Steaming Sweet Corn: How Long For Perfect Kernels?

Steaming corn on the cob is a quick and easy way to cook this popular dish. It is also one of the healthiest ways to cook corn, as it preserves more nutrients compared to boiling or grilling. The cooking time depends on how soft you like your corn and whether you are using a microwave or stove. In a microwave, corn on the cob can be cooked in 3-4 minutes, with an extra minute added if you prefer softer corn. On a stove, corn on the cob can be cooked in 4-6 minutes, with an extra 3-7 minutes if you prefer softer corn.

How to steam corn on the cob in the microwave

Steaming corn on the cob in the microwave is a quick and easy way to cook this tasty treat. It's also a great way to retain the corn's natural juices and flavour. Here's how to do it.

Step 1: Prepare the Corn

You can microwave corn on the cob with or without the husk. If you're cooking with the husk on, simply place the corn in the microwave. If you're cooking without the husk, wrap the corn in a moist paper towel and place it on a microwave-safe plate.

Step 2: Microwave

The cooking time will depend on the number of corn cobs you're cooking, and the power of your microwave.

For one cob, microwave for 3 to 4 minutes on full power.

For two cobs, microwave for 5.5 to 6 minutes.

For three or four cobs, the general rule is to add 2 minutes of cooking time per additional cob. So, 8 minutes for three cobs, and 10 minutes for four.

You may need to experiment to find the right cooking time for your microwave. It's a good idea to start with a lower cooking time and then continue in 30-second increments if the corn needs longer.

Step 3: Remove and Serve

Use tongs or an oven mitt to remove the corn from the microwave. Cut off the bottom of the cob, about half an inch from the end, and then slide the corn out of the husk. It should come out easily.

Your corn is now ready to be enjoyed! You can add butter, salt, and black pepper to taste, or try some herb or garlic butter for extra flavour.

Tips

• To check if the corn is fully cooked, you can measure its internal temperature, which should be around 160-170ºF/71-77ºC.
• The fresher the corn, the sweeter and juicier it will be, so try to use organic corn where possible.
• Remember that cooking time may vary depending on the power of your microwave, the size and thickness of the corn, and how soft you like your corn.
• This method works best for smaller amounts of corn (up to four cobs).

How to steam corn on the cob on the stovetop

Steaming corn on the cob is a quick and easy way to cook this tasty treat. Here is a step-by-step guide to steaming corn on the stovetop.

What You'll Need

You will need a steamer basket and a pot. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a colander or a large plate placed at the bottom of the pot. You will also need a pair of tongs for handling the hot corn.

Step 1: Prepare the Corn

Husk the corn and remove the silk. Trim off any discoloured kernels or any that have been damaged. Depending on the size of your steamer basket, you may need to cut the ears of corn in half so they fit.

Step 2: Prepare the Pot

Add 1-2 inches of water to a large pot. Insert the steamer rack/basket/colander/plate, ensuring the water does not touch the bottom. If it does, pour some out. Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil over high heat.

Step 3: Steam the Corn

Once the water is boiling, carefully place the corn into the steamer basket using tongs. Cover the pot and let the corn steam. The steaming time will depend on how soft you like your corn. Steam for 4 minutes for crisp corn, 7 minutes for softer corn, and 10-15 minutes for the softest corn. Keep an eye on the water level and top it up as needed.

Step 4: Serve

Turn off the burner and carefully remove the corn from the pot with tongs. Serve with butter, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also experiment with spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

How to prepare corn for steaming

Preparing corn for steaming is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare corn for steaming:

Choosing the Right Corn:

• Buy corn when it is in season, typically from May through September, to ensure the freshest and sweetest corn.
• Look for bright green husks and avoid those that are brown, bruised, or dried out.
• Examine the silk—fresher corn will have lighter-coloured silk, while older corn will have brown or black silk that looks dried out.
• Select ears of corn that feel heavy, as these will be juicier.

Shucking and Cleaning the Corn:

• Peel back the husks from the top of the ear of corn, removing all the leaves and breaking off any excess stem at the bottom.
• Use a vegetable brush to remove any remaining corn silk strands under running water. You can also use your fingers to pluck off any stubborn strands.
• Discard the husks and silk in the trash—do not put them down the garbage disposal as they can clog it.

Preparing the Corn for Steaming:

• If your corn is too long to fit in your steamer basket or pot, cut the ears of corn in half before steaming.
• If desired, you can also season the corn with salt, pepper, butter, or other spices before steaming. However, some sources recommend seasoning after steaming to avoid overcooking the corn.

