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Say goodbye to tedious corn prep. This Easy No-Mess Grilled Corn recipe cooks corn right in the husk for juicy, perfectly steamed kernels every time. No shucking, no silk mess, just delicious summer corn with minimal effort.
Once you try this easy no-mess corn on the grill “recipe” you’ll never go back to shucking and boiling corn again. This is my preferred method because the corn-on-the-cob cooks right in the husks, eliminating most of the mess that comes from shucking. You shuck the grilled corn AFTER it is cooked, and it’s less messy because the silk slides right off with the corn husk. Plus, because you’re grilling, you can do all of the work outdoors. I just take the kitchen trash can outside with me and it eliminates getting corn husks and silks all over the floor.
And seriously, is there anything better than fresh-from-the-farm, just-picked, sweet corn slathered with butter and just a sprinkle of salt? I think not!
Why Grilling Corn in the Husk Works
Grilling corn in its husk creates an ideal cooking environment: the corn steams from the inside, keeping kernels tender and flavorful, while the outer husks impart a subtle smoky taste. According to grilling experts at Serious Eats and Food & Wine, using the husk-on method prevents drying out and enhances natural sweetness.
Video: How To Grill Corn in the Husk
How to Grill Corn Perfectly (No Mess Method)
Soak First: Immerse your corn (husks on) in water for 30-60 minutes. This prevents burning and ensures kernels steam evenly.
Medium Heat Magic: Set your grill to medium (~350°F). Place the soaked corn directly on the grill grates.
Grill and Rotate: Cook corn for about 20 minutes, rotating every five minutes until husks are evenly charred.
Cool Slightly and Peel: Remove from the grill, allow to cool briefly, then peel husks and silk. They’ll slide off easily—no mess involved.
Why Grilled Corn is Superior
Grilling corn outdoors is a culinary delight that elevates this humble vegetable to new heights of flavor and texture. There’s something magical about the combination of sweet corn and the smoky essence that grilling imparts, making it a preferred cooking method over others.
Grilling corn outdoors allows for the development of a tantalizing charred exterior, adding a delightful crunch and depth of flavor to each bite. The heat from the grill caramelizes the natural sugars in the corn, intensifying its inherent sweetness and creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
Additionally, grilling corn on the cob imparts a smoky essence that is unique to this cooking technique. The grill’s flames and the natural oils in the corn create a delectable smoky aroma, enhancing the overall taste experience. It’s like bringing a touch of summer barbecue to your dining table.
So before corn season slips away, you have to try this no-muss, no-fuss method to prepare your corn on the grill.
Three Easy Steps to Cooking Easy No-Mess Grilled Corn
Trim any loose pieces of the husk and cut the ends off of each ear of corn. This ensures that it won’t burn when you put it on the grill. Place corn cobs in a large bowl (or in in the kitchen sink) and submerge in water for at least 20 minutes. You can keep them in the water longer, but 20 minutes is the minimum.
Preheat your electric, gas or charcoal grill. Place the corn directly on the grill and cook for 10 minutes undisturbed. After 10 minutes flip the corn over and cook for another 10 minutes. Don’t worry if the outside of the corn husk starts to look a little charred.
Remove corn from grill and let cool for a minute or two. Shuck it over the trash can. The husks and the silk will remove quickly and easily.
Slather with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Creative Serving Ideas for Grilled Corn
Sure, grilled corn is fantastic with just butter and salt, but why stop there? Here are tasty topping ideas to elevate your grilled corn:
Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Spread grilled corn with mayonnaise, sprinkle generously with crumbled cotija cheese, smoked paprika, chili powder, and a squeeze of fresh lime. Herbed Compound Butter: Mix softened butter with garlic, fresh herbs (cilantro, basil, parsley), and a pinch of sea salt. Slather generously. Spicy Garlic Butter: Blend butter with garlic, chili flakes, and a splash of lime juice. Brush onto hot corn immediately after grilling.
More Ways to Use Grilled Corn
Don’t limit yourself to the cob! Grilled corn kernels make a delicious addition to:
Pasta dishes with cherry tomatoes, basil, and feta cheese
Pro Grilling Tip
If your grill has multiple burners, use a Medium-Off-Medium setup. Start corn in the indirect heat zone (burner off), then briefly rotate it over direct heat for the perfect smoky finish without drying it out.
Try this Easy No-Mess Grilled Corn recipe for hassle-free summer grilling that’s guaranteed to impress. It’s your new go-to corn cooking method!
If you liked grilled corn, try my other favorite grill recipes!
Here’s a super easy “recipe” for cooking corn-on-the-cob on the grill. This is my preferred method because the corn cooks right in the husks, eliminating most of the mess that comes from shucking. You shuck the corn AFTER it is cooked, and it’s less messy because the silk slides right off with the corn husk.
Ingredients
corn on the cob, in husks
water
butter, salt or other toppings of your choice
Instructions
Trim any loose pieces of the husk and cut the ends off of each ear of corn. This ensures that it won’t burn when you put it on the grill. Place corn cobs in a large bowl (or in in the kitchen sink with the stopper closed) and submerge in water for at least 20 minutes. You can keep them in the water longer, but 20 minutes is the minimum.
Preheat your electric, gas or charcoal grill. Place the corn directly on the grill and cook for 10 minutes undisturbed. After 10 minutes flip the corn over and cook for another 10 minutes. Don’t worry if the outside of the corn husk starts to look a little charred.
Remove corn from grill and let cool for a minute or two. Shuck it over the trash can. The husks and the silk will remove quickly and easily.
Slather with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Notes
I always plan on at least 2 ears of corn per person.
[…] You cook the squash on the grill for 5 minutes per side. The heat of the grill sears the squash and imparts a sweet and smoky flavor. And of course, you could grill other vegetables at the same time. I love grilled onions and peppers and you should definitely check out my easy no-mess grilled corn recipe. […]
Great question. Our grill doesn’t have temperature settings, but I would recommend 350 degrees. You want the outside of the husk to char a little, but you don’t want it to burn.
[…] You cook the squash on the grill for 5 minutes per side. The heat of the grill sears the squash and imparts a sweet and smoky flavor. And of course, you could grill other vegetables at the same time. I love grilled onions and peppers and you should definitely check out my easy no-mess grilled corn recipe. […]
This worked very well. My only question is what temperature should I preheat the grill to if I have the option.
Great question. Our grill doesn’t have temperature settings, but I would recommend 350 degrees. You want the outside of the husk to char a little, but you don’t want it to burn.
I keep the grill on medium. If you have multiple grill burners you could also do Medium – Off – Medium (the old MOM method). Hope this helps.