Grilled 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)
- 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.
- 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!
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
Grilled Corn on the Cob (in Foil)
Ingredients
- 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
Nutrition
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My husband grilled the corn, slathered on the mayo mixture (as if you’d butter it) and sprinkled on real grated Parmesan cheese for a Cinco de Mayo party today. The platter of stacked corn looked fabulous and everyone LOVED the flavors!!! You know how we cooks are … always have to tweak a recipe a bit … I left out the honey and added some chopped cilantro … basically this is just a DELICIOUS side dish that is easy and fool-proof is you heed the tips. Do try it!!!
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I started doing something similar this summer. Mixing mayo with seasonings, rubbing it on the corn, cooking it and then rubbing it in parmesan cheese. Or cotija cheese. Or sprinkling it with Queso Fresco or Feta Cheese. It is so good, With butter, salt and pepper is wonderful at times but with mayo, chile and cheese it is even better. Lime makes it incredible.
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We love summer corn and I love this recipe. We grill ours and rub it with lime and then a mixture of chilli powder, salt and pepper////
For some reason I will never understand it is not that easy to find good, fresh corn in Paris ( I guess it is because the French are not particularly fond of corn on the cob) so now I have a terrible craving and you are to blame ;D
I loved this!!!!!!!!
Oh my goodness this is my favorite thing to make in the summer. I do something very similar! It really kicks up corn on the cob–which is already awesome on its own. Deliciousness overload.
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I’m anxiously awaiting my first ear of corn! Can’t wait to try this version!
I’ve never grilled corn, but I might be tempted to do that this summer once it hits the farmer’s markets.
Yum, I love corn and these flavours sound delicious!
love grilled corn, great tips!!
sweetlife
Love your tips, especially about not over-cooking, and that mayo looks really intriguing. I have to say, though, that I usually eat grilled corn butt-naked (the corn, not me)! ;-)
YAY for summer grilling!
Congrats on T-9!
LL
I absolutely love grilled corn. Haven’t had it in sooo long. Never heard of the mayo sauce before but I love it. I can only imagine how delicious it is. Thanks for sharing!
The hot smoked paprika-corn combo sounds fantastic! I just made a harissa-cilantro grilled corn that I’ll be sharing with folks soon. I hope you check it out!
Sommer, what beautiful pics of grilled corn! Congrats on top 9!
What a great way to reinvent a summer clasic! Thanks SOMMER – This one is a must try :)
chow! Devaki @ weavethousandflavors
I usualy soak the corn in cold water for 30 minutes before grilling. It seems to keep it from getting too charred. I love this mayo – yum!
This looks so fantastic, corn on the cob says summer to me, do you think I can use a grill pan?
We’re both on a corn kick! I love corn with lime. And yours are all photographed so beautifully.
I make a similar grilled corn, but the addition of mayonnaise knocks it out of the park!
Well done :)
Ooooh! I can’t wait to try this…
I seriously love grilled corn, it might be one of my favorite things. Although, I really like anything on the grill so I might be slightly biased haha. Looks great!
Holy cow that looks amazing! Thanks for the in-depth how to. Sometimes established bloggers forget there are newbies out there (like me) that need some tips like that. Thanks for sharing! Buzzed :)
I can’t wait to give this a try – I love the mayo idea! We love grilled corn (or corn cooked just about any way, actually!)
thank you for the tips delicious looking corn
I’m a fan of corn and your lovely recipe is on my list to try now :) Wonderful tips, Sommer !
Great shots,
Aldy.
this is new way of grilling corn…love to try this, mostly I only put butter on it.
I love all of your tips on grilling corn! You cover everything to perfection :) Thanks for adding this link to Get Grillin’
Great tips! I love to use the husk as a natural handle, it looks so beautiful when presented that way.
The corns look so great and appetizing! I love the little redness going on.
I always boil my corn because I feel like I will burn it very quickly on the grill. Guess next time, I will hand it over to the hubby with your instructions to take it to the grill :)
I just love the charred caramelised bits of grilled corn. Perfect summer food!
Great tips! My husband has to read this as he is always charring the corn and then the kids won’t eat “the black stuff!”
Oh, my…I am now seriously craving corn on the cob! Gorgeous photos as always!
Gorgeous photography and I am seriously craving corn right now! Happy Grilling!
