How To Grill Frozen Corn On The Cob

Follow our tips on how to grill frozen corn on the cob and you’ll be able to make this popular side dish all year round.

Grilled corn is always one of the most popular summer side dishes and it’s a must have for any barbecue.

I love to pick up some fresh corn on the cob from the farmer’s market and toss it on the grill at home. Grilled corn has the perfect combination of smokiness and sweetness. It goes well with pretty much any grilled meat, and you can serve it on the cob or use a knife to cut it off and serve in a bowl by itself or as part of a salad.

Unfortunately, fresh corn isn’t available all year round. So when the supermarket is all out, you’ll be glad you can still grill frozen corn on the cob.

If you plan ahead, you can take some fresh corn cobs and freeze them in the summer so they’ll be ready to go when you get a craving for grilled corn in February.

Of course you can always pick up some frozen corn at your local supermarket or on Amazon.

Grilling Frozen Corn On The Cob

The most common way of cooking frozen corn on the cob is simply boiling it on the stove top. There’s nothing wrong with that, it’s easy and tastes pretty damn good (especially if you add a couple teaspoons of sugar to the water).

But if you really want a ticket to Flavor Town, grilled corn cob is the way to go.

There’s a big debate in the grilling world when it comes to the best way to grill frozen corn on the cob. Many people insist you wrap each ear of corn in aluminum foil. They argue this protects the kernels and helps them steam better.

But if I’m cooking frozen corn on the cob on the grill, I don’t want it to steam. I want those beautiful grill marks and tasty char you can only get by placing the corn directly on the grill unwrapped.

Here’s how I do it step by step:

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Both propane and charcoal grills work well so use whatever you have.

Brush each ear of corn with a light coating of a neutral flavored cooking oil. I prefer olive, avocado, or canola oil.

Add the corn to the grill and keep the lid closed. Every few minutes open it up and rotate the corn so all sides cook evenly.

The corn will be ready in about 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it has nice grill marks and the kernels are fork tender.

Remove from the grill and serve how with butter and salt. Other popular seasonings include paprika, black pepper, garlic salt, lime juice, fresh herbs, parmesan cheese, or BBQ rub.

Personally I like to slather on some homemade garlic herb compound butter.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much corn on the cob per person?

Plan one ear of corn per person. For large gatherings, cut each ear in half before grilling. This will reduce waste so people who only want a small serving can take less.

How do you know corn is done on the grill?

Grilled corn on the cob takes about 15 to 20 minutes to cook. You’ll know it’s done once it has developed nice grill marks and the kernels are tender when pierced with a fork or paring knife.

Do you need to thaw frozen corn on the cob before cooking?

Nope. You can take frozen corn cobs right out of the freezer and place them directly on a hot grill. You should coat them lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.

How To Grill Frozen Corn On The Cob