Steaming Sweet Success: Corn In A Steam Oven

Steaming corn is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook corn, and it can be done in a variety of ways, including in the oven. One method involves using a steamer basket, where you fill the bottom of a large pot with 2 inches of water, place a steamer basket at the bottom, and add the corn. Bring the water to a boil, then simmer for 7-10 minutes. Another method is to use a skillet, where you fill the bottom of the skillet with 1-2 inches of water, bring it to a boil, add the corn, and cook for 3-4 minutes. You can also steam corn in the oven by placing the corn in a glass baking dish with 1/2 inch of water, covering the dish with foil, and baking at 400°F for 30 minutes.

How to steam corn in a microwave

Steaming corn in the microwave is a quick and easy way to cook corn without having to boil a pot of water or fire up the grill. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam corn in the microwave:

Step 1: Prep

Husk the corn and remove any silk. Rinse the corn in cool water and cut off any bad spots. If you want smaller portions or if the corn is too big for your microwave, cut the cobs in half.

Step 2: Add Water

Pour 2 tablespoons of water into a microwave-safe dish or bowl. Make sure the dish is big enough to fit your corn. This method is ideal for steaming 2 or 3 ears of corn at a time. If you need to cook more, you can do them in separate batches or try another steaming method.

Step 3: Microwave

Place the corn in the dish, ensuring that it lays flat against the bottom. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and poke a small vent hole in the plastic using a fork. This will allow the steam to escape. Microwave the corn on high power for 3 to 6 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. The corn is ready when the kernels turn bright yellow and are tender but still crisp.

Step 4: Serve

Remove the plastic wrap from the dish carefully, as the steam will be very hot. Use tongs or oven mitts to handle the dish and corn to avoid burns. Serve the corn with butter, salt, and pepper, or your desired seasonings and enjoy!

Tips:

• If you prefer to cook the corn with the husk on, simply place the unhusked corn in the microwave and cook for 4 minutes on high power. Then, cut off the bottom of the stem and slip off the husk and silk.
• To cook multiple cobs at once, wrap each ear of corn in a moist paper towel and increase the cooking time by 1 to 2 minutes.

How to steam corn in an oven

Steaming corn in the oven is an easy and delicious way to cook corn without needing to use a stove. It's also a great way to preserve the nutrients in the corn while still enjoying its fantastic flavour. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

What You'll Need:

• 6 ears of corn, husked and cleaned
• 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 2 tablespoons of butter, melted
• ¼ teaspoon of seasoned salt
• 3-quart (3 litres) glass baking dish
• Foil

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
• Husk the corn and remove any threads or strings. Rinse the corn and cut off any bad spots. Cut the corn in half if needed.
• Place the corn into the glass baking dish.
• Fill the baking dish with ½ inch (1.27 cm) of water. Do not add salt to the water, as it will make the corn tough.
• Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. The water will heat up and create steam to cook the corn.
• While the corn is steaming, mix the parsley, butter, and salt in a small bowl. You can also add other spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture. Cut the butter into cubes first, then melt it before stirring in the other ingredients.
• Once the corn is done steaming, remove it from the oven and drain the water.
• Pour the butter mixture over the corn and turn the cobs to coat them evenly.
• Serve and enjoy!

Tips:

• You can also steam corn in a microwave or on a stovetop using a steamer basket.
• When choosing corn, look for bright green husks and lighter-coloured silk, which indicate freshness.
• Don't buy pre-shucked corn, as it can become starchy once the stalk is removed.
• Don't put corn husks and silk in your garbage disposal, as they can clog it.
• If you want to serve the corn as a party snack, cut it into smaller portions before steaming.

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:

Firstly, you will need to gather your ingredients and equipment. For this method, you will need corn on the cob, water, a pot with a lid, a steamer basket, and a pair of tongs. You may also want to gather some butter, salt, and pepper for seasoning after steaming.

