How To Boil Corn On The Cob

Although there are many ways to cook corn on the cob, one of the most traditional ways is to boil it. It is one of the simplest and most reliable ways to enjoy fresh summer sweet corn.

It’s quick, easy, and brings out the natural sweetness without needing any added ingredients. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meat or cutting it off to put into a salad, boiled corn is a go-to side dish that fits with just about any summer meal.

When the corn is at its peak of freshness, there’s no need to overdo it. Just boiling it in plain water is all it takes. Although there are many recipes that include milk, sugar, or butter in the pot – this straightforward cooking method delivers great results every time.

Fresh picked sweet corn doesn’t need much help to taste amazing. In fact, the less you do to it, the better. That’s what makes boiling corn such a classic method – it’s fast, low effort, and works every time.

Choosing the Best Corn for Boiling

Start with the freshest corn you can find. Farmer’s markets, roadside stands, or local grocery stores with seasonal produce are great places to find high-quality corn. Look for bright green husks that are wrapped tightly around the cob.

The silks at the top should be slightly sticky and not dried out. If you can peek inside the husk, the kernels should be plump and full. Avoid ears with shriveled or mushy kernels.

For the best flavor, boil the corn on the cob the same day you buy it. Corn loses its natural sweetness quickly once it’s picked. If you have to wait a day or two, keep the corn in its husk and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to boil it.

How to Prep Corn on the Cob

Before boiling, remove the husks and silk. You can do this by hand and use a damp paper towel to wipe off any leftover silk.

Then trim the stem or ends if needed so the ears will fit in your pot. If you’re cutting the corn into smaller sections, now is the time to do that as well.

How Long to Boil Corn on the Cob

Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the corn. Bring the water to a full boil over high heat. Once it’s boiling, use tongs to carefully lower the ears of corn into the pot.

The boiling will stop briefly, so wait until it returns to a full boil before starting your timer. Boil corn for just 4 to 5 minutes. That’s all it takes.

If your corn is very fresh or the ears are small, even 3 minutes might be enough. The kernels will turn a bright golden yellow and look slightly plumper when they’re done.

Serving Suggestions

Once the corn is finished boiling, use tongs to remove it from the pot and let it drain on a clean kitchen towel. Serve right away with butter, salt, and pepper. If you like to change things up, you can also try:

• Garlic butter and parsley
• Chili powder and lime juice
• Crumbled cotija cheese with a sprinkle of smoked paprika (See my Elotes Recipe)
• Grated Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil

Boiled corn on the cob is easy to customize with seasonings and pairs well with almost anything on the dinner table.

Tips for Boiling Corn for a Crowd

Boiling corn on the cob is a great method when you’re serving a large group. Use your biggest pot and cook several ears at once in batches if needed.

Just don’t leave the corn sitting in hot water after cooking because it will get soggy. Instead, remove the ears as soon as they’re done and keep them warm in a covered dish or wrapped in foil.

If you’re prepping ahead of time, boil the corn earlier in the day and reheat it before serving. You can wrap each ear in foil and place them in a warm oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for 30–60 seconds.

How to Store and Use Leftover Corn

If you have leftover boiled corn on the cob, let it cool completely, then wrap it in foil or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 3–4 days.

You can also cut the kernels off the cob and use them in recipes like:

• Fresh corn salad
• Tacos and burritos
• Cornbread mix-ins
• Casseroles and soups

Other Ways to Cook Corn on the Cob

If you don’t want to heat up the kitchen to boil corn on the cob, here are a few other ways to prepare it:

Grilled Corn
Grill the corn in the husk for steamed flavor, or shuck it and place it directly on the grill for a smoky, charred finish. Grill over medium heat for about 15–20 minutes, turning occasionally.

Microwave Corn
Leave the husk on and microwave each ear for about 4 minutes. Carefully cut off the end and squeeze the cob out – most of the silk will stay in the husk.

Oven-Roasted Corn
Wrap each shucked ear in foil with a pat of butter and roast in a 400°F oven for 20–25 minutes.

Slow Cooker Corn
Unlike boiling corn on the cob in water place the ears in a slow cooker with a little water or milk and butter. Cook on high for 2–3 hours or low for 4–5 hours.

Steamed Corn
Use a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam the ears for about 6–8 minutes until tender.

Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
Yes, you can even use your pressure cooker to cook corn on the cob. See how here: Instant Pot Corn on the Cob Recipe.

Enjoy! Mary

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