To cook corn on the cob, the most common and straightforward method is boiling. Here's how to do it perfectly:
- Prepare the Corn : Remove the outer green husks and silk threads from the corn. Rinse the cobs under water to clean any remaining debris
- Boil Water : Fill a large pot with water, enough to cover the corn, and bring it to a rolling boil. You can add a pinch of salt to the water, but some sources advise against salting the water as it may toughen the kernels, so seasoning after cooking is often preferred
- Cook the Corn : Once the water is boiling, carefully place the corn cobs into the pot. Boil the corn for about 3 to 5 minutes until the kernels are tender and bright yellow. Avoid overcooking to prevent mushy texture
- Serve : Remove the corn with tongs and serve immediately with butter, salt, pepper, or your favorite toppings like cheese, chili powder, or lime wedges
Alternative cooking methods include:
- Grilling : Shuck the corn, brush with oil and season, then grill over medium-high heat for about 15 minutes, turning every few minutes until charred and tender
- Steaming : Place shucked corn in a steamer basket over boiling water and steam for 3 to 5 minutes for a crisper texture
- Microwaving : Place the corn (with husk on or off) in the microwave and cook on high for 2 to 3 minutes for a quick option
- Slow Cooker or Instant Pot : These methods take longer but yield tender corn; for Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 2 minutes with quick release
Boiling remains the classic and quickest method to get juicy, tender corn on the cob ready to enjoy
