Bbq corn on the cob in foil

How to Grill Corn on the Cob in Foil, with a tantalizing zesty Lime Mayonnaise. You can cook grilled corn without foil, but it’s so much more tender when you wrap it up. Try it and see for yourself!

Corn on the Cob on the Grill

Nothing says summer like corn on the cob on the grill. The sweet kernels bursting with crisp starchy juice, the little bits of charred skin, and the deep smoky flavor tastes of summer memories I long to relive.

Grilled Corn is the perfect platform on which to experiment with flavors. Who says you have to stick with plain old butter?

Grilled Corn with Smoky Lime Mayo

Grilled Corn with Smoky Lime Mayo is a new favorite in our family. A gutsy blend of hot smoked paprika, lime zest, and MAYONNAISE makes for an unexpected treat. The rich creamy mayonnaise bonds the smoked paprika and lime to the fresh corn and offers intense complexity. Who knew mayonnaise could make such a difference?!?

Grilling corn isn’t tricky, but it does seem to be something many people are afraid to try. Let’s discuss the dos and don’ts of corn on the cob on the grill.

Grilled Corn Tips and Tricks

• Don’t worry about under-cooking. If your corn is fresh and “in season” it can be eaten raw. Warming it, softening the kernels, and keeping it tender should be your focus.
• Do be mindful of overcooking. The longer you cook the corn, the more dry and rubbery it becomes. That’s why wrapping it in foil makes such a difference.
• Don’t worry about the husks. Leave them on, peel them back, or tear them off. All methods are acceptable.
• Do try using the corn husks as a handle. As stated above, all methods are fine, but pulling the husks back and tying them together provides an attractive natural handle and allows the kernels to get a little char for appearance and flavor.
• Don’t crank up the heat too much. Medium is fine to warm the corn and tenderize the skin on the kernels.
• Do slather on the flavorful mayo marinade. It works its magic inside the foil and gives the grilled corn extra flavor and balance.
• Don’t grill your corn too early. Corn hot off the grill tastes the best.
• Do grill corn again and again. It’s aromatic, delicious, and a real crowd-pleaser.

Why Should I Use Foil When Grilling Corn?

When you place shucked corn cobs straight on the grill, it cooks fast and developed lovely char marks. However, the direct heat tends to make the skin on the kernels tough. There’s something to be said about this more rustic version of corn on the cob… I personally like it. However, most people prefer grilled corn to be tender.

Wrapping each corn cob in aluminum foil protects the corn from the direct heat. The corn steams and grills at the same time, so you get some char marks but end up with a much better texture and sweet corn flavor.

What You Need

• Fresh ears of corn on the cob
• Mayonnaise – full fat or low fat
• Lime – zested and juiced
• Honey
• Hot smoked paprika – or smoked paprika + a pinch of cayenne pepper
• Salt

How to Grill Corn on the Cob (in Foil)

1. Prepare the grill to medium heat, about 350 degrees F. Shuck the corn, either pulling off the husks and corn silks completely or pulling them back to create a handle as seen in the photos. If making a cornhusk handle, tie the husks together with kitchen twine, then remove the silks.
2. Set out a small bowl and combine the rest of the ingredients in the bowl for a spicy mayonnaise marinade. Whisk well.
3. Brush the corn kernels with the marinade on all sides. Then wrap each corn cob with a piece of foil. The husk handles do not have to be fully wrapped.
4. Place the corn on the grill and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, to grill on all sides.
5. Remove the foil from the corn and enjoy!

Get the Complete (Printable) Best Grilled Corn in Foil Recipe Below!

How Long to Grill Corn in Foil?

It takes about 15-20 minutes over medium heat.

Can I Grill the Corn without Foil? 

Of course, you can! It will have a tougher texture, and will have a little more char on the kernels, but will still taste delicious!

Grill at medium heat for 8-10 minutes.

Can I Skip the Foil and Make Grilled Corn in the Husks? 

Yes, if you would rather not use aluminum foil, you can brush the corn with the marinade and pull the husks back up around the cobs. This will produce tender corn, just like with foil. However, this method tends to be a bit messier, and you most likely won’t have the option of a “husk handle” after grilling.

Grilled Corn Variations

Don’t like the idea of the Smoky Lime Mayo? Try this recipe with simply salt, black pepper, and a little butter.

Or season the mayonnaise with Italian seasoning and garlic powder. You can also brush the corn cobs with olive oil, then sprinkle them with chili powder, cilantro, and cotija cheese.

You can even kick up the flavor with our Kimchi Grilled Corn Recipe.

What Should I Serve with Corn on the Cob?

Oh, there are so many options! Serve this recipe with all your favorite summertime dishes like…

• Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken
• Best Summer Burgers
• Marinated Grilled Vegetables
• Lemon Pepper Grilled Cod
• Indian-Spiced Grilled Chicken
• Grilled Lamb Kebabs
• Best Macaroni Salad
• Easy Italian Pasta Salad
• Ambrosia Salad
• Chunky Greek Village Salad
• Maine Lobster Rolls

What Other Corn Recipes Will I Love?

• Slow Cooker Creamed Corn
• Famous Corn Pudding Recipe
• Avocado Chicken Salad with Corn
• Corn Salsa Dip with Bacon
• Fire Roasted Corn Dip
• Grilled Mexican Street Corn Salad
• Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili
• Grilled Shrimp and Corn

5 from 1 vote

Grilled Corn on the Cob (in Foil)

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Grill Corn on the Cob in Foil, with a tantalizing zesty Lime Mayonnaise. You can cook grilled corn without foil, but it's so much more tender when you wrap it up. Try it and see for yourself!

Servings: 8

Ingredients

US Customary – Metric

• 8-10 ears corn husked pulled back and tied with kitchen twine
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• Zest of one lime
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
• 2 teaspoon hot smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

• Prepare the grill to medium heat, about 350 degrees F. Shuck the corn, either pulling off the husks and corn silks completely, or pulling them back to create a handle as seen in the photos. If making a cornhusk handle, tie the husks togherer with kitchen twine, then remove the silks.

• Set out a small bowl and combine the rest of the ingredients in the bowl for a spicy mayonnaise marinade. Whisk well.

• Brush the corn kernels with the marinade on all sides. Then wrap each corn cob with a piece of foil. The husk handles do not have to be fully wrapped.

• Place the corn on the grill and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, to grill on all sides.

• Remove the foil from the corn and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Can I Grill the Corn without Foil? Of course! It will have a tougher texture, but will still taste delicious! Grill at medium heat for 8-10 minutes.Can I Skip the Foil and Make Grilled Corn in the Husks? Yes, if you would rather not use foil, you can brush the corn with the marinade and pull the husks back up around the cobs. This will produce tender corn, like with foil, but you most likely won’t have the option of a husk handle, after grilling.

Nutrition

Serving: 1corn cob, Calories: 78kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 4mg, Sodium: 205mg, Potassium: 6mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 125IU, Vitamin C: 0.6mg, Iron: 0.1mg

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Author: Sommer Collier

Making this recipe? Follow us on Instagram and tag @ASpicyPerspective so we can share what you’re cooking!

Is it better to grill corn in foil or not?

How long to grill corn on the cob with husks in foil?

How long should you barbecue corn on the cob?

How long to grill corn in foil at 350?