So lovely! It never fails to amaze me how beautiful natural foods can be. I think corn is my fav veggie to grill. I don’t like mayo but I think that this is a great trick and will try it next time I grill corn.
Does the mayo cook off so it’s not prevelant on the corn? I just don’t like the taste or texture but I used to spread a thin layer on my salmon after lime and seasoning to keep the flavor on and create a bit of a ‘crust’ when grilled.
Gwen, it doesn’t cook off, but it’s definitely not overwhelming. I bet it wouldn’t bother you. :)
Sommer! These look wonderful! I have never grilled corn, but you’ve sold me! Will definitely try once we have some local corn coming into the markets! Yum! Such a summertime treat!
We love summer corn and your spicier version looks wonderful! I’m definitely going to grill corn like this over the summer. Delicious!
Yesss. Thank you for posting this! My fam has been eating corn, like, twice a week. I adore it boiled and steamed and topped with butter, but…I’ve been itching to find a good grilling recipe. I cannot wait to try this out.
The smoky lime mayo looks so beautiful on the fresh corn, I love your photos. I agree there’s nothing the matter with changing things up a bit especially when it comes to grilled corn- one of our Summer time favorites;-)
Excellent do’s and don’t’s, Sommer! It’s settled – corn will be grilled at my house this weekend. :-)
Wow! That looks fabulous! I have never tried grilling corn and it something that I have always wanted to do. It’s nice to know it isn’t too complicated.
“warm” the corn…wow, I will always remember that! I love learning the little bits of great advice! Thanks for sharing this, I’m looking forward to trying this out!
mmmhmhh that looks so good Sommer! :)
In Macedonia there are vendors in every corner grilling/selling grilled corn… it is by far the best street food ever!! I love this! Thanks for sharing your recipe – I have never tried the corn with all those extra fixins. :)
I tried this corn and it is absolutely scrumptious. The surprise of lime and hot paprika is wonderful. I’m trying it again at my next dinner party.
We just grilled corn that we picked up from farmers market this weekend and it is always delightful :) Love the sound of this smokey lime mayo…will need to keep this in mind :)
You always come up with the most amazing recipes and practical tips! Thanks, Sommer!
I love the flavor combination you used..the mayo with paprika and lemon are a pairing made in heaven
This looks perfectly delicious! I hope fresh corn will be here in a couple weeks – we are waiting patiently. I am going to grill it for the first time this year, and this looks like a great way to try it!
Great Mayo recipe for the corn. Definitely will be trying this recipe once the corn stands start hitting the streets and I will probably top off the corn with a bit of crumbled cotija cheese.
I have always wanted to try this, but was a little apprehensive. You make it look so easy and so delicious. I cannot wait to try your recipe. Thanks for posting this.
How did you know I needed a good reliable recipe to try for my first time grilling corn? My husband and I have been talking about doing this and my response was that I’d have to do some research. Thanks for making it easy for me and thanks for the recipe. I’ll give it a try. Yum!
Awee..a heavenly treat for all corn lovers…love it..love it..am a BIG corn fan and this goes in my hall of fame :))
Hi Sommer,
Completely agree with your comment, Grilled corn is the perfect platform on which to experiment with flavors. Corn on the cob has always been one of my favorite summer foods, so I’ve been trying out spice blends to go with it. I posted one a few weeks back, but I like your idea of using mayo. I’ll give it a try, thanks.
Love this! Just last weekend I made something sorta similar – grilled corn with an Old Bay-spiced butter garlic sauce. Rocked my world…
wow !! the grilled corn looks so tempting :D that’s one of my fav indian streetfoods . never thought of the mayo part….great idea
ooh, always wanted to know how to grill corn. thanks for this post, Spicy!
What a great idea! I should do the rubbing/marinating before grilling more often!
Sommer!
So wonderful to catch your tweet this morning! I have so missed your inspirations! I have been suffering from a serious blogging slump and trying my best to get back to my daily reading rituals as I found them so inspirational… but, I am now so overwhelmed with how far behind I am… so, baby steps back.
It is not yet corn season here, but this looks absolutely delicious. I adore Spanish Paprika and probably use it too much. I will definitely be making this recipe in a month or two when our corn starts rearing its ears around here!
Hope you are happy and well!
:)
Valerie
What a great post. Grilled corn has an amazing flavor and the smokey lime mayo sounds like perfect way to top it off.
To die for delightful, I must try.
Craving this now!