Cooking Corn On the Cob

How to Cook Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob is a summer staple, offering a sweet, juicy bite that captures the essence of warm-weather cooking. Whether you’re enjoying it at a backyard barbecue or as a simple side dish, corn on the cob is as versatile as it is delicious.

There are plenty of ways to prepare this beloved vegetable, from the classic boiling method to more adventurous techniques like grilling or oven-roasting to suit your taste. In this post, I’ll dive into different methods of cooking corn on the cob, each bringing out unique flavors and textures.

Boiling is quick and easy, while grilling adds a smoky char that pairs beautifully with butter and seasonings. For those looking for something a bit different, oven-roasting or steaming corn on the cob can create tender kernels with a slightly caramelized finish. You’ll also find tips for flavoring your corn with everything from classic butter and salt to more adventurous toppings like garlic-herb butter, spices, or even cheese.

No matter which cooking method you choose, corn on the cob is a surefire way to add flavor and fun to any meal. Discover new ways to prepare this summertime favorite and make it the star of your next gathering!

New Jersey Corn on the Cob

The corn at the New Jersey shore is the best I’ve ever had; it is sweet, tender, and flavorful.  So, I thought it would be nice to give you a few ideas of ways to serve corn that might be slightly out of the box.  Before we add all sorts of ingredients, though, I should add that sometimes less is more when your corn is wholesome and fresh.

In that spirit, here are a couple of ways to enjoy your sweet corn, such as the way it comes off the stalks on the cob.

Boiled Corn on the Cob

Boiling is one of the simplest and quickest methods to prepare this delicious summer treat. Here’s how to do it:

Ingredients:

• Fresh corn on the cob (as many as you need)
• Water
• Salt (optional)
• Butter (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Corn: Start by husking the corn. Remove the outer green husks and the silky threads underneath. Break off any excess stem to make handling easier.
2. Boil Water: Fill a large pot with enough water to submerge the corn fully. If desired, add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
3. Add Corn: After boiling the water, carefully add the corn cobs to the pot. Make sure they are submerged completely. You can add as many cobs as will fit, but avoid overcrowding the pot to ensure even cooking.
4. Cook the Corn: Boil it for about 4 to 7 minutes, depending on its size and freshness. Fresh corn generally cooks faster. The kernels should be tender but still have a slight crunch.
5. Remove and Serve: Using tongs, carefully remove the corn from the pot and place it on a plate or cutting board. Let it cool slightly before serving.
6. Add Butter and Seasoning: Serve the corn warm, slathered with butter, and sprinkled with salt, or get creative with toppings like herbs, spices, or cheese.

Boiling corn on the cob is quick and preserves its natural sweetness and bright flavor, making it a perfect side dish for any meal!

Steamed

Steaming corn on the cob is a fantastic way to retain its natural sweetness and vibrant color while ensuring a tender, juicy texture. This method is simple and enhances the flavor without the need for a lot of added ingredients. Here’s how to do it:

Ingredients:

• Fresh corn on the cob (as many as you need)
• Water
• Optional: salt or butter for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Corn: Start by husking the corn. Remove the outer green husks and the silky threads underneath. Trim the ends if necessary.
2. Set Up the Steamer: Fill a large pot with about 1-2 inches of water. Place a steamer basket or a colander in the pot, ensuring that the bottom of the basket is above the water level. You can use a heatproof plate or an inverted bowl if you don’t have a steamer basket.
3. Bring Water to a Boil: Cover the pot and bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
4. Add Corn: After boiling the water, carefully place the corn cobs in the steamer basket. You can stack them if necessary, but avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
5. Cover and Steam: Cover the pot with a lid and steam the corn for 5 to 7 minutes. The corn is done when the kernels are bright yellow and tender but still crisp.
6. Remove and Serve: Carefully remove the corn from the steamer using tongs, as it will be hot. Let it cool slightly before serving.
7. Add Flavor: Serve the steamed corn warm, topped with butter, salt, or your favorite seasonings. You can also get creative with toppings like chili powder, lime juice, or grated cheese.

Steaming corn on the cob is a quick and healthy method that brings out the best in this summer vegetable, making it a perfect side dish for any meal!

