Discover the simple yet delicious method of grilling frozen corn on the cob to transform it into a delightful and savory addition to your barbecue spread.
Summer is in full swing, and what better way to celebrate the season than firing up the grill? Grilling food is an art form that requires patience, skill, and a whole lot of love. If you’re a fan of grilling corn on the cob, you might be wondering if it’s possible to grill frozen corn on the cob.
The answer is yes! In this article, we’ll show you how to grill frozen corn on the cob to perfection. You’ll learn everything from how long to thaw your corn before grilling it to tips for achieving that perfect charred flavor.
So grab your tongs and let’s get started!
Equipment Needed
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of grilling frozen corn on the cob, let’s talk about equipment. To grill frozen corn on the cob, you’ll need a few essential tools.
First and foremost, you’ll need a grill – whether it’s gas or charcoal is up to your preference. You will also require tongs for flipping and turning your cobs while they cook.
Another important tool is aluminum foil if you plan to wrap your corn in it before placing them on the grill; this helps keep them moist as they cook and prevents burning.
Lastly, make sure that you have a sharp knife handy for cutting off any excess husk or silk from each ear of corn after thawing them out.
Key Ingredients
First and foremost, of course, is the corn itself. You can use any type of frozen corn on the cob that you like – just make sure it’s fully thawed before grilling.
Next up is oil or butter. This will help prevent your corn from sticking to the grill and add some extra flavor as well.
You can use any type of cooking oil or melted butter for this step.
Seasoning is essential for bringing out all those delicious flavors in your grilled corn on the cob. Salt and pepper are always a classic choice but feel free to get creative with other seasonings such as garlic powder or chili flakes.
Preparing the Grill
First, clean the grates with a wire brush and remove any debris or leftover food from previous barbecues. Next, preheat your grill to medium-high heat for about 10-15 minutes before adding the corn.
If you’re using a gas grill, turn all burners to high and close the lid until it reaches temperature. Then reduce heat to medium-high before placing corn on the grate.
For charcoal grills, light up enough coals for direct cooking over high heat (about 375°F). Spread them out in an even layer across one side of the bottom grate so that they cover about half of its surface area.
Thawing Frozen Corn
Thawing your corn will ensure that it cooks evenly and thoroughly on the grill. The best way to thaw frozen corn is by placing it in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 6-8 hours before grilling.
If you’re short on time, you can also use a microwave to defrost your corn quickly.
To do this, place your frozen ears of corn in a microwave-safe dish and cover them with plastic wrap or a damp paper towel. Microwave them for about two minutes per ear of corn until they are fully defrosted but still cool to touch.
Avoid using hot water or leaving your ears of frozen sweetcorn out at room temperature as these methods may cause bacteria growth and spoilage which could lead to food poisoning.
Seasoning the Corn
Seasoning the corn before grilling will enhance its natural sweetness and give it a delicious smoky taste. You can keep things simple by brushing melted butter or olive oil onto the ears of corn, then sprinkling them with salt and pepper.
For a more complex flavor profile, try mixing together spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder or paprika in a small bowl before rubbing them onto the kernels.
Another popular seasoning option is using fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary mixed with minced garlic for an aromatic twist on grilled corn on the cob. If you’re feeling adventurous you could even experiment with different spice blends like Cajun seasoning for some added heat.
Wrapping Corn in Foil
Wrapping the corn helps to keep the moisture inside and prevents it from drying out while on the grill. To do this, tear off a large piece of aluminum foil and place one ear of corn in the center.
Fold up both sides of the foil so that they meet at the top, then fold down several times until you reach just above where your ears end.
Next, roll up each side tightly towards its center until there is no more slack left in either direction – this will create an airtight seal around your cob! Repeat with all remaining ears before placing them onto preheated grates for cooking according to recipe instructions.
Wrapping frozen corn on cob can be tricky as they tend to stick together when thawed or cooked directly over heat without any protection.
Grilling Time and Temperature
The ideal temperature for grilling corn on the cob is between 350°F and 400°F. If you’re using a gas grill, set it to medium heat.
