Grilling corn in foil begins by preheating your grill to a temperature between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While the grill heats up, prepare your corn by shucking each ear and removing the silk. It's important to resist the urge to purchase pre-shucked corn, as the lack of husks and silk makes it difficult to assess the freshness of the ears. Instead, take the time to select the freshest corn available, indicated by moist, smooth silk threads and vibrant green husks, and shuck them yourself at home. After shucking, rinse the corn under running water and pat it dry with paper towels.

Next, lay the corn on a large piece of foil, adding a generous amount of butter, a dash of salt and pepper, and any other spices or herbs you prefer before sealing it up. Place the wrapped corn on the grill and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. A few minutes before the cooking time is complete, check for doneness. Using tongs, carefully remove one ear from the grill, open a corner of the foil, and taste a few kernels. If they are juicy and tender, you’re ready to go. Take the corn off the grill, let it rest and cool for a few minutes, then serve.

Corn-quer the grill with these tips

Corn, in its natural form, comes with its own protective layer — husks — which can either be left on or removed during grilling. If you choose to take the extra step of wrapping the corn in aluminum foil after peeling off the husk, it's essential to do it correctly to fully enjoy the advantages of this cooking method. For instance, avoid wrapping the foil too tightly around the corn. Leaving a bit of space is crucial to create a chamber effect that allows steam to gather and cook the kernels effectively.

Another useful tip is to double-wrap the corn. This is particularly important when using standard aluminum foil, as it is thinner and more prone to punctures or tears. If the foil gets damaged, the butter you’ve added inside could leak out onto the grill, potentially causing flare-ups. Double-wrapping also helps prevent the corn from burning.

Finally, wrap each ear of corn individually rather than placing multiple ears in a single foil packet. This approach makes it easier to handle the corn throughout the grilling process, from flipping it on the grill to serving it to each guest once it’s ready.

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