Grilled Corn: To Husk or Not to Husk? That’s the Question!
Hey, fellow food enthusiasts! Summer’s here and so is the aroma of barbecued goodies wafting through the air. There’s nothing quite like a BBQ party with friends, family, and, of course, a plethora of grilled treats. And what screams summer more than grilled corn? Today, let’s dish out the deets on grilled corn—both with and without its husk—and the nutritional goodness it brings to our plates.
The Grilled Corn Showdown: Husk On vs. Husk Off
- Husk On: If you’re all about retaining that natural moisture and a more intense corn flavor, then grilling with the husk on is your game. The husk acts as a protective shield, keeping the kernels succulent and steamed to perfection. Plus, the outer layers of the husk might char a bit, but that just adds to the overall smoky flavor. How to do it? Super simple! Soak the corn (with the husk) in water for about 10 minutes, then place them on the grill, turning occasionally. In about 15-20 minutes, you’ve got yourself some mouth-watering corn.
- Husk Off: Want those beautiful grill marks on the kernels? Going husk-less is the way! Without the husk, the corn gets a direct hit of that flame, caramelizing the sugars and giving the kernels a delicious char. But a word of caution—without its protective layer, the corn can dry out quickly. So, keep an eye on it and turn frequently. You’ll have a deliciously charred corn on the cob in about 10 minutes.
Both methods have their own charm. Some folks swear by the husk-on method for its steamed perfection, while others are die-hard fans of the caramelized, husk-off version. Really, it’s a matter of personal preference. But hey, why not try both and let your taste buds decide?
Corn: Not Just a Tasty Treat
While we’re indulging in the scrumptiousness of grilled corn, let’s not forget the health benefits packed in those golden kernels:
- Fiber Galore: Corn is a great source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps keep things moving, if you catch my drift.
- Antioxidant Action: Ever heard of lutein and zeaxanthin? These are two antioxidants found in corn that are known to promote eye health. So, your corn on the cob might just be helping you keep an eye on it!
- B Vitamins Boost: Corn provides an array of B vitamins, like B5, B3, and folate. These little wonders play vital roles in energy production and help in the formation of cells.
- Protein Punch: For a vegetable, corn offers a decent amount of protein, making it a beneficial addition to vegetarian and vegan diets.
- Magnesium and Potassium: Important for bone health and muscle function, these minerals are also present in those juicy kernels.
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn
- Sauce Goddess BBQ Sweet Heat or Moroccan Twist spice rub
- butter
Instructions
With husk
- Carefully pull back outer husk (do NOT pull off the husk) and remove inner silk on each cob of corn. Pull the husk back over corn kernels.
- Soak ears of corn in water for 15-30 minutes.
- Heat grill or oven.
- Place corn (wet husks and all) on the grill.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes turning to cook evenly.
- Remove the charred husk.
Without husk
- Simply soak the corn for 15 minutes in water.
- Heat grill or oven.
- Place corn on the grill.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes turning to cook evenly.
- Top with spiced butter, made with either Sauce Goddess BBQ Sweet Heat or Moroccan Twist spice rub.
Perfect Pairings with Corn
Because corn is sweet, it can benefit from something spicy or with some acid/citrus. It also stands up to creamy and rich flavors, like cheese or mayonnaise. Think of Mexican street corn with mayo , cotijar fresh crumbled cheese and a squeeze of lime.
One of the pairings we like is cinnamon and cardamom, both of which are found in our Moroccan Twist spice blend. Jamaican Jerk is also a nice fit for corn on the cob.
Whatever you try, give our spiced butter recipe a try next time you grill corn, we think you’ll love the results.