Once you have your ingredients and equipment, follow these steps:

• Husk the corn: Remove the outer husk and any silk threads from the corn cobs.
• Prepare the corn: Rinse the corn cobs in cool water. Use a knife to cut away any bad spots or discoloured kernels. If the corn cobs are too long for your pot, you can cut them in half or into thirds.
• Fill the pot with water: The pot you use should be large enough to fit the corn cobs comfortably. Fill the bottom of the pot with about 2 inches (5.08 cm) of water. Make sure the water does not touch the bottom of the steamer basket.
• Insert the steamer basket: Place the steamer basket into the pot. If the water level is too high, pour out some water, leaving about 2 inches.
• Bring the water to a boil: Cover the pot with a lid and turn the heat to high. Wait for the water to come to a rolling boil.
• Add the corn: Once the water is boiling, use tongs to carefully place the corn cobs into the steamer basket.
• Steam the corn: Cover the pot again 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. For very soft corn, steam for 10-15 minutes. Remember to keep an eye on the water level and top it up if needed.
• Remove the corn: When the corn is done to your liking, use tongs to take the corn cobs out of the pot and place them on a serving plate. Be careful when removing the lid as the steam will be very hot.
• Season and serve: At this point, you can season the corn with butter, salt, and pepper to taste. Then, your steamed corn is ready to be enjoyed!

Remember, steaming corn is a quick and easy way to cook fresh corn, and it preserves more nutrients compared to boiling or grilling. So, follow these steps to prepare and steam your corn to perfection!

How to serve steamed corn

Now that you've cooked your corn in a steam oven, it's time to serve it! Here are some tips and ideas to make your steamed corn even more delicious and enjoyable:

Serving Steamed Corn:

• Keep it simple: Steamed corn is delicious on its own, so you can simply serve it as is. The natural sweetness and tenderness of freshly steamed corn are often best enjoyed without any additions.
• Butter and Seasonings: For a classic corn on the cob experience, serve your steamed corn with butter, salt, and pepper. Spread some butter over the hot corn and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
• Mexican Street Corn: Try this delicious variation by rubbing each ear of corn with butter and sprinkling it with chili powder, cotija cheese, and chopped cilantro. Finish it off with a drizzle of lime juice for a tangy and flavourful treat.
• Basil-Parmesan Corn: For a more indulgent option, combine softened butter with chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Spread this mixture generously on your steamed corn for a tasty and aromatic treat.
• Cajun-Style Corn: Sauté minced onion and garlic in vegetable oil or butter until transparent. Then, add some Cajun seasonings to the mixture and brush it over your steamed corn for a spicy and flavourful kick.
• Salads, Tacos, and Quesadillas: Steamed corn is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes. Chop it off the cob and add it to salads, tacos, or quesadillas for a burst of sweetness and texture.
• Storage and Reheating: If you have leftover steamed corn, you can store it in the refrigerator, covered or wrapped in aluminium foil, for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it gently in the microwave or oven before serving.

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and ingredients to find your favourite way to enjoy steamed corn!

How to choose the right corn for steaming

When choosing corn to steam, it's important to select the right type and quality to ensure the best results. Here are some tips on how to choose the right corn for steaming:

• Freshness: Opt for young, freshly picked corn as it tends to have a sweeter and more tender taste. Look for bright green husks that are tightly wrapped around the cob, indicating freshness. Avoid corn with dry, brown, or loose husks.
• Appearance: Choose corn with plump, evenly spaced kernels that are shiny and milky. The kernels should be firm to the touch and not shrunken or wrinkled.
• Colour: Look for corn with bright yellow or white kernels, depending on the variety. Avoid corn with discoloured or damaged kernels.
• Texture: Feel the corn to ensure it is crisp and not too soft or mushy. The cob should be slightly moist but not dry.
• Size: Select corn cobs that are uniform in size so that they cook evenly.
• Smell: Fresh corn should have a sweet, fragrant smell. Avoid corn that has an unpleasant odour or no smell at all.
• Seasonality: Corn is typically in season during the summer months, so choose corn that is in season for the best flavour and texture.

By following these guidelines, you can select the right corn for steaming and ensure a delicious and successful dish.

Frequently asked questions