Corn is a perfect vegetable for grilling. It’s juicy and sweet with a wonderful nutty flavor that goes great with char and smoke. Add a few condiments, and you’ve got one of the tastiest grilled treats nature has to offer. Not only is it delicious, but corn is super easy to grill and it’s easy on the wallet when you’re looking for a side dish. Since there are more than a few ways to grill this tasty vegetable, we thought it would be a good idea to go over some of the best methods and highlight the tools you’ll need for the perfect elote corn (a.k.a. corn on the cob) on the grill.

The Three Most Common Methods

Hot Coals – (Approx. 8-10 minute cooking time) Perhaps the easiest of the three methods would be using the hot coals of your charcoal barbecue. Whole ears (still intact with the husks and all) are placed directly into the smoldering coals of a hot kettle grill. After the husks become almost completely blackened and charred, the corn is cooked through and ready to go. This method can impart char and also does a great job of adding smoky flavor. Use this method for the smokiest, most flavorful results.

Foil-Wrapped – (Approx. 15-20 minute cooking time) Wrapping each ear in foil has long been a popular method of grilling corn. With this technique, each ear is stripped of its husk and silk and placed onto a sheet of foil. The foil is wrapped around the ear to keep the kernels from burning and to trap steam as the corn releases moisture. Use this method for the juiciest results.

Shucked – (Approx. 15-20 minute cooking time) Finally, there’s the option of simply shucking the corn and cooking it directly on the grill. Like the hot coal method, this exposes the corn to smoke and char – my two personal favorite characteristics of grilled corn. Choose this method if you prefer simplicity and convenience.

Hot, Fresh, and Straight Off the Grill

Regardless of the method you choose to cook your corn on the cob, it’s a good idea to invest in a good pair of corn holders. Holders come in a wide array of novel designs, from dogs to farm animals and even miniature popped corn bags. For anyone looking for a little more handle to hold on to, corn skewers are your best bet. If you’re cooking multiple ears of corn, which is usually the case at any given barbecue, a corn basket is another nifty tool to have in your arsenal. Simply shuck the corn and load it into the basket for complete control in your ability to quickly flip all ears at once.

Better With Butter

Nothing quite compares to a freshly grilled piece of corn slathered in molten butter. But plain butter is only the beginning of the possibilities for adding flavor to grilled corn. When you add herbs and spices to the butter, the possibilities are nearly endless. Soften the butter by allowing it to sit at room temperature until warm, then mix it with any of the following items:

• Chile powder (chipotle or ancho work great)
• Chopped cilantro
• Cayenne
• Roasted garlic
• Cumin
• Toasted fennel seed
• Fresh thyme
• Fresh rosemary
• Lemon, lime or orange zest

There couldn’t be a more convenient, affordable summertime side for your next barbecue, and with these tips and tools you’ll be set on a path for perfect corn ear after ear.

Daniel Replogle

Daniel does business development and marketing at The Companion Group. When he isn’t writing you can find him rock climbing or doing ceramic artwork.