Corn is a versatile food, and there are many ways to cook corn. You can cook it in an instant pot or microwave. You can grill it or roast it.
However, the best method for cooking corn is smoking it. It takes longer to smoke corn than traditional methods like boiling or grilling.
But trust me, the long cooking process will all be worth it once you bite into an ear of buttery, juicy corn on the cob.
For the best results, smoke corn at 225°F for 1 1/2 hours.
Contents
- Can You Smoke Frozen Corn On The Cob
- Can You Overcook Corn On The Cob
- Do I Need To Soak Corn On The Cob Before Smoking
- Should I Smoke Corn On The Cob With Or Without Husks
- Does Corn On The Cob Dry Out When Smoking Without The Husk
- Tips For Smoking For Corn On The Cob
- How Long To Smoke Corn On The Cob At 225
- Final Thoughts
Can You Smoke Frozen Corn On The Cob
Technically, you can smoke frozen corn. However, I do not recommend smoking frozen corn.
First, frozen corn takes 50% longer to cook than thawed corn. Second, there is a greater risk that corn will cook unevenly.
Therefore, it’s best to thaw the corn first. You can thaw the corn in the refrigerator overnight before smoking it the next day.
Can You Overcook Corn On The Cob
Corn is just like any other food, which means you can overcook it. Overcooked corn will lose most of its moisture.
Moreover, the kernels will be dry, chewy, and shriveled. So, cook your corn for the recommended time and not a second longer.
Do I Need To Soak Corn On The Cob Before Smoking
Soaking corn is usually used when grilling. Soaking the corn prevents the husk from burning and adds moisture, which helps steam the kernels.
There is no need to soak corn if you are leaving the husk on.
Generally, smoking takes place at low temperatures. The husk will not get hot enough to burn, and the kernels will not steam. So there is no need to soak it.
Should I Smoke Corn On The Cob With Or Without Husks
Some people prefer to smoke corn with the husk on, while others prefer it with the husk off. Most people will try to convince you that one method is better than the other.
But it’s up to you whether you want to smoke corn with or without the husk.
Both methods will yield delicious corn. However, it is worth noting that if you remove the husk, it will have a slightly smokier taste.
If the recipe does not call for smoking the corn with the husk on, it may take up to 30 minutes longer to smoke it.
Does Corn On The Cob Dry Out When Smoking Without The Husk
The corn is cooked at 225°F, a relatively low temperature. So the corn will not dry out.
However, smoking the corn at a higher temperature increases the chances it will dry out. Furthermore, if you smoke the corn for too long, the corn can also dry out.
If you think the corn will dry out, you can soak it in water or a marinade once you remove the husks and silk. You can soak it for an hour or up to 8 hours.
However, you can simply leave the husk on the corn. It will act as a protective barrier and steam the corn preventing it from drying out.
You can also add butter to the corn once you remove the corn from the smoker. The butter will melt and add moisture to the corn.
Tips For Smoking For Corn On The Cob
Always smoke fresh corn on the cob. As I mentioned above, smoking frozen corn on the cob may not yield the best results.
Usually, people smoke meats like brisket by the internal temperature, not the cooking time. However, it’s the opposite when it comes to vegetables like corn and asparagus.
It’s better to pay attention to the cooking time, not the temperature, when smoking corn.
Make sure you have enough fuel and wood chips before smoking the corn. You don’t want the fuel to run out while you are smoking the corn.
Remove all the silk from the corn if you are smoking corn on the cob without the husk. No one will enjoy these fine hair-like strands getting stuck in their teeth.
How Long To Smoke Corn On The Cob At 225
The great thing about smoking corn on the cob is that it smokes quickly, even if you are smoking it at a low temperature. At 225°F, corn on the cob will take 1 1/2 hours to smoke.
You can smoke the corn for up to 2 hours. However, do not exceed 2 hours, or you will regret it.
How Long To Smoke Frozen Corn On The Cob At 225
Again, I do not suggest smoking frozen corn. However, if you must, it will take 50 percent longer to cook.
So it will take 2- 2 1/2 hours to smoke frozen corn on the cob at 225°F.
How To Smoke Corn On The Cob
You must be craving smoked corn on the cob right now. So, let’s talk about how to smoke the most delicious corn on the cob.
First, set up your smoker and let it preheat to 225°F. Combine softened butter, cilantro or parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Brush half of the butter mixture onto the corn and place it on the smoker once it is heated.
Smoke the corn on the cob for 1 1/2 hours. Brush the remaining butter on the corn on the cob once you remove them from the smoker.
How To Tell When Corn On The Smoker
The best way to tell if corn on the cob is cooked is by looking at the color. The corn will have a darker orangish-yellowish color once it is cooked.
However, the corn on the cob should not be shriveled. If it is shriveled, it may be overcooked.
Final Thoughts
While there are many ways to cook corn on the cob, none compares to smoking it.
Smoked corn on the cob has a beautiful smoky flavor that enhances the natural sweetness of the corn.
Overall, as long as you know how long to smoke your corn on the cob at 225°F, you will never cook corn another way again.
I have been smoking and grilling meat from an early age and enjoy sharing my knowledge and expertise through the hundreds of articles I have written about BBQ. I hope to make everyone’s BBQ journey that little bit easier.