How To Grill Frozen Corn On The Cob That Everyone Will Love

It’s that time of year again when we fire up the grill and cook up some mouth-watering food for our friends and family.

And what screams summer more than sweet, delicious corn on the cob?

But wait, what do you do if you find yourself in a pickle and all you have is frozen corn?

No problemo! In this post, I’ll be spilling the beans (or should I say corn kernels?) on how to grill frozen corn on the cob that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Can You Grill Frozen Corn On The Cob?

Yes, you can grill frozen corn on the cob, but it will take longer to cook compared to thawed or fresh corn. The exact grilling time will depend on the heat of your grill and can range from 20 to 25 minutes. To ensure even cooking and prevent burning, it’s advisable to rotate the corn every 5 minutes.

How To Grill Frozen Corn On The Cob

To grill frozen corn on the cob, rinse each ear of corn under water to add moisture, then spread butter, salt, and pepper to taste and wrap each ear in aluminum foil. Place the wrapped corn on a hot grill and cook for 20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, until it has a light char. Move the corn to the top rack and cook for another 10 minutes.

Preparing Frozen Corn

Preparing the corn for grilling is a crucial step that will enhance its taste and texture. Here’s how to do it in more detail:

Rinse each ear of corn under running water. This will add moisture to the corn, which will help it steam as it cooks and ensure that it remains juicy and flavorful.
Spread butter on each ear of corn. The butter will melt, adding a rich buttery flavor to the corn as it cooks. You can use as much or as little butter as you like.
Sprinkle salt and pepper on each ear of corn. This will enhance the flavor and give the corn a touch of seasoning.
Wrap each ear of corn in aluminum foil.

Once you’ve completed these steps, your corn will be grilled to perfection!

Grilling the Corn

Now it’s time to get grilling! I’d recommend using a charcoal grill for grilling corn for a deeper, smoky flavor.

Start by placing a crumpled sheet of newspaper at the bottom of the chimney, followed by a full layer of charcoal. Light the newspaper through the holes at the bottom of the chimney and wait until the coals are fully lit and covered in ash, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
Once the coals are ready, carefully pour them into the grill and spread them evenly for an even cooking surface.
When your grill is hot and preheated to 375 degrees, place the wrapped corn on the cob directly on the grill grates. Let the corn cook for 20 minutes, remembering to flip it over every 5 minutes to ensure an even char on all sides.
After 20 minutes of sizzling on the grill, it’s time to take those juicy cobs of corn off the heat. Give them a well-deserved break for 2 minutes before diving in.

Optional toppings for the corn

Corn is a versatile ingredient that can be topped with a variety of flavors to enhance its taste. Some popular toppings for corn include butter and salt, which bring out the natural sweetness of the corn and add a touch of richness. Other topping ideas include cheese, lime juice, mayonnaise & chili powder, cilantro, bacon bits, honey, hot sauce, and barbecue sauce.

Grilled corn on the cob is a delicious summer staple that is sure to be a hit at any BBQ or outdoor gathering.

One of the best things about this dish is that there are so many amazing topping options to choose from, making it easy to customize to your personal taste preferences.

Here are some topping ideas for grilled corn on the cob:

Melted Butter and salt
Butter and Parmesan cheese
Mayo, cotija cheese, and chili powder
Lime juice, chili powder, and cilantro
Herb butter with garlic, parsley, and basil
Spicy garlic butter
Bacon Bits
Chipotle aioli and crumbled queso fresco
Cajun seasoning and melted butter
Honey and smoked paprika butter
Whipped feta and fresh herbs
Salsa and shredded cheddar cheese.

What To Serve The Grilled Corn On The Cob?

Grilled corn on the cob can be served as a side dish with a variety of main courses, such as barbecued meats, juicy burgers, hot dogs, or a hearty steak. It can also be served as a vegetarian main dish, paired with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a balanced and nutritious meal.

Here are some dishes that pair well with grilled corn on the cob:

Grilled meats like chicken, steak, or burgers
Barbecue ribs
Fish tacos
Pulled pork sandwiches
Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms
Grilled fruit such as peaches or pineapple
Grilled potatoes or sweet potatoes
Pasta salads with light dressing
Coleslaw
Bean salad with black beans, corn, and avocado.

Regardless of how you choose to serve it, grilled corn on the cob is always a crowd-pleaser and a delicious addition to any meal.

Other Tips For Grilling Frozen Corn On The Cob

Here are some additional tips when grilling frozen corn on the cob:

Soaking the corn before grilling does not prevent burning or drying out.
Boiling the corn does not improve the flavor and should be avoided.
Corn should be stored in a tightly wrapped plastic bag in the produce drawer.
If your corn is still in the husk, the best option for flavored grilled corn is to pull back the husks, remove the silks, then push the husk back in place and grill. You can use rubber gloves can be used to remove the silks from the corn.
Allow to cool: Once the corn is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help lock in the flavor and prevent your mouth from burning.

How To Freeze Corn For Future Grilling

To freeze corn, first, shuck off the outer leaves and silks. Rinse the corn cobs under a faucet to eliminate any silk residue, then thoroughly dry them. Select Ziploc bags of the appropriate size and double-bag to prevent freezer burn. Place the corn cobs in the bag, and before sealing, eliminate as much air as possible by squeezing or using a drinking straw. Label the bags with the date and store them in the freezer for long-lasting freshness.

Fresh corn is the tastiest option for grilling. But if you have too much and can’t cook at once, don’t worry! You can easily preserve its delicious flavor by freezing it for later. Here’s how:

First, you need to shuck the corn to take off the outer leaves and silks.
Next, rinse the corn cobs under a faucet to get rid of any silk residue. Then, make sure it’s completely dry by either letting it air dry or using a dish towel.
Use Ziploc bags that are the right size for your desired number of corn cobs, and remember to double-bag it, so it doesn’t get freezer burn.
Put the corn cobs in the bag and seal the other end. Before sealing the bag, get rid of as much air as possible by squeezing it or using a drinking straw to suck it out.
Finally, label the bags with the date (month and year) and put them in the freezer. The corn will stay fresh for a long time in the freezer.

FAQs

How long does it take to grill corn in foil?

Grilling corn in foil typically takes around 20 to 25 minutes. The exact grilling time will depend on the heat of your grill and the size of your corn cobs. It’s best to check the corn every 5 minutes and flip it occasionally to ensure that it cooks evenly on all sides.

Should you thaw frozen corn before cooking?

It’s not necessary to thaw frozen corn before cooking; in fact, it’s often easier to cook it straight from the freezer. You can grill, boil, or bake frozen corn without any additional preparation. However, keep in mind that cooking time may be slightly longer for frozen corn compared to fresh or thawed corn.

Is it better to grill corn in foil or not?

Grilling corn in foil can help keep it moist and enhance its natural sweetness. The foil also makes cleaning up after grilling easier as spills are contained. Grilling corn without foil allows for a delicious char to develop, enhances the natural flavor, and creates a smoky taste. However, without foil, one must keep an eye on the corn to avoid drying out or burning.

How do you tell if grilled corn is done?

Grilled corn on the cob is typically done when it has a slightly charred and crispy appearance, which can take anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes over direct heat. To make sure, you can also use a toothpick to poke a kernel. If the toothpick goes in easily, the corn is ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a seasoned griller or a beginner, grilling frozen corn on the cob is a simple and delicious way to enjoy sweet and juicy corn all year round.

With the tips and tricks outlined in this blog, you can now say goodbye to mushy corn and hello to perfectly grilled kernels every time.

So, fire up the grill, grab some frozen corn, and get ready for a flavor explosion that will have your guests coming back for seconds! Happy grilling!