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilling corn on the cob adds a delicious smoky flavor and a slight char that enhances its natural sweetness. This method is simple and perfect for summer barbecues or outdoor gatherings. Here’s how to grill corn on the cob:

Ingredients:

• Fresh corn on the cob (as many as you need)
• Olive oil or melted butter (optional)
• Salt and pepper (optional)
• Aluminum foil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Corn: Start by husking the corn. Remove the green husks and silky threads. Leave the husks on for a more rustic flavor and to help steam the corn while it grills.
2. Soak (Optional): If leaving the husks on, consider soaking the corn in water for 15-30 minutes before grilling. This helps prevent the husks from burning and adds moisture.
3. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 350°F to 400°F or 175°C to 200°C).
4. Oil and Season (Optional): If desired, brush the corn with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper. This adds flavor and helps with caramelization.
5. Grill the Corn:
   • With Husks: Place the soaked corn directly on the grill grates. Grill for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn is tender and the husks are charred.
   • Without Husks: Place the corn directly on the grill if you’ve removed the husks. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning every few minutes until all sides are evenly charred.
6. Remove and Serve: Once the corn is cooked and has a nice char, remove it from the grill using tongs. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
7. Add Toppings: Serve the grilled corn warm, topped with butter, salt, or your favorite seasonings. For added flavor, you can also try creative toppings like lime juice, chili powder, cheese, or fresh herbs.

Grilling corn on the cob is an easy way to elevate this classic summer side dish, bringing a smoky, savory twist that everyone will love!

Roasting

Sous Vide Corn on the Cob

You can sous vide corn on the cob, and it’s a fantastic method to achieve perfectly tender and flavorful corn! Sous vide cooking allows for precise temperature control, ensuring that the corn is cooked evenly while retaining its sweetness and nutrients. Here’s how to sous vide corn on the cob:

Ingredients:

• Fresh corn on the cob (as many as you need)
• Butter (optional)
• Salt and pepper (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Corn: Start by husking the corn. Remove the outer green husks and silky threads. If the cobs don’t fit into your sous vide bags, you can break them in half.
2. Season the Corn (Optional): If desired, brush the corn with melted butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper for added flavor.
3. Vacuum Seal: Place the corn in a vacuum-sealable bag in a single layer. If you’re using butter, pat each cob before sealing. Vacuum seal the bag, removing as much air as possible.
4. Preheat the Sous Vide Water Bath: Set your sous vide immersion circulator to 183°F (84°C) for tender corn. This temperature allows the corn to cook evenly while enhancing its sweetness.
5. Cook the Corn: Submerge the sealed bag of corn in the preheated water bath and cook for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. The longer cooking time will yield more tender corn, but even 45 minutes will produce excellent results.
6. Remove and Serve: After cooking, carefully remove the bag from the water bath. Take the corn out of the bag and let it cool for a minute before handling.
7. Optional Finishing Touch: You can finish the corn on the grill or under the broiler for a few minutes to add char and enhance the flavor. Brush with more butter and grill for 2-3 minutes until you see grill marks.
8. Enjoy: Serve the sous vide corn warm, either plain or with your favorite toppings, such as butter, cheese, or herbs.

Sous vide corn on the cob results in a perfectly cooked, juicy, and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress!

In the Dishwasher

You can cook corn on the cob in the dishwasher, and it’s an innovative method that requires minimal effort! Cooking corn in the dishwasher allows the steam to cook it gently while preserving its natural sweetness and moisture. Here’s how to do it:

Ingredients:

• Fresh corn on the cob (as many as you need)
• Butter (optional, for serving)
• Salt (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Corn: Start by husking the corn. Remove the outer green husks and silky threads. You can leave the husks on to help steam the corn if you prefer.
2. Wrap the Corn (Optional): To keep the corn clean and flavorful, wrap each cob in aluminum foil. This step is optional, but it helps retain moisture and prevents the corn from touching the dishwasher’s interior.
3. Load the Dishwasher: Place the corn cobs (wrapped or unwrapped) in the top rack of your dishwasher. Please make sure they’re secure and won’t fall over during the wash cycle.
4. Select the Cycle: Run a normal wash cycle with the dishwasher on the highest heat setting. Avoid using detergent, as it can affect the corn’s flavor.
5. Cook Time: The corn will take about 30-45 minutes to cook, depending on your dishwasher’s cycle length and heat.
6. Remove and Serve: After the cycle, carefully remove the corn from the dishwasher (it will be hot!). If wrapped in foil, let it cool for a minute before unwrapping.
7. Add Toppings: Serve the corn warm, adding butter, salt, or your favorite seasonings for extra flavor.

Cooking corn on the cob in the dishwasher is a unique and hands-off method that can be a fun conversation starter at your next gathering. Enjoy the perfectly steamed corn with minimal fuss!