The beauty of corn on the cob is that it goes well with pretty much anything. It's one of nature's perfect vegetables and a summertime staple. You can boil, grill, bake or even have it raw, but we consider boiling to be the best option.
Our boiling method for corn on the cob is special in so many ways, but you know what's best? The cobs are ready in 5 minutes. Further ahead, we answer all your questions about boiling corn on the cob, including how long it takes to boil your cobs.
What You Need To Boil Corn on the Cob
This best method of boiling corn on the cob involves very simple and easily found ingredients and tools. Here is everything you need:
Fresh Corn on the Cob: It all starts with the freshest of corn on the cob. Instead of frozen ones, go for fresh corn. While planning, we suggest adding one corn on the cob per person if there aren't other side dishes. If you are planning multiple side dishes, half a corn per person should suffice.
Water: Make sure to choose a large pot and fill it with water. Going for a large pot allows you to boil multiple corn at a time. Similarly, a large surface area also makes sure the corn is cooked properly throughout.
Salt: Adding a little salt to the boiling water, just like you do in pasta or potatoes, introduces flavor to the corn.
Toppings: This is optional, but well, we do have options for you if you'd like to. You could do the classic salt, pepper, and butter or skip out on it for parmesan and even bacon.
How To Boil Corn On The Cob
1. Boil a Large Pot of Water
First, take a large pot of water. The larger the better if you are going to cook cobs more than one or two at a time. Next, fill the pot with water halfway through, there should be enough water to soak the cobs.
Then, bring the water to a boiling state. Put in enough salt to season it. Seasoning the water is necessary because salt brings forth the natural sweetness of the corn.
While your water is coming to a boil, shuck your corn by removing the husks and silks. Grasp at the top of the corn where the tassel is and peel the husk downward toward the stem.
When you reach the bottom, grasp the husk firmly and snap it off. When the husk has been removed, take the thin strands clinging to the corn off by hand.
An additional tip is to rinse the corn after discarding the husks and the silks. For cooking smaller potions, cut the corn in halves using a sharp knife.
Once your water is boiling well, add in the corn. Place about 4-5 cobs at one time. Too many in one pot may lead to undercooking as not all cobs have the space to get submerged in the water.
The ones floating on top are not able to make contact with the water, therefore, leading to uneven cooking.
Let the water start boiling again and cook the cobs for 5 minutes. Rotate the corn halfway, if needed, so that all the sides come in contact with the water.
One can tell when the corn is cooked by looking at the kernels. If the kernels turn bright yellow in color and tender, they're done.
Remove the corns carefully using tongs and keep aside. You can also leave the corn in the water if you plan to use them later.
While still hot, brush with regular butter or herbed butter. It melts into the corn as it gets hot, and increases its flavor. It also facilitates other toppings sticking to it.
Sprinkle salt and pepper over the corn to taste. You can adjust the amount based on your liking. If you want creative topping options, you could try parmesan cheese, herb butter and bacon bits, too.
Serve the corn immediately after cooking while still hot.
Corn on the cob is cooked once they are boiled for 3-5 minutes. Boiling is a comparatively faster method of cooking the cobs as compared to baking or grilling them.
The cooking time depends on how many cobs you are cooking at one time and how cooked you like your corn. One should not boil too many cobs at a time. A good rule of thumb is to add 4 cobs at a time after the water comes to a boil.
The time also depends on whether you are cooking fresh cobs or frozen cobs. Frozen cobs take up to 8 minutes.
The best way to tell if the kernels are cooked is through their color and texture. If they're bright yellow in color, that's pretty much the perfect cue for corn that's cooked.
Second, the kernels should be tender to your touch. You can check that by cautiously taking an ear from the water and pressing a kernel with a utensil or with your fingertip.
If both these conditions are met - bright yellow color and tender texture - your corn is ready to be enjoyed.
When preparing corn on the cob, you have the option to halve the cobs, creating smaller portions. This can be particularly useful for serving children, managing portion sizes, or if you prefer shorter pieces.
Despite reducing the size of the cobs, the cooking time remains relatively consistent. Whether you're working with full-length cobs or halved ones, the optimal boiling time generally falls between 8 and 10 minutes.
