How to Prepare Corn on Pellet Grill – A Trick Not to Be Skipped

When it comes to grilling corn, no other tool does it as well as a pellet grill. A pellet grill combines smoky flavors and perfectly charred kernels in a way that the regular grill cannot. The all-in-one smoker, grill, and wood-fired oven bring out the natural sweetness of the corn for a mouthwatering culinary experience.

Whether you are a seasoned or beginner griller, GrilledVeggie.com offers a wealth of information and resources to help you achieve grilling perfection. So, fire up your pellet grill, and I will give you all the secrets for making your best corn yet!

Preparing Corn for the Pellet Grill

Let’s start by exploring the essential steps to ensure you are ready to throw the corn on the pellet grill.

Husking and Cleaning Corn

It is so important to take the time to husk and clean the corn properly before grilling to achieve optimal results. Husking removes the outer layers and silk strands to reveal the golden kernels beneath. The cleaning part of it gets rid of any residual silk.

Below are the steps for husking and cleaning corn for the pellet grill:

• Start by gently pulling back the outermost corn husk. Pull the corn husk from the top of the ear and work your way down.
• Remove the innermost layers of husks, revealing the tender and juicy kernels.
• Then, use a soft-bristled brush to remove silk strands.
• Inspect the stem end and trim it if it is too long.
• Rinse under cool running water until all remaining silk strands and debris are removed.
• Finally, pat your corn dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.

Soaking Corn for Moisture

Soaking is my secret tip for achieving perfectly grilled corn. It prevents it from drying out during the grilling process. The absorbed moisture steams the corn as it grills, keeping it moist and delicious.

The recommended soaking time is 10-15 minutes. This is adequate time for the corn kernels to absorb enough moisture without becoming oversaturated. If you leave it soaking too long, it may become soggy.

There are different techniques for soaking corn. One method is to put cold water into a sink or bowl and fully submerge it. Alternatively, wrap each ear of corn with damp paper towels and cover them with aluminum foil.

After the soaking period, remove the corn from the water and pat them dry with a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel. If you use the aluminum foil method, unwrap the foil and the damp paper towel and pat dry. You don’t want water dripping down onto the preheated grill grates or the ignited charcoal pellets because it will lower the cooking temperature or create cold spots.

Seasoning and Flavoring

Now, let’s get to the exciting part, where you get to season the corn to achieve your desired flavor. Seasoning and flavoring options for corn on a pellet grill are practically endless.

Combining spices, herbs, and other ingredients transforms the corn into a delectable treat. Experiment with different combinations to find a flavor you like.

Here are my top recommendations for must-try seasoning combinations:

Classic Butter and Salt Combination

Butter and salt are a timeless seasoning combination. They not only pair well with corn but with many other ingredients too. Butter adds a rich texture and taste, while salt adds savoriness.

To achieve the perfect flavor, evenly apply a generous amount of softened butter onto the corn, then sprinkle salt before putting the cobs onto the pellet grill. You can use regular table salt or coarse salt.

Custom Spice Rubs and Seasonings

Another way to season your corn for pellet grilling is with custom spice rubs or seasonings. The beauty of making your own spice blend is that you get to experiment with different combinations and try out different flavors.

Spice rubs are generally easy to make. Start by deciding on a base ingredient that sets the tone for the flavor profile. Then, elevate the complexity of the base flavor with your preferred herbs and spices.

You may also add a kick of heat with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or chipotle powder. To balance the heat, add a touch of sweetness by incorporating honey, brown sugar, or sweet paprika. Finally, don’t forget to add salt to taste.

Pellet Grill Setup and Techniques

Now, let’s get down to the grilling action.

Pellet Grill Setup

Here are the steps for setting up the pellet grill and optimizing it to achieve the desired results:

1. Inspect the grill to ensure it is clean and free from residual debris. This debris will burn during grilling, imparting a burnt flavor.
2. Then, fill the hopper with high-quality wood pellets of your choice. There are different wood flavors, and each flavor will give unique smoky notes. Common options include hickory, apple, and mesquite.
3. Set the temperatures to 375-400°F.
4. Allow the grill to preheat for 12-15 minutes.

Preheating is an important step for various reasons. First, it activates the wood pellets so they ignite and produce smoke. Secondly, it ensures that the heat is evenly distributed throughout the cooking surface. This eliminates cold spots, guaranteeing consistent cooking results. Finally, preheating raises the heat levels in the grill to enable you to achieve a beautiful char.

Keep the lid closed during the preheating period. Doing so allows the grill to reach the desired temperature fast as the wood pellets ignite and produce smoke.

Pellet Grill Techniques: Direct and Indirect Grilling Methods

Two options exist for grilling corn on a pellet grill — directly or indirectly. The direct method is perfect if you want a charred and smoky flavor. It is a quick cooking method that facilitates caramelization, adding depth to the natural sweetness. Place the soaked corn directly onto the grilling grates to cook with the direct heating method.

On the other hand, indirect grilling involves cooking the corn away from the direct heat source. Rather than placing it directly on the grill grates to cook, you utilize the indirect heat zone or a warm rack instead. It is a slow-cooking method that is suitable if you want to achieve tender and juicy corn.

Grilling Corn on the Pellet Grill

I like my grilled corn charred with a smoky flavor. So, I recommend the direct grilling method. Below are the steps for grilling corn directly on a pellet grill.

 Step-by-Step Guide to Grilling Corn on a Pellet Grill

1. Place the pre-soaked and seasoned corn ears on the preheated grill grates. Arrange them in a single layer, leaving 1-2 inches of space between each cob to ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding.
2. Close the lid and let the corn cook for approximately 12-15 minutes.
3. Occasionally flip the corn to ensure even cooking on all sides.
4. Monitor closely during grilling to prevent excess charring or burning. Note that the exact cook time varies depending on the set temperatures, how well the grill was preheated, the size of the corn, and moisture content.
5. Test for doneness by piercing a kernel with a fork. If it releases a milky liquid, leave it to cook for longer. Also, check that it has achieved your preferred level of charring.
6. Once done, remove them from the grilling grates and place them in a bowl.

Serving and Presentation

Can’t wait to dig in, right? After all the effort you have put in, it’s time to enjoy your corn.

Here are some serving and presentation tips:

• Let the corn rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld and any excess juices to drain. However, serve it while it’s still warm.
• Lay the corn out on a serving platter.
• Garnish with your favorite toppings or seasonings to take the deliciousness to the next level. Fresh herbs, melted butter, grated cheese, freshly squeezed lemon juice, flavored oils, or chili powder are all great options.
• Then, plate the garnished corn. You can display it creatively on a serving platter or individual plates. For example, you can cut the cobs into smaller slices and thread them onto decorative skewers. Or, you can serve them in individual husk wrappers.
• Enjoy the corn alone or serve it with complementary dishes.

FAQs

Conclusion

Grilling corn on a pellet grill will transform the flavor of corn and take an already delicious veggie to the next level. However, you must follow the right preparation steps and use the right grilling technique to achieve the desired result.

The first important step is to choose fresh corn and then take the time to husk and clean it. Next, soak your fresh corn in cold water to retain moisture. Don’t even think about skipping this step! Preheat the grill to 400°F to ensure even cooking and to achieve the desired char.

Season the corn, and place it directly on the grill to cook for 12-15 minutes while monitoring closely. Once done, serve, and enjoy your perfectly grilled corn on the cob. You’ve earned it!

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You might be interested to read more grilled corn posts:

• How to Grill Frozen Corn on the Cob
• 4 Ways to Dress Up Corn on the Cob – Corn Seasoning