For charcoal grills, wait until the coals have turned white before placing your corn on the grate.
The cooking time for grilled frozen corn on the cob will vary depending on how thick each ear of corn is and how hot your grill gets. Generally speaking, you’ll want to cook each side of an average-sized ear of frozen corn for about five minutes or until they are lightly charred.
It’s important not to overcook or undercook your grilled frozen corn as this can affect its texture and flavor profile significantly. Keep an eye out while cooking and adjust accordingly if needed.
Turning Corn On the Grill
Use tongs or a spatula to gently rotate each cob every 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to pierce the kernels with your utensils as this can cause them to dry out and lose their flavor.
As you turn the corn, keep an eye on its color and texture. You want each side of the cob to develop a nice char without burning or becoming too blackened.
If any areas look like they’re cooking too quickly, move them away from direct heat by shifting them around on the grill.
Remember that grilling frozen corn may take slightly longer than fresh ears of corn due to their lower temperature when they hit the grill surface. Keep turning until all sides have developed a beautiful golden-brown hue and are tender when pierced with a fork.
Checking for Doneness
Overcooked corn can be tough and chewy, while undercooked corn can be crunchy and starchy. The best way to check if your grilled corn is done is by piercing a kernel with a fork or knife.
If the kernel feels tender and juicy, then it’s ready! Another way to test for doneness is by looking at the color of the kernels; they should have turned bright yellow or golden brown.
If you’re still unsure about whether your grilled frozen corn on the cob has cooked through properly, try cutting off a small section from one end of an ear of corn using a sharp knife. This will allow you to see if there are any uncooked parts in the center.
Remember that cooking times may vary depending on factors such as grill temperature and altitude so keep an eye out when grilling until you get used to how long it takes in your specific setup.
Unwrapping Foil Safely
Unwrapping hot foil can be dangerous if not done correctly. To avoid any accidents or burns, use tongs or oven mitts when handling the wrapped corn and carefully peel back one corner of the foil at a time until you can see enough of the ear to grab with tongs.
Then gently pull out each ear using your tongs and place them onto a serving platter.
It’s important not to rush this step as steam will escape from inside each packet once opened which could cause serious burns if you’re too close. Once all ears are removed from their packets safely, discard any remaining aluminum foil in an appropriate manner.
Adding Flavor With Toppings
There are countless ways to dress up your grilled corn, from classic butter and salt to more adventurous options like chili powder or crumbled cheese.
One popular topping is a mixture of melted butter and fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme or cilantro. Simply melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat and stir in chopped herbs until well combined.
Brush this mixture onto your hot-off-the-grill corn for an added burst of flavor.
Another delicious option is Mexican-style street corn (elote). Spread mayonnaise all over each ear of cooked corn then sprinkle with cotija cheese (or feta), chili powder, lime juice and chopped cilantro.
For those who prefer something sweet rather than savory on their grilled ears of goodness try brushing them with honey-butter glaze made by mixing equal parts honey & melted unsalted butter together before grilling them.
Serving Suggestions
One classic option is simply brushing the corn with melted butter and sprinkling with salt and pepper. For a Mexican twist, try topping your grilled corn with crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.
You can also experiment with different sauces like garlic aioli or chipotle mayo for added flavor.
If you’re looking for something more substantial than just a side dish, consider using your grilled corn in other recipes such as salads or salsas. Grilled Corn Salad is an excellent way to use leftover ears of cooked sweetcorn that have been stripped from their cobs; toss them together in a bowl along with diced tomatoes and avocado chunks dressed lightly in olive oil vinaigrette.
What To Serve With Grilled Corn On The Cob
Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or just looking for some inspiration for your next meal, here are some ideas to serve alongside your grilled corn:
1. Grilled meats: Corn on the cob goes great with grilled chicken, steak, pork chops or burgers.
2. Salads: A fresh salad can balance out the richness of grilled food and add color to your plate.
3. Baked potatoes: Another classic side dish that complements any BBQ spread.
4. Coleslaw: This refreshing side dish adds crunch and tanginess to any meal.
5. Fruit skewers: Skewer up some pineapple chunks, watermelon cubes or strawberries for a sweet contrast against savory flavors of corn on the cob.