This timeframe ensures that the corn kernels cook thoroughly, becoming tender and flavorful, without becoming overcooked or losing their natural sweetness.
Tips and Tricks For The Best Corn on the Cob
Always add the corn on the cob into the pot once the water comes to a boil. This way, you always get a consistent cook on all your cobs, and you can monitor the cooking time after the water starts boiling.
For extra sweet and extra tender corn on the cob, add a cup of milk to the boiling water. It coats the kernels and prevents drying.
After boiling, immediately soak it in the ice water to stop the cooking time or it becomes overcooked. This would be a good option if one were making something like an elote.
Feel free to get creative with toppings: spices from paprika to chili powder, and herbs like cilantro make for quite the flavor ride.
You can also cut the large corn on the cob into halves with a sharp knife if you are too big to fit into your pot. Serve the halves per person especially if you have other side dishes to go with it.
Picking The Right Corn
Finding the right corn on the cob itself is half the battle done. Picking the finest and freshest cobs is going to be your number-one tip toward making the best-ever corn on the cob.
Keep the following tips in mind the next time you make a run to your grocery store:
1. Examine the husks
Fresh corn has bright green-colored husks that cling tightly to the cob from top to bottom. Whenever there are yellow or dry-looking husks, that signifies overripe corn and should be avoided.
Tassels are the silky strings coming out of the top of the corn. These should be golden in color and slightly sticky to the touch.
Avoid ears with tassels that are black or completely dry, which indicates the corn is past its peak freshness.
3. Use your sense of touch to assess the kernels
Reach through the husk, without removing it, and lightly press the kernels. They should be plump and firm to the fingers. If the cob is hollow or the kernels seem wrinkled, pick another ear.
This is the best way to tell how good the corn is without peeling open the ears at the store.
What to Do with Leftover Corn on the Cob
Leftovers? Not a problem. Use them in different recipes or preserve them in the refrigerator. You can store your cobs cooked in the freezer for almost a month. In the refrigerator, they stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Allow them to cool, then transfer them to an airtight container. Place the container in the fridge and store until you want to serve them later.
Wanna freeze corn on the cob for longer? Wrap the corn on the cob with plastic to make it an air-tight storage unit. Then put them in the freezer.
Whenever you feel like having some corn on the cob, bring them out of the fridge and reheat them in a pan with some butter.
But you know what is even better? Using boiled corn on the cob in several other recipes. Once the cob has cooled down, get the corn off the cob.
To do this, stand your corn on the cob up on the stem in a deep mixing bowl. Take a sharp knife to get the corn off the cob in one clean cut.
You can then make corn salsa, corn salad or even add some to make creamed corn with the corn you get by doing this method. It is really very simple.
What To Serve With Corn On The Cob
Boiled corn on the cob is a classic summer treat, and while it's delicious with just butter, salt, and pepper, there are many ways to elevate this simple dish.
Here are some creative serving ideas to enhance your corn-eating experience:
1. Mexican-Style Corn
Create a version of elote (Mexican street corn) at home. After boiling, brush the corn with adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers for a spicy, smoky flavor. Then sprinkle with crumbled Cotija cheese. For added authenticity, squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and add a sprinkle of chili powder.
2. Compound Butter
Instead of regular butter, try compound butter for a flavor boost. Mix softened butter with herbs, spices, or even citrus zest. For example, try garlic and herb butter, honey butter, or lemon-pepper butter. Spread this flavored butter on your hot corn for a delicious twist.
3. Sauce Drizzle
Elevate your corn by drizzling it with a flavorful sauce. Chipotle sauce adds a smoky, spicy kick, while vegan ranch offers a creamy, tangy alternative. You could also try a lime-cilantro dressing or a maple-mustard sauce for unique flavor combinations.
4. Fresh Herb Sprinkle
After buttering your corn, sprinkle it with freshly chopped herbs. Cilantro adds a bright, Mexican-inspired flavor, while basil lends an Italian touch. Chives provide a mild onion flavor. Mix and match herbs to create your own signature blend.
5. Spice Dusting
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, dust your corn with spices. Smoked paprika adds a smoky sweetness, while chili powder brings heat and depth. You could also try a blend like tajín for a spicy, tangy, slightly salty flavor.
