Corn on the cob is a staple at most barbecues, the perfect-tasting side dish to everything. Also, this summer staple is quick and easy to prepare and doesn’t require any serious toppings (unless you’re interested – there are many ways to serve corn), just a dollop of butter, some salt, and pepper and you’re good to go.
In this article, we’ll teach you how to cook corn on the cob and how to time your cooking properly for the best results. In no time, you’ll become confident in your ability to transform fresh corn into yummy summertime goodness.
Tips for Cooking Fresh Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob can make for really great-tasting side dishes to any meal platter, but this actually depends on a whole lot on how well it is cooked. For the best results with corn on the cob recipes, follow these really helpful tips:
How to choose the right corn to cook – Before going on to make fresh corn on the cob recipes, it is important to know exactly the right kind of corn to buy for the most desirable results.
Generally, these tips will help you make the best purchase:
- The best corn on the cob is the corn that has just been picked. When feasible, buy from farm stands or farmers markets, as it was most likely picked recently.
- Choose corn that has vivid green husks tightly wrapped around the cob.
- Choose the ones that have still-wet stems.
- Silky, sticky, and moist maize tassels are ideal.
- Examine the area for wormholes, worms, and insects.
- Remove the tops of the husks if possible to inspect the corn cob’s tip.
Shucking the corn – Because of all the small strings, shucking corn can be a dirty process, so we recommend doing it over a garbage can. Rip down all the husk of the corn and as many strings as possible, ensuring to begin at the tip. Repeat until the husk is completely removed.
Using a clean toothbrush to remove the strings is a common trick because unfortunately, you seldom come across clean, fresh corn without the strings.
Don’t add salt! – Do not season the water with salt while boiling corn on the cob. The maize kernels may become tougher as a result of the added salt. If you really want to sweeten the corn even more than it already is, we suggest adding sugar to the water.
How to tell when boiled corn on the cob is done – The yellow hue of the corn on the cob intensifies after it is fully cooked. The kernels have plumped up and become more sensitive. Prick a kernel with the tip of a sharp knife to see if it’s good. But, most importantly, the corn must be sizzling. To test if an ear of corn is hot, take it out of the water using tongs.
Making corn on the cob for large gatherings – You can boil multiple pots of water at a time and cook the corn in batches when making corn on the cob for large family gatherings. Keep the water boiling so that you can add the next batch of corn to the cob right away.
How to keep corn on the cob warm after cooking – Place the hot, cooked corn on the cob in a large roasting pan and cover with foil if making numerous batches of corn on the cob. Preheat the oven to 180°F and then place the pan in the oven.
Ideas for leftover corn on the cob – If you ever cook too much corn on the cob and have no idea what to do with the leftovers, we have some interesting ideas for you:
- Tater tot chicken pot pie
- Grilled cowboy caviar
- Slow cooker corn chowder
- Corn salad
Cooking Fresh Corn on the Cob
Boiling is one of the popular ways to cook fresh corn on the cob. Follow these easy steps to boil corn on the cob:
- Remove the silks from the corn on the cob before peeling it. If you don’t like peeling corn off the cob, try grilling it in the husks.
- Fill a big stockpot or dutch oven halfway full of water. Boil the water over medium heat. Add the already skinned corn on the cob.
- Return to a boil, covered. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Place the corn on the cob on a dish after removing it from the hot water.
- Remove an inch or two of the paper from one end of a chilled butter stick.
- Hold the paper-covered end of the stick of butter in your hand and use it to butter the corn on the cob with ease.
- Don’t forget to season with salt before serving.
Cooking Time for Fresh Corn on the Cob
The less time it takes to cook corn on the cob, the better. The most important thing is not to overcook it, since it will become mushy.
When cooking corn on the cob, adhere to the following timing guidelines:
| Cooking procedure | Cooking time |
| Boiling corn on the cob | 5 to 7 minutes |
| Grilling corn on the cob | 15 to 20 minutes |
Boiled Corn on the Cob (4 Servings)
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn on the cob
- 4 teaspoons of butter
- ⅛ teaspoon of salt
Instructions
- Remove the silks from the corn on the cob while peeling it.
- Fill a big stockpot or dutch oven halfway full of water. Boil the water over medium heat.
- Add already skinned corn on the cob. Return to a boil, covered. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes.
- Place the corn on the cob on a dish after removing it from the hot water. Serve with butter and salt while still hot.
Notes
This boiled corn recipe is pretty quick and easy and delivers soft, delicious, and buttery corn. The entire cooking duration is 10 minutes, including a prep time and cook time of 5 minutes each. If you’d like to see more recipes for cooking fresh corn on the cob, then see this video recipe.