6.Chips & Dips : Tortilla chips paired with guacamole , salsa or hummus make an excellent accompaniment.
7.Beverages : Lemonade , Iced tea and beer are perfect drinks options when serving Grilled Corn On The Cob.
Storing Leftover Grilled Corn
It will last for up to three days.
To reheat leftover grilled corn, simply place it back on a hot grill or under a broiler until heated through. You can also cut off the kernels and use them as an ingredient in other dishes like salads, soups, or casseroles.
It’s important to note that while storing leftover grilled corn is possible, nothing beats fresh-off-the-grill flavor.
Expert Tips
Here are some of our top tips for grilling frozen corn on the cob like a pro:
1. Use high heat: To get that perfect charred flavor and texture, it’s important to use high heat when grilling your corn.
2. Don’t overcook: Overcooking your corn can make it tough and chewy instead of tender and juicy.
Keep an eye on your grill time to ensure you don’t overcook.
3. Add butter before wrapping in foil: Adding butter or oil to your thawed ears of corn before wrapping them in foil will help prevent sticking while also adding extra flavor.
4. Experiment with seasonings: While salt and pepper are classic choices for seasoning grilled corn, don’t be afraid to experiment with other spices such as chili powder or garlic powder for added depth of flavor.
5. Let rest after cooking: Once removed from the grill, let your grilled ears rest for 5-10 minutes before serving so they have time to cool down slightly without losing their juiciness.
Should Corn On The Cob Be Soaked In Water Before Grilling?
The answer is no, you do not need to soak your corn before grilling. Soaking can actually make your corn soggy and prevent those beautiful char marks from forming.
Instead, simply thaw your frozen corn by placing it in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes prior to grilling. This will help ensure that the kernels cook evenly and don’t dry out during cooking.
Once you’ve thawed your frozen corn, pat them dry with paper towels and season them with salt, pepper or any other seasoning of choice. Then wrap each ear tightly in aluminum foil before placing them directly onto a preheated grill over medium-high heat.
How Much Corn On the Cob Per Person?
As a general rule of thumb, plan for 1-2 ears of corn per person. If you’re serving multiple sides or have guests with smaller appetites, one ear may suffice.
However, if your guests are big eaters and/or there aren’t many other options available besides grilled corn on the cob, consider preparing two ears per person.
It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to food quantities at barbecues because nobody wants their plate looking empty! Plus leftover grilled corn can easily be reheated for another meal or used in salads and salsas later in the week.
Now that we’ve covered how much grilled frozen corn to prepare let’s move onto some expert tips for achieving perfectly charred cobs every time!
FAQ
What is the best way to cook frozen corn on the cob on the grill?
The best way to cook frozen corn on the cob on the grill is to coat each piece in butter, season with salt and pepper, wrap tightly in foil, and grill at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, turning periodically to avoid burning.
Does frozen corn on the cob need to be thawed before grilling?
No, frozen corn on the cob does not need to be thawed before grilling, as it can be used straight from the freezer.
Can you grill frozen?
Yes, you can grill frozen, but it will take 50% longer, and it’s recommended to defrost meat and poultry for even cooking, although uniformly thin meat like hamburger patties can be grilled frozen.
How long does it take corn to cook on the grill?
It takes corn approximately 30-32 minutes to cook on the grill, turning occasionally, until tender.
What are some delicious seasoning ideas for grilled frozen corn on the cob?
Some delicious seasoning ideas for grilled frozen corn on the cob include using ingredients such as butter, Cajun seasoning, lime juice, cilantro, and Cotija cheese.
Can frozen corn on the cob be wrapped in foil and cooked directly on the grill?
Yes, frozen corn on the cob can be wrapped in foil and cooked directly on the grill.
How can you tell when grilled frozen corn on the cob is cooked to perfection?
To determine if grilled frozen corn on the cob is cooked to perfection, look for kernels that appear hot, steamed, and slightly charred.
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