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Indoors our out, this grilled sweet corn is the ultimate side dish. Cooked in a skillet for stove top corn on the cob, or grilled more traditionally, it’s made with just two ingredients.
Even better? It’s ready to serve in less than 10 minutes. It’s delightfully smoky, juicy and full of flavor whether it’s cooked on the grill no matter how you cook it!
Corn is one of our summer staples because it’s a vegetable that all of our girls love and enjoy. Okay, okay, it’s not technically a vegetable at all… but in the summertime it counts, right?
But, if it’s cold outside or you don’t have a grill, don’t fret! Fortunately, grilled corn is just as easy indoors!
This grilled corn on the cob is just as good as on the grill. It’s adds a little smoky flavor without a lot of effort. I also think it presents beautifully!
Are you a corn loving family too? We love fresh corn in cheesy corn dip, Chipotle Corn Salsa and Mexican Style Corn. What’s your favorite way to eat corn?
Grilled Corn On The Cob Ingredients
- Corn on the Cob – Choose ears of corn that have a bright green husk that is tightly wrapped against the cob. Husk and wash the corn before cooking it.
- Olive Oil – Oil and fats help to conduct the heat to help the corn cook evenly and prevents the corn sticking to the skillet. You can use butter, canola or vegetable oil if you prefer.
Variations
- Add a little spice with a dash of cumin, cayenne pepper, paprika or even a sprinkling of my favorite Homemade Taco Seasoning.
- Using butter changes the intensity of this stove top corn on the cob in an incredible way! Try it for more of a nutty, fragrant version.
- Whisk together some mayo, lime juice and garlic and stir in some queso fresco to drizzle over the corn and turn it into this Mexican Street Corn.
- Sprinkle with Everything but the Elote Seasoning.
Stove Top Corn on the Cob
It’s so easy to make this stove top grilled sweet corn! It takes less than 10 minutes and the results are so delicious! Full directions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Prep – Add the oil to a skillet on a medium-high heat.
- Cook – Roll each cob in the oil and cook on each side until slightly browned.
How to Make Corn on the Cob on the Grill
- Preheat outdoor grill to medium heat.
- Brush the olive oil over the corn on the cob and place on the grill.
- Cook for a few minutes per side or until kernels are browning.
Tips
- Indoors, this corn on the cob cooks up beautifully in my favorite cast iron skillet or a cast iron grill pan.
- You can leave the husks on the corn, too! Some people believe this helps the corn maintain moisture while cooking. Simply pull the husks back a bit, strip the silks (they would burn) and pull the husks back up. Grill for up to twenty minutes- it takes longer when husks are in place.
- You’ll know it’s done when the kernels are tender when pierced with a knife.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are you supposed to grill corn?
If you leave the husks on, grilled sweet corn can take up to 20 minutes. If you peel the husks first, they cook much faster, generally around 8-10 minutes.
Can you make grilled sweet corn ahead of time?
You can make this grilled corn a few hours ahead of time. Let it cool and then keep it covered. Warm it in the oven before serving – it’s a convenient way to pre-make corn if you’re entertaining.
How do you know when corn is done on the grill?
You’ll see some perfectly charred sections of the corn, adding a delightful crunch. When you poke a kernel for a test, it should burst and release a little liquid.
Should you boil corn before you grill it?
If you are buying corn early in the season, the corn kernels can be a little tough. You can blanch the corn in simmering water for 3 to 4 minutes to help soften it up.
Can you make grilled corn on the cob with frozen corn?
Yes! If you have frozen corn on the cob, you can either let it thaw in the fridge the night before or you can cook it right from frozen in the skillet. You will need to increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Top with crumbled or grated cheese- any cheese.
- Top with fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme.
- Sweeten with a little sugar in the pan or served on top after cooking.
- Top with a cilantro crema.
- Top with a little homemade mayo… yes, really. In fact, you can find all my incredible homemade mayo recipes here.
- Grilled corn is one of the best pulled pork sides.
How to Store
- At Room Temperature – You can leave your corn on the cob out for up to two hours while serving.
- Refrigerate – this side dish can be packaged in an airtight container and stored for up to three days in the refrigerator.
- Freeze – You can freeze your grilled corn on the cob in an airtight container. Simply defrost and warm gently through before serving, so as not to overcook.
Dietary Considerations
- Gluten Free
- Nut Free
- Vegetarian
Grilled Corn on the Cob
You don't need to have an outdoor grill to make some incredible grilled sweet corn! Cooked in a skillet or your grill, this stove top corn on the cob is made with just two ingredients.
Yield ears of corn
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 ears corn on the cob washed and husked
Instructions
Stove Top Corn on the Cob
- In a skillet (preferably cast iron), warm a little olive oil on medium-high heat.
- Add corn one cob at a time, rolling it in oil.
- Allow corn to cook for 3 minutes on each side until it slightly browns. Remove at about 9 minutes.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Preheat outdoor grill to medium high heat.
- Brush the olive oil over the corn on the cob or the grill.
- Add corn to the grill and rotate every 2 minutes until kernals are brown. Grill 10 minutes and remove from heat.
Tips
Substitutions and Tips
- Olive Oil – Can use butter, canola or vegetable oil if needed.
- You can make the corn ahead of time and warm it in the oven to serve.
- Choose corn with a bright green husk that is tightly wrapped around the cob.
- You’ll know it’s done when the kernels are tender when pierced with a knife.
Video
Nutrition Information
Calories: 98kcal (5%), Carbohydrates: 17g (6%), Protein: 3g (6%), Fat: 4g (6%), Saturated Fat: 1g (5%), Sodium: 14mg (1%), Potassium: 243mg (7%), Fiber: 2g (8%), Sugar: 6g (7%), Vitamin A: 168IU (3%), Vitamin C: 6mg (7%), Calcium: 2mg, Iron: 1mg (6%)
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
Michelle says
Just as good as on the grill. Still has the smokey flavor of the grill! Thanks!
Julie Blanner says
Thank YOU, Michelle for taking the time to share!
Mark says
Wow, I’ve never seen photos more beautiful. My mouth is watering just looking at them.
Julie says
Thank you, Mark!
Sharon @ Savormania says
I love grilled corn all year round and just recently discovered how easy it is to make it in a skillet! Gorgeous photos!
Julie says
Thank you, Sharon!
Rachel @ Simple Seasonal says
This is a fabulous idea! Who says grilled corn can’t be enjoyed in the winter!
Julie says
Thanks, Rachel!