I think my love of seasonal cooking comes from all the corn on the cob I ate as a kid. In the summer, my mom served boiled corn on the cob with dinner almost every night. She’d pick it up from a farm stand nearby, so it was always super-sweet and fresh. I couldn’t get enough of it – the juicy, golden kernels coated in butter and sprinkled with salt. To this day, the thought of that summer sweet corn makes my mouth start watering.
I’ve posted recipes for steamed corn on the cob and grilled corn on the cob in the past, but I’ve never shared my method for how to boil corn. I love it because it’s SO easy, and it yields the sweetest, juiciest corn on the cob you can make. The recipe is really straightforward, so I don’t have any big tips or tricks, but I will say one thing: the fresher your corn is, the better your corn on the cob will be. Enjoy!
Cooking corn transforms the raw starches and pectin in the plants’ cell walls into juicy, sweet, and crispy bites. According to Cook’s Illustrated, the ideal internal temperature doneness range is 150 to 170ºF (66 to 77ºC).
Boiled Corn on the Cob Serving Suggestions
I love adding grilled corn to tacos and salads, but whenever I’m boiling corn, I’m almost always going to eat it off the cob. The simplest way to enjoy it is with butter, salt, and pepper, but your options don’t end there. Here are a few ideas for changing it up:
- Use compound butter instead of regular butter. Any of these 4 variations would be fantastic!
- Drizzle it in a yummy sauce, like chipotle sauce or vegan ranch.
- Sprinkle it with fresh herbs. I recommend cilantro, basil, or chives.
- Spice it up. Dust it with smoked paprika or chili powder.
- Make Mexican-style corn on the cob. After boiling corn, brush it with adobo sauce from a can of chipotles and top it with crumbled Cotija cheese.
Let me know what variations you try!
Round out the meal with cookout fare like veggie burgers, black bean burgers, or BBQ jackfruit sandwiches and a fresh summer salad. Or, serve your cooked corn on the cob as a side dish with whatever you’d like!
How to Boil Corn on the Cob
My method for how to boil corn on the cob is simple. You only need 1 ingredient: fresh sweet corn! You can cook as many ears as you’d like, as long as your pot is large enough for all of the ears to be fully submerged.
First, remove the husks from the corn. Discard the green corn husks and the silks, the thin strands that cling to each ear of corn. While you work, bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Then, cook the corn. Add the corn to the boiling water and cook, uncovered, until the kernels are tender and golden. Exactly how long to boil corn on the cob will vary based on how much you’re cooking and how you like your corn. I typically go for 3-5 minutes, which shouldn’t be much longer than the time it takes for the water to return to a boil after you add the corn. If the corn is done before the rest of the meal is ready, I turn off the stove, leaving the corn in the hot water to keep warm until I’m ready to serve it.
Finally, eat! Remove the corn from the pot and transfer it to a serving platter. Serve it with butter, salt, and pepper, or whatever fixings you like.
The Correct Way to Make Corn on the Cob, Southern Sides
FAQ
What temp is corn done on the grill?
Is 30 minutes too long to boil corn?
What temperature should corned beef be cooked at?
Corned beef is safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 145 °F, but will be fork tender when it reaches 180°F to 195°F. The traditional way to cook corned beef on the stovetop is to boil it at a hard boil all day. With the simmering method, the corned beef is gently simmered over low heat for about 3 hours.
Is corn a healthy food?
The main source of green corn is carbohydrate, which is slowly absorbed into the bloodstream and prevents blood sugar spikes. Another benefit is the presence of fibers, which contribute to intestinal health and promote the feeling of satiety. And I can’t stop talking about Vitamins and minerals, vitamin A and complex B, which contributes to good mood and the nervous system. Among the minerals, we have magnesium, potassium, iron and copper.
How long do you cook corn in the oven?
Bake the corn in the preheated oven until the corn is soft; expect a cook time of about 20 to 25 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, turn the ears once. When they’re all done, remove the foil and serve the mouth-watering side dish to your grateful crowd.
How long do you cook corn on the cob at 425?
Expect to roast corn in the oven for approximately 20 to 25 minutes at 425°F, turning halfway through. For lower temps, cook longer. For instance, a 350°F oven requires about 30 minutes of cook time. There’s no wrong way to season oven-roasted corn on the cob. For more kick and color, try paprika.