Soaking corn on the cob before grilling serves multiple purposes. The key reasons are:
- To add flavor
- To help the corn steam
- To prevent drying out
Properly soaking corn allows it to absorb seasonings, steam inside the husk on the grill, and stay tender and juicy. It’s an essential step to getting the best grilled corn on the cob.
Why Soak Corn Before Grilling?
Here are the main benefits of soaking corn before grilling:
Allows Corn to Absorb Flavor
Soaking lets the corn absorb water and any flavorings or seasonings added to the water. This allows the corn to take on extra flavor before hitting the grill. Common additions to the soaking liquid include:
- Herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano
- Spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika
- Salty seasonings like soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
- Sweeteners like honey, maple syrup or brown sugar
- Dairy like melted butter or cream
- Acids like lemon juice or vinegar
Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite soaked corn combo!
Helps Corn Steam
Soaking allows water to get inside the husk and onto the corn kernels. When the corn goes on the hot grill, this interior water steams the corn inside the husk envelope.
This steaming makes the corn extra hot, tender and juicy. It prevents the corn kernels from drying out over the direct grill heat.
Prevents Drying Out
Grilling can quickly dry out and toughen vegetables. Soaking corn before grilling helps prevent this.
The water penetrates into the corn kernels, keeping them moist and tender as they cook. This reduces the chance of ending up with dry, chewy corn.
Soaking for at least 30 minutes ensures the corn fully absorbs water. This gives a good buffer against drying out on the grill.
How to Soak Corn on the Cob for Grilling
Here is a simple process for soaking corn to prep for grilling:
- Husk the corn, removing all silk strands.
- Place husked corn in a large container like a stockpot, bowl or clean sink.
- Cover with cold water. Soak for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Drain corn and leave damp before grilling. Do not pat dry.
Tips for best results:
- Soak corn for at least 30 minutes to fully hydrate kernels.
- Change the water halfway through long soaks to keep it cold.
- Add seasonings, herbs or other flavor boosters to the water.
- Let corn drain well after soaking so it won’t be soggy.
- Keep corn damp for grilling to allow steaming.
How Long to Soak Corn on Cob for Grilling
The recommended soaking time is between 30 minutes to 2 hours. This timeline allows the corn to fully absorb water and flavorings.
Here are general guidelines for soaking duration:
30 Minutes
Soaking for half an hour is the minimum time needed. This will hydrate the corn kernels and provide a little flavor infusion.
1 Hour
A one hour soak ensures good water penetration into the corn. It also allows more absorption of any added seasonings.
2 Hours
Soaking corn for two hours maximizes the hydration and flavor impact. Kernel moisture and taste will be most enhanced after this lengthy soak time.
Overnight
You can soak corn overnight in the fridge for 8-12 hours. This marathon soaking produces very moist, intensely flavored corn, almost to the point of over-soaking.
Should You Soak Corn in Saltwater?
Many recipes recommend soaking corn in salted water before grilling. Does this make a difference?
The main benefit of using saltwater is it seasons the corn as it soaks. The salt infuses into the kernels, boosting flavor.
However, plain water also hydrates corn effectively for grilling. You can achieve salting by just sprinkling the corn with salt after soaking and before grilling.
If you want to add salty flavor during soaking, make a lightly salted water. Use around 1 tablespoon salt per 4 cups of water. Avoid making it too salty.
You can also use seasoned salt or salt blends to add flavor. Soaking in saltwater provides convenience but is not mandatory.
Should You Soak Corn in Milk or Butter?
In addition to water, some recipes call for soaking corn in dairy like milk or melted butter.
Soaking in milk or butter can make the corn richer tasting, since the fats and proteins will coat the kernels. It also tenderizes the corn.
However, soaking in plain water sufficiently hydrates the corn to prep for grilling. Using dairy in the soak or brushing on after is optional.
If you want extra richness, you can soak or brush corn with melted butter or cream before grilling. Just avoid heavy soaking, which can cause sogginess.
Should You Soak Corn With the Husk On or Off?
For grilling, corn should be soaked with the green husks removed. But leave the inner pale husks intact.
Here’s why:
- The green outer husks are often dried out. Soaking them provides little benefit.
- Removing them allows seasonings to directly contact the corn.
- Leaving the inner husks on helps retain moisture and allows steaming.
So for best results, peel off the outer green husks and silk before soaking. But leave those pale inner husks on during the soak and grilling.
How to Grill Corn on the Cob After Soaking
Grilling soaked corn is simple. Follow these steps:
- Soak corn as desired, then drain well.
- Shake off excess water but leave corn damp.
- Optional: Season with salt, pepper, oil, herbs.
- Grill over medium heat, turning occasionally, for 15-25 minutes until tender.
- Check doneness by piercing kernels with a fork.
- Serve corn immediately, while hot.
Tips for great grilled corn:
- Grill over drip pan to prevent drying.
- Brush with oil or butter before/during grilling.
- Turn corn frequently for even cooking.
- Add extra seasonings after grilling if needed.
Soaking is the first step to tasty grilled corn on the cob!
Common Questions About Soaking Corn on the Cob
Is it necessary to soak corn before grilling?
Soaking is highly recommended but not absolutely required. It helps ensure tender, juicy corn off the grill. Skip soaking if you’re in a rush, but the corn may be drier.
Can you soak corn too long before grilling?
Yes, over-soaking can make the corn soggy. Limit soaking time to 2 hours max. For quick grilling, even 30 minutes is sufficient.
Should you soak corn after husking it?
Yes, remove green husks and silk before soaking. But leave pale inner husks on to hold moisture.
Can you grill corn without soaking it first?
It’s fine to grill corn without soaking, but it’s more likely to dry out. Soaking provides needed moisture for best results.
Conclusion
Soaking corn before hitting the grill makes all the difference in getting tender, juicy, flavorful results. Allowing the corn to absorb water prevents drying while also letting it take on seasonings.
Aim for a 30 minute minimum soak up to 2 hours maximum. Remove outer husks first but leave pale inner husks on during soaking and grilling. This helps the corn steam itself perfectly on the grill.
With properly soaked and grilled corn, the sweet summer flavor really shines through! Use this easy process for your next batch of irresistible grilled corn on the cob.