How to Cook Corn on the Cob

Delicious corn on the cob – a perfect summer side perfectly topped with butter with a sprinkle of salt. Learn how to cook corn on the cob perfectly without losing its vitality. Simple, classic, and delicious.

How to cook corn on the cob – The Easy Way

Corn on the cob is a favorite summer food known for its sweet, juicy kernels and delightful crunch. It is a staple during outdoor gatherings like family meals and backyard barbecues. The husk and silk are usually removed from the corn ears before the corn is boiled, grilled, or roasted to make corn on the cob.

You can remove the kernels and use them in salads, soups, and other recipes, or serve the cooked corn on the cob with butter, salt, and other ingredients. Corn on the cob is a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin C, thiamin, and potassium. It is a healthy and delectable complement to any meal because it contains minimal calories and fat.

How to select the perfect corn on the cob

The secret of getting sweet, golden, and juicy corn on the cob starts with selecting the perfect corn fit for cooking since they are mostly still in their green husk at purchase. By following these tips, you can choose the corn on the cob that is sweet, juicy, and flavorful.

• Look for fresh corn: Choose fresh and plump corn with bright green husks tightly wrapped around the kernels. Avoid it if the corn seems dry or has brown or yellow streaks.
• Check the silk: The silks are those strands of what resembles yellow-brown hair that protrude from the corn husk’s top. Look for corn with moist, shiny, and silky threads, as these are signs of freshness. The silk should be golden brown and slightly sticky to the touch.
• Feel the kernels: Using your fingertips, gently press the kernels. The kernels should be plump and clustered so you can feel each individually. The kernels of maize should not be small or shriveled.
• Check the tassel: Lift the tassel at the top of the ear and check the color. It should be light brown or golden, indicating the corn is ripe. Check the leaves and look out for any damage or sign of mold.
• Smell it: Give the corn a sniff. It should have a fresh, sweet, and slightly earthy aroma. If it smells sour or musty, it may be past its prime.
• Look for uniformity: Choose corn with evenly spaced kernels and uniform size to ensure that the corn cooks evenly and is easier to eat.

How to shuck Corn

Shucking maize involves removing the outer coat of leaves and silk from the ear of corn. Here are the steps to shuck corn:

• Choose young corn ears still in their husks to begin with. Look for tightly coiled, bright green husks that cover the ear.
• Use a sharp knife to cut the corn ear’s bottom off. The husk and silk will be simpler to remove as a result.
• Next, pull back the topmost leaf layer from the corn ear, then firmly grasp the subsequent leaf layer with both hands.
• Twist the corn ear until it is free from the husk by gently pulling down on the leaves.
• Use a stiff-bristled brush or a moist paper towel to remove leftover silk from the husk.
• Rinse under cold water to remove other debris, and you can now cook.

It’s a good idea to shuck corn over a big bowl to collect debris because the process can be messy. Also, use caution and a firm grip to hold the corn when cutting off the corn’s bottom to prevent injuries.

How to boil corn on the cob

• Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.
• Next, add the corn on the cob to the boiling water, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot.
• Boil for 4-5 minutes or until the corn is tender.
• Once done, carefully remove the ears of corn from the pot using tongs or a slotted spoon.
• Serve hot with butter, and enjoy!

Toppings to enhance the Corn flavor

• Butter: Melt a butter pat on each corn ear and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated cheese is a great way to add a savory and nutty flavor to corn on the cob.
• Chili powder and lime juice: If you like a bit of spice, try sprinkling chili powder on your corn on the cob and squeeze some fresh lime juice over the top.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or chives can add a bright and fresh flavor to corn on the cob. Chop up the herbs and sprinkle them over the corn before serving.
• Bacon: Crumbled bacon is a delicious topping for corn on the cob, adding a salty and smoky flavor.
• Garlic and olive oil: Sauté some minced garlic in olive oil and drizzle it over the corn on the cob for a flavorful and fragrant topping.
• Mayonnaise and cotija cheese: Spread mayonnaise on the corn, then sprinkle it with crumbled cotija cheese and chili powder.

These are just a few toppings that can enhance corn’s flavor on the cob. Feel free to get creative with different flavor combinations to find your favorite!

Side dishes to complement the corn

You can enjoy corn on the cob on its own or pair it with the following side dishes to create a well-rounded meal.

• Grilled vegetables: Grilled zucchini, squash, broccoli, green beans, and peppers add flavor to the meal.
• Salad: classic potato salad, Black-Eyed Peas Salad, healthy Salmon Salad, and classic Nigerian Salad.
• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes, garlic mashed potatoes, and African mashed potatoes are great sources of carbohydrates and can help keep you full and satisfied.

How to store boiled corn on the cob

If you have leftover boiled corn on the cob that you’d like to store, let the corn cool down at room temperature. Cut the corn into smaller pieces if you’d like to keep the corn in smaller portions, or you can store the whole cob.

Wrap each corn cob or cut piece in plastic wrap, covering it tightly to prevent air from getting in. Store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the boiled corn for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat it before serving.

If you’d like to serve the corn warm, you can reheat it by wrapping it in a damp paper towel and microwaving it for 30-60 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time do you boil corn on the cob?

How long to cook corn on the cob can vary depending on the size and personal preference for tenderness. Generally, it takes 4-5 minutes to boil it. To check if the corn is done, pierce a kernel with a knife to see if it is tender. If it is, the corn is ready to serve.

Do you put corn on the cob in cold water or boiling water?

It’s best to put corn on the cob in boiling water when cooking. Boiling water helps to soften the corn and make it tender. If you put the corn in cold water, it will take longer to cook, and the corn may be tough or chewy when it’s finished. Boiling water is the way to go when cooking corn on the cob!

Is it better to boil or grill corn on the cob?

Both boiling and grilling are excellent ways to prepare corn on the cob, and each method has advantages. Boiled corn tends to be tender and juicier than grilled corn on the cob because it retains more moisture during cooking. Boiling is also a good option if you must cook many ears at once. On the other hand, grilling may give corn a great smoky taste and a little charred texture. The approach you ultimately go for depends on your preferences and the equipment you can access.

Should I salt the water when boiling corn?

When boiling corn on the cob, you can add salt to the water, but it is unnecessary. The salt won’t significantly affect the cooking process but can slightly enhance the corn’s flavor. If you want to use the corn boiling water as a base for a soup or broth, add salt to make the water tastier.

However, if you are on a low-sodium diet or prefer not to add salt to your food, you can still achieve delicious results without adding salt to the water when boiling corn on the cob. It’s all a matter of personal preference!

Why is my corn hard after boiling?

• Undercooked: It may still be hard and tough if the corn is not cooked long enough. Try boiling the corn for a few more minutes until it is cooked thoroughly.
• Old corn: If the corn is not fresh, it may be tough to begin with. Always look for fresh corn with bright green husks and moist, firm kernels.

Some of Our summer favorites:

• Summertime Tomato Mozzarella Salad
• Classic Summer Tomato Cucumber Salad
• Easy Grilled Corn on the Cob Recipe
• Suya – The Nigerian Kebab
• Fall Off the Bone BBQ Beef Ribs – Grilled Ribs Recipe
• Hamburger Helper: Quick, Delicious, & Budget-Friendly