Using a Steamer Basket:

• Fill a large pot with 1-2 inches of water, ensuring that the water does not touch the bottom of the steamer basket.
• Place the steamer basket in the pot and bring the water to a boil.
• Once the water is boiling, carefully place the corn into the steamer basket using tongs.
• Cover the pot and steam the corn for 4-6 minutes for crisp corn, 7 minutes for softer corn, or up to 10-15 minutes for the softest corn.
• Keep an eye on the water level and add more water as needed—do not let it fall below 1 inch to avoid scorching your pot.

Steaming Without a Steamer Basket:

• If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a large skillet or a pot with a lid.
• Fill the skillet or pot with 1-2 inches of water, ensuring the water does not touch the bottom of the corn.
• Bring the water to a boil, then add the husked corn to the skillet in a single layer.
• Cover and cook the corn for 3-4 minutes, turning the corn occasionally with tongs to ensure even cooking.
• Remove the corn from the skillet with tongs and serve.

How to serve steamed corn on the cob

Preparation

Before steaming corn on the cob, it is important to prepare the corn. Start by husking the corn, removing the silk, and trimming off any discoloured kernels or those damaged by insects. Depending on the size of your steamer basket, you may need to cut the ears of corn in half so they fit.

To steam the corn, you will need a steamer basket and a generously-sized pot. Add two inches of water to the pot and insert the steamer rack, ensuring the water does not touch the bottom of the rack. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. When the water begins to boil, place the corn into the steamer basket, cover the pot, and let the corn steam.

Cooking Time

The cooking time will depend on how soft you like your corn. For crisp corn, steam for 4 minutes. If you prefer softer corn, steam for 7 minutes. For the softest corn, steam for 10 to 15 minutes. Remember to keep an eye on the water level, especially if steaming for longer, and top up as needed.

Serving

Once cooked, carefully remove the corn from the pot with tongs and serve. Corn on the cob can be enjoyed with a variety of toppings and seasonings. The traditional way is to serve it with butter, salt, and pepper. However, you can also experiment with different spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese.

• Mexican Street Corn: Rub each ear of corn with a tablespoon of butter. Sprinkle with a teaspoon of chilli powder, two tablespoons of grated cotija cheese, and two tablespoons of chopped cilantro. Drizzle with about two tablespoons of lime juice.
• Basil-Parmesan Corn on the Cob: Combine three tablespoons of softened butter with a tablespoon of chopped fresh basil and a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese. Spread the mixture on the hot ears of corn.
• Cajun-Style Corn on the Cob: Sauté two tablespoons of minced onion and one clove of minced garlic in four tablespoons of vegetable oil or butter until the onion is transparent. Add one and a half tablespoons of Cajun seasonings to the mixture and brush over the hot steamed corn.
• Basil Butter Corn on the Cob: Blend softened butter with basil, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Slather the mixture on the corn and add a squeeze of lemon.
• Mexican Corn on the Cob: Brush the steamed corn with adobo sauce from a can of chipotles and sprinkle with crumbly cotija cheese.
• Corn with Cilantro-Lime Butter: Create a lime butter by using fresh cilantro and brush it onto the grilled corn.

Storage

Steamed corn on the cob can be stored in the refrigerator, covered or wrapped in aluminium foil, for three to four days.

How to store steamed corn on the cob

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

Firstly, steamed corn on the cob can be kept in the fridge, covered or wrapped in aluminium foil, for up to 4 days. You can keep the corn on the cob or remove the kernels, and use them in dishes like salads, tacos, and quesadillas.

Alternatively, you can freeze cooked corn on the cob. To do this, let the corn cool down, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place the wrapped corn in an airtight container or sealed freezer bag. Frozen corn on the cob can be stored for up to 10 months.

Now you know how to store your steamed corn on the cob, but how do you cook it? Well, 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.

To steam corn on the cob, you will need a steamer basket and a pot. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a microwave, skillet, or oven. Here's a step-by-step guide to steaming corn on the cob:

• Husk the corn and remove the silk. Trim off any discoloured kernels or any that have been damaged by insects.
• Add 2 inches of water to a large pot and insert a steamer rack. Ensure the water is not touching the bottom of the steamer rack.
• Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil over high heat.
• When the water begins to boil, place the corn into the steamer basket inside the pot using a pair of tongs.
• Cover the pot and let the corn steam. The steaming time will depend on how soft you like your corn. For crisp corn, steam for 4 minutes. For softer corn, steam for 7 minutes. For the softest corn, steam for 10-15 minutes.
• Turn off the burner and carefully remove the corn from the pot with tongs. Serve as is or with butter, salt, and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice.

And there you have it! You now know how to cook and store steamed corn on the cob. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious treat!

Frequently asked questions