Cooking corn on a flat top grill is not only possible, but it’s also an incredibly delicious and efficient way to prepare this summertime favorite. The even heat distribution of a flat top allows for consistent cooking and beautiful caramelization, resulting in corn that is both tender and flavorful. Let’s dive into the world of flat top corn cooking!
Why Cook Corn on a Flat Top Grill?
There are several compelling reasons to ditch the traditional boiling or grilling methods and embrace the flat top for cooking corn.
First and foremost is the control over temperature. Flat tops offer a consistent and adjustable heat source. This means you can easily maintain the ideal cooking temperature, preventing burnt kernels and ensuring even cooking throughout.
Secondly, the even heat distribution across the flat surface is a game-changer. Unlike a traditional grill with hot spots and flare-ups, the flat top provides consistent heat, leading to uniformly cooked corn with delicious browning.
Thirdly, the versatility of a flat top allows you to experiment with different flavors. You can easily add butter, herbs, and spices directly to the cooking surface, infusing the corn with rich and complex flavors.
Finally, the ease of cleanup is a definite plus. A quick scrape and wipe down are usually all it takes to clean the flat top after cooking corn. This is much simpler than scrubbing grill grates covered in charred bits.
Choosing Your Corn and Preparing It for the Flat Top
The success of cooking corn on a flat top, or any cooking method for that matter, starts with selecting the right corn.
Selecting Fresh, High-Quality Corn
Look for corn with bright green husks that are tightly wrapped around the cob. The silk protruding from the top should be slightly sticky and light brown or golden in color. Avoid corn with dry, brittle, or blackened silk.
Gently feel the kernels through the husk. They should be plump and evenly spaced. If the kernels feel small or shrunken, the corn may be past its prime.
If possible, peel back a small portion of the husk and inspect the kernels directly. They should be milky and juicy.
Preparing the Corn for the Grill
There are a couple of options when it comes to preparing the corn for the flat top: cooking it in the husk or removing the husk completely.
Cooking in the Husk: This method helps to steam the corn and retain moisture. Soak the corn in the husk in cold water for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This prevents the husks from burning too quickly on the flat top.
Cooking Without the Husk: This method allows for direct contact with the flat top, resulting in more browning and caramelization. Remove the husk and silk completely. You can brush the corn with oil or butter before placing it on the grill.
Regardless of the method you choose, it is important to remove as much silk as possible. Silk can burn easily and create an unpleasant taste. A vegetable brush or a damp paper towel can be used to remove stubborn silk strands.
Cooking Corn on a Flat Top Grill: Step-by-Step
Now comes the fun part: cooking the corn! Here’s a detailed guide to help you achieve perfect flat top corn every time.
Preheating Your Flat Top Grill
Before you start cooking, make sure your flat top is properly preheated. Aim for a medium heat setting (around 350-400°F or 175-200°C). This allows the corn to cook through without burning the outside.
Use an infrared thermometer to check the surface temperature. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the heat by flicking a few drops of water onto the surface. If the water sizzles and evaporates quickly, the grill is ready.
Cooking Corn in the Husk
- Prepare the corn: Soak the corn in the husk for at least 30 minutes.
- Place on the grill: Place the soaked corn directly onto the preheated flat top.
- Cook and rotate: Cook for about 15-20 minutes, rotating the corn every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. The husks will char and steam the corn inside.
- Check for doneness: Carefully peel back the husk to check if the kernels are tender and cooked through. Use tongs to remove the corn from the grill.
- Serve: Let the corn cool slightly before removing the husk completely. Season with butter, salt, pepper, and any other desired toppings.
Cooking Corn Without the Husk
- Prepare the corn: Remove the husk and silk completely. Brush the corn with melted butter or oil.
- Place on the grill: Place the corn directly onto the preheated flat top.
- Cook and rotate: Cook for about 10-15 minutes, rotating the corn every few minutes to ensure even browning and cooking.
- Check for doneness: The kernels should be tender and slightly caramelized.
- Serve: Remove the corn from the grill and season immediately with your favorite toppings.
Tips for Perfect Flat Top Corn
Here are some tips to elevate your flat top corn cooking game:
- Don’t overcrowd the grill: Cook the corn in batches to maintain even heat distribution.
- Use a spatula to press down: Gently pressing down on the corn with a spatula can help to ensure even contact with the flat top and promote browning.
- Experiment with flavors: Add butter, garlic, herbs, or spices directly to the flat top while cooking the corn. This will infuse the kernels with delicious flavor.
- Monitor the heat: Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning or undercooking.
- Use a cover: If your flat top has a lid, using it can help to trap heat and steam the corn, resulting in a more tender and juicy final product.
Flavor Variations and Creative Toppings
The beauty of cooking corn on a flat top is the endless possibilities for flavor variations. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Garlic Butter Corn: Melt butter on the flat top and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Roll the cooked corn in the garlic butter for a rich and savory flavor.
- Chili Lime Corn: Combine melted butter with chili powder, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Brush the corn with the mixture for a spicy and tangy twist.
- Parmesan Herb Corn: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs (such as basil, parsley, or cilantro) onto the corn after cooking.
- Elote-Style Corn: Brush the cooked corn with mayonnaise, sprinkle with cotija cheese, chili powder, and a squeeze of lime juice for a classic Mexican street corn flavor.
- Sweet and Spicy Corn: Combine honey, sriracha, and a touch of soy sauce. Baste corn while cooking.
