Steaming Sweet Corn: How Long For Perfect Kernels?

Steaming corn is a quick and easy way to cook sweet corn. It is also one of the best ways to bring out the flavour and texture of fresh, in-season corn. The length of time you should steam sweet corn depends on how soft you like your corn and how fresh the corn is. Fresh corn will take less time to cook than corn that has been around longer. If you like your corn on the crispier side, it will take around 4 minutes to steam. If you prefer softer corn, you should steam for 7 minutes. For the softest corn, steam for 10-15 minutes.

How to steam corn in a microwave

Steaming corn 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.

Step 1: Prep & 'Wave

Place the corn (still in the husk) on a microwave-safe dish and pop it into the microwave. Zap for 3 to 5 minutes on high heat. 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 the ears a few minutes to cool down before removing the husks. Once husked, serve with butter and season with salt and pepper.

Tips:

• If you want to microwave more than one ear of corn at a time, wrap each ear in its own moist paper towel and increase the cook time by 1 to 2 minutes.
• You can microwave corn with or without the husk. If you'd like to remove the husk before cooking, simply let the corn cool for a few minutes after cooking and then cut off the ends and remove the husk and silk.
• The cook time varies depending on the size of the ear of corn and the power of your microwave, so you may need to experiment to find the right time for your microwave.

How to steam corn in an oven

Steaming corn in the oven is a great way to cook corn without needing a stove. It's also a good way to steam multiple ears of corn at the same time. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam corn in an oven:

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).

Next, prepare the corn by husking it and removing any threads or strings. Rinse the corn, then cut off any bad spots. You may need to cut the corn in half to fit it into your baking dish, depending on its size.

Place the corn into a 3-quart (3-liter) glass baking dish. You don't need to grease the dish. For even cooking, place the corn in a single layer, cut sides down.

Add about 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) of water to the baking dish. Do not add salt to the water, as this will make the corn tough.

Cover the dish tightly with aluminium foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and steam the corn for about 30 minutes.

While the corn is steaming, you can prepare a flavoured butter to coat the corn. Mix 2 tablespoons of melted butter with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley (optional) and 1/4 teaspoon of seasoned salt. Cut the butter into cubes first, then melt it in the microwave or in a small saucepan over the stove.

After 30 minutes, remove the corn from the oven and drain the water. Use tongs to transfer the corn to a serving platter.

Just before serving, pour the butter mixture over the corn and turn the cobs with tongs to coat them evenly.

Your steamed corn is now ready to be enjoyed!

Tips:

• You can adjust the cooking time depending on how soft you like your corn. For crisp corn, check it after about 20 minutes. For softer corn, leave it in the oven for closer to 40 minutes.
• If you want to keep the corn warm before serving, cover it with aluminium foil.
• To test if the corn is done, look at the colour of the kernels. They should be bright yellow and feel tender when they are ready.
• You can also steam corn in a microwave, on a stovetop, or using a steamer basket. These methods usually take less time than steaming in an oven.

How to steam corn without a steamer basket

Steaming corn 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, there are a few alternative methods you can use to steam corn. Here are some step-by-step instructions for each method:

Skillet method:

• Heat 1 to 2 inches of water in a skillet to boiling.
• Add the shucked corn cobs to the water.
• Return it to a boil, lower the heat, and cover the skillet with a lid.
• Steam for 4 minutes or until the corn is bright yellow. You can steam three or four ears at a time if you have a large skillet.

Oven method:

• 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 1/2 inch of water.
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it for 30 minutes. You can steam multiple ears of corn at the same time if you have a large enough dish.

Microwave method:

There are two ways to steam corn in the microwave:

• Place the cob in the microwave without husking or trimming it. Microwave on high for 4 minutes and remove the corn using tongs or an oven mitt. Trim the bottom of the ear (not the top where the silk attaches). Shake out the cooked cob by grasping the top end to release the corn and retain the silk. However, you can only cook one cob at a time this way.
• Shuck the corn, cut it in half, and place it in a bowl or dish with a couple of tablespoons of water. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 4 to 6 minutes until bright yellow. Increase the time if needed.

