HOW TO GRILL CORN ON THE COB, WITHOUT A GRILL!
Corn on the cob is so delicious and nutritious and in my humble opinion, EXACTLY what summer would like look if it were a food! Out of all the ways one can serve and eat corn, grilled corn is my absolute favourite and consequently, I want to be able to enjoy it even when I haven’t got time to fire up a grill, can you relate? Now, what if there were a way to sink our teeth into an ear of sweet, salty, lightly charred and caramelised corn on the cob even if we don’t have a grill at all? I’ve got a couple of ideas up my sleeve to make that a possibility!
You see, in this blog post I’ve gathered up some of the many ways to cook corn on the cob without a grill, and I’m sharing them all here. Read on for the ultimate corn on the cob serving ideas, I betcha there’s one you’re bound to enjoy!
But first things first…
How to select the best possible fresh corn
The husks should be bright green not dry and/or yellow.
The bits of silk sticking out AKA the tassels should be golden or light brown coloured, not black or dry.
Lightly squeeze along the corn and feel for firm plumpness; be wary of soft spots or gaps where kernels didn’t grow.
How to grill corn on the cob without a grill
IN THE OVEN
There are two main suggestions out there for “grilling” corn in the oven.
· Husk on: For this cooking method, be sure to pull back the husks, remove the silks, brush with oil or (vegan) butter and season to taste. Replace the husks and place on the oven rack. This cooking method is a natural way to trap steam and help soften the corn kernels, while avoiding the use of foil - something I avoid in the kitchen due to heavy metal contamination.
· Husk off: Here, the corn is shucked first then slathered in oil or (vegan) butter, seasoned to taste and roasted on a baking tray. This method needs less time than the one where the husk is left on, but you do risk the corn drying out. Hence, a little extra oils, sauces or dips can help with introducing more moisture when served.
IN THE AIR FRYER
A more recent way to cook corn is to brush shucked corn with your oil of choice, season to your liking and pop it in the air fryer. This cooking method is quicker and less fiddly, but appliances vary so your corn needs checking to make sure it doesn’t overcook. I haven’t tried this method, so can’t share my personal experiences, but when I did some researching, cooking temperatures ranged between 350F/170C to 400F/205C, and cooking time from 4 to 15 minutes! If you’re keen to keep your use of oil to a minimum, yet still enjoy that lush corn flavour, this method may be just what you’re after and if you go for it, please do let me know what time/temperature worked best for you!
IN THE SLOW COOKER
If you pop your corn in a slow cooker, it won’t char or caramelise in the same way that it would on a grill, but it does retain a lot of flavour and juiciness - SO GOOD! To make the most of this corn cooking method be sure to shuck your corn on the cob, rub in some oil and seasoning, pop it in the slow cooker and cook until tender. No liquids or other ingredients required. How cool is that!?
ON THE GAS BURNER FLAME
Ok, so this corn cooking method is for the adventurous cook! It’s a smoky, and also a little more risqué affair as you hold the ear with long heatproof tongues above the flame of a gas burner on a medium to medium high heat. For best results, be sure to turn the corn regularly until cooked through and nicely charred. This cooking method takes approximately 5 minutes. Not for the faint of heart, but nonetheless mega delicious!
ON THE GRIDDLE PAN – MY FAVOURITE WAY!
Griddle pans were invented for when no grill or traditional BBQ is available, so let’s put them to good use! ;) Seeing their purpose, it makes complete sense that this would be the best way to “grill” corn on the cob without an actual grill.
For this cooking method, heat the griddle pan to get nice and hot. Brush the corn with some oil, season with salt and pepper and cook over a medium/high heat turning frequently until nicely charred. This method is simple and delicious and involves minimum fuss. I love it!
GRIDDLED corn on the cob RECIPE
My favourite way to “grill” corn on the cob without involving an actual grill!
Preparation & cooking time: 10-15min
Serves: 4
INGREDIENTS FOR THE GRIDDLED CORN ON THE COB RECIPE:
4 ears of fresh corn, shucked
2 tbs olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS:
Heat a griddle pan over medium/high.
Brush the corn with olive oil till fully coated and season to taste. Place on the pan and griddle on all sides for around 3-4 minutes or until char marks appear.
Once done, remove the corn from the heat, add any toppings, or enjoy as is, in its delicious, sweet and salty simplicity!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
There are sooo many options for toppings! Here are a few that stand out:
Olive oil or (vegan) butter and salt
Lime juice, chilli pepper
Garlic butter with or without fresh herbs, or even better this vegan butter with chives and black garlic
Miso lime butter
Mexican style toppings (vegan or regular sour cream, vegan or regular mayo, garlic powder, paprika, tajin, chilli powder, cilantro/coriander, lime juice and lime zest etc)
It’s not only about the toppings though… slice the grilled kernels off the cob and add them to a big refreshing salad, or make a meal out of it by adding grains such as quinoa, buckwheat, couscous or good old pasta! (use a wholewheat version for extra nutritional value)
Looking for more corn recipes? Try THIS easy vegan tortilla brunch! Or are you after another summery side? Try THIS healthy coleslaw!