If you're going to be doing a lot of grilling this summer, but aren't sure what to pair with your main dishes, try grilling fresh corn on the cob. How To Grill Corn on the Cob will teach you how to grill the golden vegetable so everyone comes back for seconds.

• Corn on the cob is practically the de facto summer side, so when grilling, save time by throwing a few cobs on the grill instead of in a pot of boiling water. Grilling corn infuses it with a sweet smoky flavor that goes well with whatever you grill, no matter the occasion.

• Corn

• Butter or olive oil (optional)

• Grill (indoor or outdoor)

• Tongs

• Large Bowl

• Your choice of seasoning (optional)

• Salt (optional)

• Pepper (optional)

(Photo by J.M. Brown)

• The best dishes start with the freshest ingredients, so check out your corn before checking out of the supermarket.

1. Look for a vibrant green husk.
   • Husk should tightly cover the whole ear. Food and Wine: Cooking Corn
2. Lightly peel back husk from the tip of the ear.
   • Corn should look fresh, not dry.Food and Wine: Cooking Corn
   • Kernels should be smooth and plump, not withered and sunken.About.com: Grilling CornFood and Wine: Cooking Corn

(Photo by J.M. Brown)

1. Pull back the husks without removing them from the stalk. Martha Stewart: Grilled Corn
   • You want at least two layers of husks.About.com: Grilling Corn
2. Remove the silk.Food Network: Grilled Corn
   • The silk is the off-white stringy mess (looks a little like hair) underneath the husks.
   • Some recipes suggest using a brush to get rid of stubborn strands but that isn't necessary. A couple stands won't hurt the corn, and you can remove it later.About.com: Grilling Corn
3. Fold husks back over corn.How To Do Things: How to Grill Corn on the Cob

(Photo by J.M. Brown)

• Soaking the corn before you grill ensures the corn stays moist and will help keep the corn from burning.eHow: How to Grill Corn on the Cob
  • The wet husks also create more smoke when grilled, giving the corn more flavor.
  • You can skip this step if you want. The corn will steam in it's own juices.Simply Recipes: Grilled Corn on the Cob

1. Get a large bowl.Martha Stewart: Grilled Corn
2. Fill with water.
3. Immerse corn.
   • If needed, weigh down using a bowl.
4. Soak for 10-20 minutes.eHow: How to Grill Corn on the Cob
5. Remove corn.
6. Shake off excess water.

• If you grilled your corn right now it would taste sweet and slightly smoky, but some people like their corn to have a little something extra. Flavoring your corn before it hits the grill is optional, but yields tasty results. Follow these steps to make your corn extra special.

1. Gently peel husks back from corn.
2. Drizzle olive oil or spread a bit of butter over each ear of corn.What's Cooking America: Grilling Corn How Stuff Works: Grilling Corn on the Cob
   • This adds an extra level of flavor and moistness.About.com: Grilling Corn
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Sprinkle a fresh herb like:
   1. Cilantro
   2. Basil
   3. Baby dill
5. Try a dry spice like:
   1. Paprika
   2. Chili powder
   3. Cayenne pepper
6. Try other flavorings like:
   1. Lemon juice
   2. Lime juice
   3. Balsamic Vinegar
7. If you're feeling adventurous, mix and match seasonings to create your very own signature dish.

• Get your outdoor grill or indoor grill going to medium high heat while the corn is soaking.eHow: How to Grill Corn on the Cob

(Photo by J.M. Brown)

1. Wait for fire to die down.
2. Coals should be gray in color, but completely intact.
3. Place corn on grill rack at a 45-degree angle.Food Network: Grilled Corn
   • Remember husk should loosely cover corn.
   • If the husk won't stay, tie ends with a piece of husk or string.Simply Recipes: Grilled Corn on the Cob
4. Replace grill lid.
5. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until husks are brown and corn is tender. Martha Stewart: Grilled Corn
   • Using tongs, turn half way through the cooking time to ensure even charring.eHow: How to Grill Corn on the Cob
6. Remove corn from grill.
   • Use tongs! Corn will be hot.
7. Allow corn to cool for five minutes.Simply Recipes: Grilled Corn on the Cob

(Photo by J.M. Brown)

1. Wait for fire to die down.
2. Coals should be gray in color, but completely intact.
3. Husk should loosely cover corn.
   • If the husk won't stay, tie ends with a piece of husk or string.
4. Wrap corn in foil.How Stuff Works: Grilling Corn on the Cob
5. Place corn directly on coals.How Stuff Works: Grilling Corn on the Cob
6. Cover grill.
7. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes.How Stuff Works: Grilling Corn on the Cob
   • Using tongs, turn corn every 10 minutes.eHow: How to Grill Corn on the Cob
8. Remove corn from grill.
   • Use tongs! Corn will be hot.
9. Allow corn to cool for five minutes.Simply Recipes: Grilled Corn on the Cob

(Photo by J.M. Brown)

1. Turn grill to medium-high heat.About.com: Grilling Corn
   • You will know the grill is ready when a drop of water sizzles on surface.
2. Place corn on the grill top.
   • Remember husk should loosely cover corn.
   • If the husk won't stay, tie ends with a piece of husk or string.Simply Recipes: Grilled Corn on the Cob
3. Cook corn for 30-40 minutes or until the husk is deep brown.
   • Using tongs, turn corn every 10 minutes.eHow: How to Grill Corn on the Cob
4. Remove corn from grill.
   • Use tongs! Corn will be hot.
5. Allow corn to cool for five minutes.Simply Recipes: Grilled Corn on the Cob

• TIP: If your corn has already been husked, brush corn with butter or oil, season to taste and wrap each ear in foil before grilling. If you must grill without foil or the husk, baste corn with butter as it cooks. Otherwise, the corn will become dry and chewy.Simply Recipes: Grilled Corn on the Cob

1. Strip husk from corn.
   • Use a pot holder, kitchen towel or knife, to protect your hands.What's Cooking America: http://whatscookingamerica.net/Vegetables/GrillingCorn.htm Martha Stewart: Grilled Corn
   • Pretend you're peeling a banana.What's Cooking America: http://whatscookingamerica.net/Vegetables/GrillingCorn.htm
   • If you like, you can leave the husk attached at the base of the corn. It will act as a handle as you eat the corn.Martha Stewart: Grilled Corn
2. Remove any remaining silk.eHow: How to Grill Corn on the Cob
3. If needed, you can rinse corn under warm running water.What's Cooking America: http://whatscookingamerica.net/Vegetables/GrillingCorn.htm
   • Keep in mind, this will rapidly cool corn and butter won't melt as easily when it's time to eat.

(Creative Commons photo by Patrick Fitzgerald)

• Serve corn while it's still warm with the classic butter topping or an alternative topping.

1. Plop a hot ear of corn on top of a stick of butter and spin until all sides are buttered.

2. Slather a piece of bread generously with butter and rub on corn.

3. Use a butter spray.

1. Flavored butter
   1. Soften butter
   2. Mix in a flavoring such as:
      • Chopped garlic or garlic powder
      • Lime or lemon juice
      • Chili powder
      • Cilantro
   3. Stir until combined.
2. Mayo
   • You can flavor mayo just as you would flavor butter.Food and Wine: Cooking Corn
3. Cheese
   • ParmesanFood and Wine: Cooking Corn
   • Cotija Cheese (A crumbly Mexican cheese)
4. You can also use any of the flavorings listed in step one as a topping.