Summer is a time for fun, sun, and delicious food. One of the best ways to enjoy the season’s bounty is by cooking corn on the grill. Grilled corn is a tasty and healthy treat that is easy to prepare and perfect for any outdoor barbecue or gathering. In this article, we will take a closer look at the benefits of grilling corn, how to prepare it, and some mouth-watering recipes to try out.
Why Grill Corn?
There are many reasons why grilling corn is an excellent choice for summer meals. First and foremost, it’s delicious. Grilling brings out the natural sweetness of the corn and adds a smoky flavor that is hard to resist. Grilling also adds a nice texture to the corn, with slightly charred kernels that are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Grilling corn is also a healthy cooking option. Corn is a low-calorie vegetable that is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Grilling it without any added oils or butter keeps it low in fat and calories. Plus, the grill imparts a natural smoky flavor that eliminates the need for added seasonings or salt.
How to Prepare Corn for Grilling
Preparing corn for grilling is easy and straightforward. Here are the steps to follow:
- Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat.
- Peel back the husks of the corn, but do not remove them entirely. Remove any silk from the corn.
- Rinse the corn under cold running water and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Brush the corn with olive oil or melted butter.
- Season the corn with salt and pepper or any other desired seasonings.
- Fold the husks back over the corn and tie them at the top with a piece of kitchen twine.
- Place the corn on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the husks are charred and the corn is tender.
Mouth-Watering Recipes
Now that you know how to prepare corn for grilling, it’s time to try out some delicious recipes. Here are a few to get you started:
Grilled Mexican Street Corn
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of corn, prepared for grilling
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Chili powder or Tajin seasoning, for serving
Instructions:
- Grill the corn according to the instructions above.
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Cotija cheese, cilantro, and garlic.
- Brush the mixture over the grilled corn.
- Serve with lime wedges and sprinkle with chili powder or Tajin seasoning.
Grilled Corn Salad
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of corn, prepared for grilling
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 1 jalape├▒o pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Grill the corn according to the instructions above.
- Cut the kernels off the cob and place in a large bowl.
- Add the red bell pepper, red onion, jalape├▒o pepper, and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper
