Tiffany Haney
Corn on the cob is a popular summer dish, but it can be tricky to cook. The kernels can dry out and become tough, or they can be undercooked and hard. There are many ways to cook corn on the cob, including grilling, boiling, steaming, and microwaving. Each method has its pros and cons, and the right one for you will depend on your desired texture and flavour. For example, grilling corn in its husks can help to steam the corn, keeping it moist and preventing it from drying out, whereas microwaving corn can cause it to dry out and shrivel. Boiling corn in salted water is a great way to ensure the kernels are plump and juicy, but you won't get the same charred flavour as you would from grilling.
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What You'll Learn
Boiling corn in salted water
To start, you'll want to remove the husks and silks from the corn. Discard the green husks and the thin silks that cling to each ear of corn. Then, bring a large pot of water to a boil. You'll want to make sure the pot is large enough so that all the ears of corn are fully submerged.
Once the water is boiling, gently lower the corn into the salted water using tongs. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot, as you want to make sure each cob has enough space to be fully submerged and cook evenly. Boil the corn for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the kernels are tender and golden or bright yellow. You can also cook the corn for just 1 to 2 minutes if you prefer it al dente.
When the corn is done to your liking, carefully remove it from the water with tongs and place it on a serving platter. You can serve the corn as-is, or with toppings like butter, salt, pepper, olive oil, lemon juice, or even crumbled Cotija cheese for a Mexican-style twist.
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Grilling corn in its husks
Grilling corn in its husk is a unique method that yields juicy and sweet corn with a hint of charred nuttiness. It is a simple process that requires minimal preparation and ingredients.
To begin, preheat your grill to a medium-high heat setting, which is typically between 375 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. While the grill is heating up, prepare the corn by removing any loose husks and peeling back the outer layers. Remove the silk, which is the thin strands attached to the corn, and then pull the husks back over the corn. This step can be a bit messy, but it is not necessary to achieve perfection.
Next, soak the corn cobs in a large bowl or pan filled with cold water for at least 20 minutes. Soaking prevents the husks from scorching or catching fire when placed on the grill.
Once the grill is preheated and the corn is soaked, you can place the corn directly on the grill grates. Grill the corn for approximately 20 to 22 minutes, turning occasionally, to achieve an even char on the outside of the husk.
After grilling, allow the corn to cool slightly before pulling back the husk and silk. You can then add butter or other seasonings, such as salt, olive oil, lemon juice, or pepper, to taste.
Grilling corn in its husk is an easy way to prepare corn on the cob, resulting in a delicious combination of juicy kernels and a subtle smoky flavour. It is a great option for a grilled summer meal or barbecue, paired with your favourite proteins, sides, or a refreshing summer salad.
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Steaming corn on the stove
Step 1: Prepare the corn
Start by husking the corn cobs and removing the silk. Trim away any discoloured kernels or those damaged by insects. You can cut the corn ears in half to fit them into the steamer basket.
Step 2: Prepare the steamer
Add 1-2 inches of water to a large pot and insert a steamer rack, ensuring the water does not touch the rack's bottom. If necessary, pour off some water. You can also use a skillet instead of a pot.
Step 3: Bring the water to a boil
Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil.
Step 4: Steam the corn
When the water begins to boil, use tongs to place the corn into the steamer basket inside the pot. Cover the pot and steam the corn for 4 minutes for crisp corn. For softer corn, steam for 7 minutes. For the softest corn, steam for 10 to 15 minutes. The longer the steaming time, the more closely you must monitor the water level.
Step 5: Serve the corn
Turn off the burner and carefully remove the corn from the pot with tongs. Serve the corn as is, or with butter, salt, and pepper. You can also try other seasonings like olive oil, lemon juice, chilli powder, or cheese.
Tips:
- Avoid salting the water or the corn before cooking, as salt will toughen the corn. Reserve the salt and butter for seasoning after steaming.
- Choose young, freshly picked corn for the sweetest and tender corn.
- Steaming corn on the stove can also be done in a skillet or a microwave.
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Cooking corn in the microwave
To cook corn in the microwave, you do not need to remove the husk. First, give the corn a good rinse under the tap. This will remove any dirt and bugs, and it will also add a bit of dampness, which will help to create steam in the microwave. Wrap the corn in a damp paper towel and place it on a microwave-safe plate.
Microwave the corn on a high setting for 3 to 5 minutes. The time will vary depending on the wattage of your microwave, the size of the corn, and the number of cobs you are cooking. If you are cooking more than one ear of corn, increase the cooking time by 2 minutes for each additional cob. When the corn is cooked, allow it to sit for a minute or two.
Use an oven mitt to remove the corn from the microwave, as it will be very hot. Cut off the stem end, about one row of corn from the stem, and then remove the husk and silk. The silk should come away easily with the husk. Season the corn as desired and serve.
Some people find that cooking corn in the microwave causes it to dry out and shrink. However, others find that cooking the corn in its husk helps to retain moisture and flavour.
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Toppings for corn on the cob
Corn on the cob is a versatile dish that can be topped with a variety of ingredients to enhance its flavour. Here are some topping ideas to elevate your corn on the cob:
Butter and Salt
A classic choice, butter and salt are a popular combination that complements the sweetness of the corn. Spread the butter generously over the corn and sprinkle with salt to taste. This simple yet delicious pairing is a crowd-pleaser and a great base for adding other toppings.
Spicy Sauces
Add a kick to your corn on the cob with spicy sauces like sriracha, hot honey, or hot pepper jelly. Sriracha, with its layered heat, provides a bold and spicy note to balance the sweetness of the corn. Hot honey, infused with chile peppers, offers a sweet and spicy contrast. For an extra spicy and sticky treat, slather on some hot pepper jelly.
Cheesy Delights
For cheese lovers, there are several options to choose from. Parmesan cheese adds a salty and creamy dimension to the corn. You can also try herbed goat cheese, which melts beautifully over the hot corn kernels, infusing them with creamy, herby goodness. If you're feeling adventurous, sprinkle on some nutritional yeast for a nutty, cheese-like flavour.
Savoury Spreads
Spread on some pesto for a bold savoury twist, or go for miso butter, combining the savoury depth of miso with the richness of butter. If you're feeling creative, make your own compound butter by blending ingredients like maple syrup, bourbon, and salt, then spread it over the corn for a unique flavour profile.
Crunchy Additions
Add some crunch to your corn with toppings like crumbled bacon, crushed potato chips, or even scallions. These toppings provide a textural contrast to the soft corn kernels and can take your dish to the next level.
Fresh and Zesty Notes
Introduce a bright, zesty element to your corn on the cob with a squeeze of lime or lemon juice. The bold sour punch of citrus juice adds a clean, summery flavour that complements the sweetness of the corn. You can also try fresh cilantro, which brings a refreshing herbal note to the dish.
The possibilities for toppings are endless, and you can mix and match to create your own unique combinations. Get creative and enjoy experimenting with flavours to find your favourite corn on the cob toppings!
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Frequently asked questions
Fill a large skillet with one inch of water and add husked ears of corn in a single layer. When the water returns to a boil, cover the skillet and cook for 3 minutes, until the corn is bright yellow and tender. Drain, top with your favorite fixings, and enjoy!
Depending on the quantity of corn, the cooking time varies. For 6 ears of corn, boil for about 10 minutes. For 4 ears of corn, boil for 8 minutes. For 1 ear of corn, boil for 3-5 minutes.
Some popular topping ideas include butter, salt, pepper, olive oil, lemon juice, basil, garlic, red pepper flakes, and cheese.