Maintaining Your Flat Top Grill
Proper maintenance is crucial for ensuring the longevity and performance of your flat top grill.
Cleaning After Cooking Corn
After cooking corn, scrape the surface of the flat top with a metal spatula to remove any food debris. While the grill is still warm, pour a small amount of water onto the surface. The steam will help to loosen any stuck-on bits.
Use a grill scraper or a stiff brush to scrub the surface clean. Wipe the grill with a clean, damp cloth.
Seasoning Your Flat Top Grill
After cleaning, it’s important to re-season your flat top. Apply a thin layer of oil (such as vegetable oil or canola oil) to the entire surface of the grill. Heat the grill on medium-high heat until the oil begins to smoke.
Turn off the heat and let the grill cool completely. The oil will polymerize and create a protective layer that prevents rusting and makes the surface non-stick.
Regular Maintenance
Regularly inspect your flat top for any signs of rust or damage. If you notice any rust, remove it with a wire brush and re-season the grill.
Cover your flat top when not in use to protect it from the elements.
Conclusion
Cooking corn on a flat top grill is a fantastic way to enjoy this summer staple. The even heat distribution, temperature control, and versatility of the flat top make it easy to achieve perfectly cooked, flavorful corn every time. By following these tips and techniques, you’ll be able to impress your friends and family with your flat top corn cooking skills! Remember that practice makes perfect. So get out there, experiment with different flavors, and enjoy the delicious results!
FAQ 1: Can you really cook corn on a flat top grill, and if so, why would you want to?
Yes, you absolutely can cook corn on a flat top grill! It’s a fantastic method that yields delicious results. The flat, even heat distribution allows for consistent cooking and beautiful caramelization on the corn kernels. Plus, it’s quick and easy, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or summer barbecues.
Cooking corn on a flat top offers distinct advantages over other methods. You avoid the mess of shucking corn directly over an open flame and the uneven cooking that can sometimes occur on a traditional grill grate. The flat top creates a slightly smoky, charred flavor while maintaining the corn’s natural sweetness and moisture, resulting in a perfectly cooked ear of corn every time.
FAQ 2: What type of corn works best for cooking on a flat top grill?
The best type of corn to use on a flat top grill is fresh, sweet corn still in its husks. Look for ears with tightly wrapped husks that are bright green and slightly damp. Avoid corn with dry, brown, or damaged husks, as this indicates the corn may be old or dried out.
Ideally, choose corn that is locally grown and in season for the best flavor and tenderness. Sweet corn varieties like Silver Queen or Honey Select work exceptionally well, as they have a high sugar content that caramelizes beautifully on the hot surface. However, any fresh sweet corn will be delicious when cooked on a flat top grill.
FAQ 3: Do I need to pre-soak the corn before grilling it on a flat top?
Pre-soaking is generally not necessary when cooking corn on a flat top grill, especially if you are keeping the husks on. The husks provide a natural barrier that helps to steam the corn and prevent it from drying out. This method retains the corn’s moisture and natural sweetness.
If you prefer to grill the corn directly on the flat top without the husks, a brief pre-soak (about 30 minutes) can help prevent the kernels from scorching or drying out too quickly. However, be mindful that soaking can dilute the corn’s natural flavors, so it’s often best to skip this step if using the husks.
FAQ 4: What’s the best way to prepare the corn for the flat top grill?
For the best results, prepare the corn by gently pulling back the husks, removing the silks, and then pulling the husks back up to cover the corn. This creates a natural package that steams the corn while it cooks, locking in moisture and flavor. You can also lightly brush the corn with melted butter or oil before closing the husks.
Alternatively, you can remove the husks completely and grill the corn directly on the flat top. In this case, ensure the flat top is well-oiled to prevent sticking. Consider cutting the corn in half or quarters for easier handling and even cooking. Remember that husk-off corn will cook faster and may require more attention to prevent burning.
FAQ 5: What’s the ideal cooking temperature and time for corn on a flat top grill?
The ideal cooking temperature for corn on a flat top grill is medium-high heat, around 350-400°F (175-200°C). This temperature allows the corn to cook through evenly without burning the husks or kernels. It also promotes desirable caramelization.
The cooking time will vary depending on whether you’re cooking the corn in the husks or directly on the flat top. Corn in the husks typically takes about 15-20 minutes, rotating occasionally to ensure even cooking. Husk-free corn will cook faster, usually within 8-12 minutes, requiring frequent turning to prevent scorching.
FAQ 6: How do I know when the corn is done cooking on the flat top?
When cooking corn in the husks, you’ll know it’s done when the husks are slightly charred and the corn feels tender when gently squeezed. You can also carefully peel back a portion of the husk to check the kernels – they should be bright yellow and plump.
For corn cooked directly on the flat top without husks, look for kernels that are evenly browned and slightly softened. You can test for doneness by piercing a kernel with a fork; it should be tender and release a burst of sweet juice. Avoid overcooking, as this can lead to dry, shriveled kernels.
FAQ 7: What are some delicious toppings or flavor combinations to add to flat top grilled corn?
The possibilities for toppings and flavor combinations are endless! Classic choices include melted butter, salt, and pepper. However, you can also get creative with different herbs, spices, and cheeses.
Consider trying Mexican-style street corn (elote) with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice. Alternatively, experiment with a combination of parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and fresh parsley. Smoked paprika, chipotle powder, or a drizzle of hot sauce can also add a delicious kick. Fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or thyme complement the corn’s sweetness beautifully.