OK, so you are gonna cook your corn naked on the grill, but what does that mean? Basically, you completely shuck the corn and simply grill the exposed corn directly over the high heat of the grill see... BBQ Tips: Using High Heat on Your Barbecue
Grilled corn on the cob is the quintessential summer side dish—it's cheap, easy to prepare, and tastes fantastic. While there are many ways to grill corn, from leaving it in the husk to wrapping it in foil, the "naked" method offers the most direct, smoky, and delicious flavor. This technique involves completely shucking the corn and grilling the exposed kernels directly over high heat. It's a simple process that, with a little attention, results in a beautifully charred, nutty, and sweet cob of corn.
The Key to Success: Picking the Perfect Corn
The success of this method relies heavily on the quality of your corn. You are looking for the freshest, most barely-ripe corn you can find, as it will be full of the natural sugars that caramelize beautifully over the grill's high heat.
- What to Look For:
- Husks: Look for bright green husks that are wrapped tightly against the ear.
- Silks: The silks sticking out of the top should be a light brown or gold, and feel slightly sticky, not dry or black.
- Kernels: Don't be afraid to peel back the husk just enough to inspect the first few rows. The kernels should be plump, tightly packed in straight rows, and a pale yellow or white.
How to Grill Perfect "Naked" Corn:
This method is quick, but it requires your attention.
1. Prep the Corn and the Grill:
- Completely shuck the corn, removing all husks and silks.
- Preheat your grill to a high, direct heat.
2. Grill Over Direct Heat:
- Place the shucked ears of corn directly on the hot grill grates.
- Close the lid to create a convection-like heat that will cook the corn through.
3. Be Vigilant and Turn Often:
- You will need to turn the corn about every minute or so to ensure it cooks evenly and doesn't burn.
- You are looking for a beautiful char and blackening on all sides. This is not a bad thing! Those charred spots are where the natural sugars are caramelizing, creating a delicious, nutty, and smoky-sweet flavor.
- Total grilling time is typically around 8 to 10 minutes, depending on the heat of your grill.
Flavor Variations and Serving Suggestions:
While delicious on its own, you can easily elevate your naked grilled corn.
- Classic: Brush the hot cobs with melted butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote) Style: After grilling, slather the cobs with a mixture of mayonnaise and crema, then sprinkle with cotija cheese, chili powder, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
- Herby: Brush with an herb butter made with melted butter, chopped cilantro or parsley, and a bit of garlic.
Grilling "naked" corn is a simple, fast, and incredibly flavorful way to prepare this perfect summer side dish. By selecting the freshest corn and paying close attention to the grill, you can achieve a beautifully charred, sweet, and smoky result that will be the star of your next barbecue. So, next time you fire up the grill, remember to let your corn go naked!
