Steaming Corn On The Cob: A Quick, Easy Method

Corn on the cob is a delicious treat, and steaming is one of the easiest and tastiest ways to cook it. It's quick, simple, and brings out the best taste and texture of fresh, in-season corn. But can you cook corn on the cob in a steamer? The good news is yes, you can! All you need is a steamer basket and pot, or a large pan with a plate or steamer in the bottom, and you're good to go. Fill your pot or pan with a couple of inches of water, add your corn, and steam for around 10 minutes. It's as easy as that!

How to steam corn on the cob in a microwave

Yes, you can cook corn on the cob in a steamer! In fact, steaming corn on the cob is one of the easiest and most delicious ways to cook fresh corn. It's also a great way to preserve more nutrients compared to boiling or grilling.

Now, here's how to steam corn on the cob in a microwave:

Step 1: Prep & 'Wave

Place the corn (still in the husk) on a microwave-safe dish and cook on high heat for 3 to 4 minutes. If you're cooking more than one cob, increase the cooking time by 1 to 2 minutes. If you like your corn a bit softer, add an extra minute of cook time.

Step 2: Let Them Rest

The corn will be very hot when you take it out of the microwave, so give it a few minutes to cool down. Once it's cool enough to handle, remove the husks and serve with butter, salt, and pepper to taste.

Tips:

• If you want to microwave corn with the husk on, simply let it cool for a few minutes after cooking. Then, cut off the ends and remove the husk and silk.
• Corn can turn out dry in the microwave if you're not careful. To prevent this, wrap shucked corn in a damp paper towel before microwaving. This will create steam and help keep the corn moist.
• The cook time may vary depending on the size of the corn cob and the power of your microwave, so you may need to experiment to find the perfect timing for your microwave.

How to steam corn on the cob without a steamer basket

Steaming corn on the cob is one of the easiest and most delicious ways to cook fresh corn. It only requires two ingredients: corn and water. The steaming process is very quick and brings out the best taste and texture of fresh, in-season corn.

If you don't have a steamer basket, don't worry. Here are some alternative methods to steam corn on the cob without using a steamer basket:

Using a Skillet

Add 1 to 2 inches of water to a skillet and heat it until it boils. Add the shucked corn cobs to the water, return it to a boil, then lower the heat and cover the skillet with a lid. Steam the corn for about 4 minutes or until it turns bright yellow. If you have a large skillet, you may be able to steam three or four ears at a time.

Using an Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Shuck the corn and cut it in half if needed. Place the corn in a bowl or casserole dish with about 1/2 inch of water. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. With the right size dish, you can steam multiple ears of corn simultaneously.

Using a Microwave

There are two ways to steam corn in the microwave:

• Place the corn cob in the microwave without husking or trimming it. Microwave on high for 4 minutes and then remove the corn using tongs or an oven mitt. Trim the bottom of the ear, being careful not to cut the top where the silk attaches. Grasp the top end and shake out the cooked cob, which should release the corn while retaining the silk. This method only cooks one cob at a time.
• Shuck the corn, cut it in half, and place it in a microwave-safe bowl or dish with a couple of tablespoons of water. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 4 to 6 minutes, or until the corn is bright yellow. Increase the cooking time if needed.

Using a Colander

If you have a colander that fits inside your pot, you can use it instead of a steamer basket. Add 2 inches of water to a large pot and bring it to a boil. Place the colander in the pot, ensuring that the water does not touch the bottom of the colander. Cover the colander with a large lid or double layers of thick foil to prevent steam from escaping. Add the shucked corn to the colander and steam for about 10 minutes.

How to cut corn on the cob in half

Yes, you can cook corn on the cob in a steamer. In fact, steaming corn is one of the easiest and most delicious ways to cook fresh corn. It's also a great way to preserve more nutrients compared to boiling or grilling.

Now, here's how to cut corn on the cob in half:

First things first, you'll want to gather the right tools for the job. All you need is a sharp knife, a kitchen towel or paper towels, and a microwave (optional). You might also want to use a cutting board to prevent your countertop from getting scratched.

Start by cleaning the corn. Rinse the ears of corn under cold water to remove any dirt or silk. If the corn is uncooked, be sure to shuck it and remove the husk and silks first. This will make the process much easier.

Now, you're ready to cut. Place the corn flat side down on a cutting board. If it wobbles, slice a small portion off the bottom to create a stable base. Wrap one end of the corn in a clean kitchen towel. This provides a better grip and protects your hands. Hold the knife perpendicular to the cutting board, aligning it at the center of the corn cob.

Firmly and carefully press down on the knife. You can use a rocking motion if necessary to slice through the cob. Apply even pressure to ensure a clean cut. Keep your fingers away from the knife's path and use the towel-wrapped end as a handle. Cut away from your body and keep your work area clean and uncluttered.

If you're having trouble cutting the corn in half, you can try microwaving it first. For easier cutting, microwave the corn on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute. This softens the cob slightly, making it easier to cut through.

And that's it! You've now successfully cut your corn on the cob in half. Remember to always practice safety when handling knives and cutting corn. Enjoy your perfectly halved corn!

How to know when corn on the cob is done

Steaming corn on the cob is a quick and easy way to cook fresh corn. It is also a great way to preserve the nutrients in the corn.

There are a few ways to tell when your corn on the cob is done steaming:

• Colour: The corn should turn a deep yellow colour when it is done.
• Texture: Depending on how you like your corn, it should feel crisp and tender after 4 minutes of steaming. For softer corn, steam for 7 minutes. For the softest corn, steam for 10-15 minutes.
• Plumpness: The kernels will become plump and tender when the corn is done.
• Taste: You can always bite into a kernel to check if the corn is cooked to your liking.

It is important to note that the longer you steam the corn, the more attention you must pay to the water level. Don't let it fall below 1 inch, or it may scorch your pot.

How to store steamed corn on the cob

Storing steamed corn on the cob is simple and can be done in a few easy steps.

Firstly, it is important to note that steamed corn will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can keep it on the cob or remove the kernels. The latter option is great for using the corn in salads, tacos, and quesadillas.

To store the corn, wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminium foil and place it in an airtight container or sealed freezer bag. You can freeze corn on the cob for up to 10 months.

If you are storing uncooked corn on the cob, it is best to keep it in the refrigerator, especially if you are planning to eat it a few hours after purchasing. This will help to preserve the natural sugar in the corn and slow the process of the sugar breaking down and turning into starch. It is also best to keep the husk on until you are ready to cook the corn, as this will prevent it from drying out.

Frequently asked questions