Grilling Corn in the Husk and How to Freeze It

As September comes to a close, it’s time to say goodbye to fresh corn on the cob and your favorite summer corn dishes. But don’t despair because you can freeze grilled corn! Grilling corn in the husk then freezing the kernels, helps to preserve the moisture. Plus, the husk adds a delicious smoky flavor when roasted over embers. In today’s blog, I’ll share my tips for grilling corn in the husk and for freezing grilled corn!

WHY GRILL CORN IN THE HUSK?

The first time I grilled corn in the husk I was shocked at how much plumper the kernels were. Indeed, I was sold! Grilling corn in the husk will provide:

• Moisture retention! The husk helps to retain moisture in the corn, resulting in juicier corn on the cob.
• Charcoal flavor! The husk also helps to impart a smoky flavor to the corn. Especially when it is grilled over charcoal. Cowboy Charcoal has a selection of charcoals that will add a subtle smoky flavor.
• Easy cleanup! The husk can be easily peeled away after grilling, leaving no mess to clean up.
• Longer cooking time! It takes slightly longer to grill corn in the husk that extra time means added flavor.

WHY BOTHER FREEZING GRILLED CORN?

We all know that neither canned corn or store bought frozen corn can compare to the flavor and texture that summer corn provides! Fresh corn is so juicy that the corn milk squirts out as you bite it. But fresh sweet corn is not available in the dead of winter in my town! So we do the next best thing, by taking the freshest corn of the season, and grilling it in a gas grill or over lump charcoal grill. Once the grilled corn has been cooked to perfection it is cooled and removed from the cob. It is so easy and so flavorful!

By freezing grilled corn, you will can have a variety of corny dishes year round! Incorporated frozen grilled corn kernels into your favorite casseroles, cornbread, soup, warm dips, fritters, pancakes, stews, and burrito and taco fillings.

If you’ve never considered freezing corn, I encourage you to this season! But hurry seasonal corn will not be available too much long. Do it now and you’ll be able to prepare and serve your favorite grilled corn dishes throughout winter and spring.

6 WAYS TO SERVE GRILLED CORN IN THE HUSK

If you are grilling corn in the husk in order to stock your freezer, go ahead and make some for dinner. Here are some yummy ways to enjoy grilled corn in the husk right off the grill.

1. Simple butter and salt: This is a classic way to enjoy grilled corn. Simply brush the corn with melted butter and sprinkle with salt. I love adding a sprinkle of garlic seasoning and a splash of lime juice.
2. Herb butter: Mix together some softened butter, chopped herbs such as cilantro, parsley, thyme, and rosemary and a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread the herb butter over the corn and grill until the butter is melted and the corn is hot. You can even go Italian with basil and mozzarella!
3. Cilantro lime butter: This is a refreshing and flavorful topping for grilled corn. Mix together some softened butter, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread the cilantro lime butter over the corn and grill. A drizzle of agave syrup mixed with a touch of sriracha hot sauce will really pop the flavors.
4. Cotija cheese: Cotija cheese is a salty, crumbly cheese that adds a nice flavor and texture to grilled corn. Sprinkle the corn with cotija cheese and grill until the cheese is melted and slightly browned. If you don’t have cotija use Parmesan cheese.
5. Queso fresco: Queso fresco is another type of crumbly cheese that is good on grilled corn. It is milder, less salty and softer than cotija cheese, so it is a good choice. When I do it this way I have to add cilantro and scallions.
6. Mexican street corn: This is a popular Mexican dish made with grilled corn, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, and Cotija cheese. To make Mexican street corn, simply brush the corn with mayonnaise, and sprinkle with lime juice, chili powder, and Cotija cheese. Then place it back on the grill until the cheese as melted.

HOW TO FREEZE GRILLED CORN

Knowing how to freeze sweet corn is especially handy, especially when corn goes on sale. Consequently, corn is at its freshest June through September. Note: If you live in cooler climate you might need to buy all your corn by August not September.

Prepare the Corn

• Peel back the husks of the corn and remove the silks. Fold the husks back up over the kernels.

• Soak the corn-in-the-husk in water for at least 1-hour. After the soak, shake and pat the corn dry.

Prepare the Grill

• Arrange the grill with a full bed of Cowboy Hardwood Briquets or Cowboy Lump Charcoal, to medium-high, about 400°F. Add a few Hickory Smoking Wood Chunks, for added yumminess.

Season the Corn

• Open the husk and sprinkle each corn cob with cooking oil and 1 teaspoon steak seasoning.

Grill the Corn

• Close the husk around the corn. It is okay if the husk does not cover completely.
• Grill for the corn in the husk for 10 minutes on each side. The grill lid is closed during this step for the purpose of steaming the corn and retaining a steady heat in the grill.

Char the Corn

• Lastly, peel the husks back and brush the kernels with oil. Grill the corn for 1-2 minutes per side, or until charred. When grilling corn to freeze, undercook it more than you would if you were eating it right from the cob.

