How to Grill Corn in the Oven?
Oven grilling corn involves using your oven’s broiler to achieve a smoky, slightly charred flavor similar to traditional grilling. The process is simple: prep the corn, broil it for a relatively short time, and enjoy a delicious and convenient alternative to outdoor grilling.
Why Oven Grill Corn?
The beauty of oven grilling corn lies in its accessibility and convenience. Traditional grilling is fantastic, but it requires good weather, a grill, and often more time. Oven grilling offers a great alternative when:
- You don’t have a grill.
- The weather is inclement.
- You’re short on time but craving that grilled flavor.
- You want a simple and relatively hands-off cooking method.
Oven grilling delivers a surprisingly similar taste profile to outdoor grilling, especially when you incorporate techniques like charring the kernels and adding a smoky seasoning. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy fresh corn year-round.
Preparing Your Corn
Proper preparation is key to achieving optimal results when oven grilling corn. Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved:
- Husk and Silk Removal: Peel back the husks, remove all the silk, and then either discard the husks or re-wrap them around the corn for added moisture and flavor (optional).
- Trimming (Optional): Trim the ends of the corn cobs if desired, to create a more uniform appearance.
- Oiling (Optional): Lightly brush the corn with olive oil or another cooking oil to help with browning and charring. Some prefer to skip this step to achieve a drier, more charred result.
- Seasoning (Optional): Sprinkle the corn with salt, pepper, or your favorite seasonings. Smoky paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder work particularly well.
The Oven Grilling Process
Oven grilling corn is a relatively quick and straightforward process. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your broiler: Set your oven to broil on high.
- Position the rack: Place the oven rack in the upper-middle position, about 6-8 inches from the broiler element. Keep a close watch to prevent burning.
- Arrange the corn: Place the prepared corn cobs directly on the broiler pan. If you’ve re-wrapped the husks around the corn, ensure they are secure.
- Broil: Broil for approximately 8-12 minutes, turning the corn every 2-3 minutes to ensure even charring on all sides. Keep a close eye on the corn to prevent burning. The exact cooking time will depend on the strength of your broiler and the size of the corn cobs.
- Check for doneness: The corn is done when the kernels are tender and slightly charred.
- Remove and serve: Carefully remove the corn from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even a simple process like oven grilling corn can go wrong if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
- Burning the corn: Broiling is intense heat, so it’s easy to burn the corn. Monitor it closely and turn it frequently.
- Under-cooking the corn: Ensure the kernels are tender before removing the corn from the oven. If they are still hard, continue broiling for a few more minutes.
- Uneven cooking: Turning the corn regularly is crucial for ensuring even charring and cooking on all sides.
- Ignoring the husks: If using husks, ensure they don’t catch fire. If they start to burn excessively, remove them carefully.
Serving Suggestions
Oven-grilled corn is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
- Classic: Simply slather with butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Spread with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Grilled Corn Salad: Cut the kernels off the cob and add them to a salad with tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and a lime vinaigrette.
- Corn Relish: Combine the kernels with other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and jalapenos to create a flavorful relish.
Nutritional Benefits of Corn
Corn, particularly fresh sweet corn, offers several nutritional benefits:
- Fiber: Supports digestive health.
- Vitamins: Contains vitamins like Vitamin C, thiamin, and folate.
- Antioxidants: Provides antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are beneficial for eye health.
- Carbohydrates: A good source of energy.
| Nutrient | Amount per ear (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 123 |
| Carbohydrates | 27 grams |
| Fiber | 4 grams |
| Protein | 4 grams |
| Vitamin C | 7% DV |
| Folate | 11% DV |
DV = Daily Value
Frequently Asked Questions
H4: Can I use frozen corn on the cob?
Yes, you can. Thaw the corn completely before broiling. Thawing is crucial to ensure even cooking. Frozen corn may require a slightly longer broiling time.
H4: Do I need to soak the corn before broiling?
Soaking is generally not necessary when oven grilling. However, if you are using the husks to wrap the corn, soaking them in water for about 30 minutes can help prevent them from burning. This is especially recommended if your broiler runs very hot.
H4: How can I add a smoky flavor without a grill?
Use smoked paprika as a seasoning. You can also add a few drops of liquid smoke to the corn before broiling. Another option is to place a small piece of charcoal (designed for cooking) in a foil packet near the corn in the oven – exercise extreme caution and ensure proper ventilation.
H4: How long does it take to oven grill corn?
Typically, oven grilling corn takes about 8-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes. However, cooking times can vary, depending on your broiler and the size of the corn cobs.
H4: Should I use the broiler pan or a baking sheet?
A broiler pan is preferable, as it allows air to circulate around the corn, promoting even cooking. If you don’t have a broiler pan, a baking sheet will work, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
H4: What’s the best way to tell if the corn is done?
The kernels should be tender and easily pierced with a fork. They should also have some charring on the outside. Avoid overcooking, as this can result in dry, shriveled kernels.
H4: Can I use the convection setting on my oven?
Yes, you can use the convection setting, but reduce the broiling time and temperature slightly, as convection ovens cook food faster.
H4: Is it safe to broil with the oven door closed?
Always refer to your oven’s manufacturer instructions. Some ovens recommend broiling with the door slightly ajar to prevent overheating, while others are designed for closed-door broiling. Safety first!
H4: Can I grill corn in the oven without husks?
Absolutely. Removing the husks allows for more direct heat exposure and quicker charring. Just be sure to monitor the corn closely to prevent burning.
H4: How do I store leftover grilled corn?
Store leftover corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. You can reheat it in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop. Reheating is best when you add a small amount of moisture.
H4: What are some good seasonings for oven-grilled corn besides salt and pepper?
Experiment with different herbs and spices! Some good options include garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, paprika (especially smoked), Cajun seasoning, and dried herbs like oregano or thyme. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
H4: My oven doesn’t have a broiler. Can I still grill corn in it?
You can still try roasting the corn at a high temperature (around 425-450°F) for a longer period, about 20-30 minutes, turning it occasionally. While you won’t get the same char as broiling, you can still achieve a delicious, roasted flavor. This method requires closer monitoring to prevent burning.