Plate and tin foil method:

• Fill a medium pot with 1/2 inch of water and place three golf ball-sized balls of aluminum foil on the bottom.
• Rest a heat-proof plate on top of the foil balls, cover the pot, and bring the water to a boil.
• Add vegetables to the plate, cover, and steam until crisp-tender.
• Carefully remove the vegetables from the plate and set aside.

The best steaming/cooking time for a cob of corn is 4 minutes. This produces cooked kernels that are still crisp and sweet. If you prefer softer corn, you can steam for 7 minutes. For the softest corn, steam for 10 to 15 minutes. Keep in mind that the longer you steam the corn, the more attention you must pay to the water level. Don't let it fall lower than 1 inch, or it may run dry and scorch your pot.

How to prepare corn for steaming

Preparing corn for steaming is simple and only requires a few steps. First, you'll need to husk the corn and remove any silk. You can do this by hand or with a knife. If there are any discoloured kernels or any that have been damaged by insects, trim these off. Depending on the size of your steamer basket, you may need to cut the ears of corn in half so they fit in your steamer.

Next, you'll want to fill a large pot with around 2 inches of water. Make sure the pot is big enough to fit your corn. Place a steamer basket or rack at the bottom of the pot, ensuring that the water does not touch the bottom of the steamer. If it does, pour some water out.

Now you're ready to start steaming! Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then 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. For crisp corn, steam for about 4 minutes. For softer corn, steam for 7 minutes. If you like your corn very soft, steam for 10-15 minutes. Remember to keep an eye on the water level, especially if steaming for longer periods, and top up as needed.

Once the corn is steamed to your desired level of doneness, turn off the burner and carefully remove the corn from the pot using tongs. Serve the corn as is or with butter, salt, and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

How to serve steamed corn

Steamed corn on the cob is a tasty, healthy, and simple dish to prepare. It is also one of the fastest ways to cook corn. The following are some serving suggestions for steamed corn.

Mexican Street Corn

Rub each ear of corn with a tablespoon of butter. Sprinkle with a teaspoon of chili 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 in a small bowl. 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 seasoning to the mixture. Brush the mixture over the hot steamed ears of corn.

Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn

A creamy dressing, crunchy panko coating, and a spicy jalapeno kick make this dish stand out. For an extra kick, sprinkle with cooked and crumbled bacon.

Grilled Corn with Chipotle-Lime Butter

Grilling corn in the husks is easy. There is no need to remove the silk and tie the husk closed before grilling. Just soak, grill, and add your favorite flavored butter.

Chip-Crusted Grilled Corn

For a unique twist on Mexican street corn, roll the ears of corn in crushed chips. Try different chip flavors like ranch dressing or jalapeno.

Grilled Sweet Corn

Parsley, chili powder, and cumin accent the corn's just-picked flavor.

Slow-Cooker Sriracha Corn

This recipe is perfect for those who like their corn a little sweet, a little smoky, and a little hot.

Spicy Corn Kabobs

Corn on the cob becomes a tangy treat when grilled, dotted with sour cream and cheese, and zinged with a splash of lime.

Grilled Spicy Corn on the Cob

Add jalapenos and hot pepper sauce to homegrown corn for an extra kick.

Buttery Horseradish Corn on the Cob

A butter and horseradish topping is the perfect addition to grilled corn.

Corn on the Cob with Lemon-Pepper Butter

Roast fresh-picked corn and serve it with lemon-pepper butter for a traditional, flavorful dish.

Basil Grilled Corn on the Cob

Add some unexpected ingredients to your grilled corn to make it taste even more like summertime.

Fiesta Grilled Corn

Combine Mexican and Italian flavors by using basil and oregano butter and Parmesan cheese.

Frequently asked questions