Freeze the Corn

• Cool the corn on the counter about 15 minutes, or to room temperature.

• Cut the corn off the cob, and place into freezer bags, vacuum bags, or a plastic container designed for the freezer. In this case, it is important to remove as much of the moisture from the corn. In addition, removing air from the storage container helps to prevent freezer burn.

• Mark the freezer package with how many cups of corn the package has and the date it is going into the freezer. For the most part, frozen corn kernels can be stored in the freezer for 6 months.

A FEW CORNY TIPS

• When I know what I am going to make, I measure the exact amount for the recipe. Then I mark the package with what recipe the corn is for. In particular, I have a special corn casserole I want to make at Thanksgiving this year so this tip is for me!
• 1 corn on the cob will yield 3/4 cup to 1 cup of corn!
• When I want to add a fresh savory herb flavor rosemary, cilantro, oregano, sage, thyme or tarragon provide a delicious distinct flavor. However, only add fresh herbs as you make your frozen corn dish not at the time of freezing. When making corn to freeze the a simple steak seasoning like Jack Daniel’s Steak Seasoning is all you need.

6 THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING CORN

When it comes to freezing corn, it’s important that you freeze the corn when it is in season. I love shopping at Farmers Market because I can ask the vendor when the corn was picked.

When shopping at the grocery store, I will ask the produce manager when the next shipment of corn will arrive. Then of course I rush down to the store and buy the corn then quickly grill and freeze it all on the same day. Now WAIT! That sounds perfect but life isn’t perfect so when I need to sort through corn in a bin there are 6 things I look for!

1. The corn silk, that white and brown stuff sticking out at the top of the husk, should be moist and sticky as compared to dry. It will generally be brown, and that is okay.
2. The corn silk should smell sweet and fragrant not moldy.
3. The husk should be bright green. If it is yellow, don’t buy it.
4. When I peel back the top part of the husk, at the grocery store, I do not want to see kernels missing or dried out kernels. Don’t buy corn that has kernels that are wrinkled!
5. Feel the corn, is the husk still tightly surrounding the kernels? If it is loose there has been time for air to dry out the corn.
6. I select the heaviest corn cobs that generally means there is a lot of water content in the corn kernels.

WHAT EQUIPMENT IS NEEDED FOR FREEZING CORN?

• A sharp knife for cutting kernels off the cob. I use a straight edge chef’s knife or a serrated knife. In reality, whatever knife is sharpest in my collection!
• A small bowl inside a large large bowl makes it easy to capture corn kernels falling off the cob. Another option is to use a bundt pan.
• Freezer vacuum bags, or quart size regular freezer bags, or freezer-safe containers. If using freezer vacuum bags you need a vacuum ~ duh! If you do not have a vacuum sealer then suck all the air out of a freezer bag with a straw or by dipping the outside of the bag that holds the corn in water. As the water compresses again the corn, air will escape out the top of the bag then you can seal it tight.

HOW LONG DOES FROZEN CORN LAST IN THE FREEZER?

Grilled corn that has been frozen should last in the freezer 6 months

3 WAYS TO THAW FROZEN CORN

1. Leave the corn in the storage bag or container and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
2. Place the bag of corn kernels in a colander and run cold water over it. Or allow the corn to soak in a bowl of water until thawed.
3. Feel free to place frozen corn kernels directly into stew, soup, and chowders. Easy Peasy!

RECIPES TO MAKE WITH FROZEN GRILLED CORN

Recently, I was asked to make a corn pancake for a friend’s cooking demonstration. She was making pulled pork and needed an easy-to-make vessel to serve it on. It was one of a create-a-recipe on the spot while grocery shopping! I nailed it! The Corn Hoecake was amazing in flavor, and simple enough to serve to a large crowd. Why heck, you don’t have to top it with meat, it is that yummy! You can look forward to that recipe in the near future.

Here are some grilled corn recipes you can make year round with frozen grilled corn.

• Corn and Black Bean Salsa
• Warm Elote Dip
• Smoked Cream Corn
• Grilled Corny Bread
• Corn Pancakes
• Corn Pudding
• Poblano Creamed Corn

Check out this delicious roasted corn salad recipe from Cowboy Charcoal!

Grilling Grandma loves this grilled corn recipe

Maple Smoked and Grilled Corn on the Cob

Here’s a way to use frozen grilled corn!

Salsa Verde Corn Salad

COWBOY PRODUCTS FOR GRILLING GRILLED CORN IN THE HUSK

Oak and Hickory Hardwood Lump Charcoal

All Natural Garlic and Onion Hardwood Briquets

Cowboy Hardwood Lump Charcoal

For more Cowboy Charcoal Recipe Head click this LINK!

IN CONCLUSION

Fresh corn on the cob is a summer staple, but it’s not always available year-round. To freeze grilled corn, simply grill the corn in husks until it’s cooked through, then let it cool completely. Remove the kernels from the cob and place them in a freezer-safe container. Be sure to leave some space for the corn to expand as it freezes! Below is just one of many grilled corn recipes.