Steaming Sweet Corn: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Method

Steaming corn is a great way to cook corn without adding any fat, and it keeps the corn kernels tender. It is also a faster method than boiling a big pot of water. To steam corn, start by shucking the corn and removing the husks and silk. Then, add water to a pot, ensuring it doesn't rise above the steamer basket once placed inside. Place the corn in the basket, cover the pot, and heat on high until the water steams. Steam the corn until the kernels are tender, which usually takes about 4 to 15 minutes, depending on the tenderness of the corn.

How to prepare corn for steaming

Preparing corn for steaming is a simple process, but there are a few steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Shuck the corn

Remove the husk and silk from each ear of corn. The husk is the outer green leaves, and the silk is the thin, white threads on the surface of the corn. You can do this by peeling back the husk and holding the corn cob firmly as you snap off the stalk. Then, run a damp paper towel over the corn to remove any remaining silk.

Step 2: Prepare the steamer

Fill the bottom of a pot with about 2 inches of water. Make sure that the water does not rise above the steamer basket once it is placed inside. If you are using an electric pressure cooker, such as an Instant Pot, you will need to add 1 cup of water and use a trivet to elevate the corn.

Step 3: Trim the corn (optional)

If your corn cobs are too long to fit in your pot, you can break or cut them in half. This will ensure that they fit in the pot and also allow them to cook more evenly.

Step 4: Add the corn to the steamer

Place the steaming basket in the pot, and then add the prepared corn. If you are using an electric pressure cooker, stand the corn halves on top of the trivet. Make sure that the corn is in a single layer and not overcrowded in the pot.

Now that your corn is prepared and in the steamer, you are ready to begin the steaming process!

How long to steam corn

Steaming corn is a great way to cook corn, as it keeps the corn tender without adding any fat or causing any burned patches. The time it takes to steam corn depends on the method you use, the tenderness of the corn, and how soft you like your corn to be.

Steamer Basket

If you are using a steamer basket, you should first remove the corn's husk and silk. Then, add water to a pot so that it does not rise above the steamer basket once it's placed inside. Place the steaming basket in the pot, add the corn, and cover. Heat the pot on high until the water begins to steam. Allow the corn to steam until the kernels are tender, which usually takes around 4 to 10 minutes.

Instant Pot

If you're using an Instant Pot, you'll first need to husk and halve the corn. Add a cup of water to the Instant Pot, put in a trivet, and stand the corn halves on top. Close the pressure cooker, seal the valve, and set to 5 minutes of high manual pressure. Once the 5 minutes is up, quick-release the pressure and carefully remove the lid. The whole process, including building up pressure, should take around 15 to 20 minutes.

Stovetop

To steam corn on the stovetop, start by filling a large skillet with one inch of water and adding husked ears of corn in a single layer. Bring the water to a boil, cover the skillet, and cook for around 3 minutes, or until the corn is bright yellow and tender.

How to season steamed corn

Ingredients

• Corn on the cob
• Butter
• Salt
• Olive oil
• Garlic

Instructions

Start by shucking the corn and discarding the husks. Trim any insect-chewed ends from the corn cobs. Then, dampen a paper towel and run it over each cob to remove the thin white silk threads.

Next, fill a steamer or pot halfway with cold water and place it on high heat until the water boils. While the water is heating up, you can prepare the seasoning. For a classic option, mix butter with salt, or for a more savoury option, mix olive oil with garlic.

Once the water is boiling, place the corn in the steamer basket and cover the pot. If needed, break the corn cobs in half to fit them into the pot. Steam the corn for 7 to 15 minutes, depending on the tenderness you desire. Check the water level periodically and add more if necessary.

When the corn is tender, remove it from the steamer with tongs and brush on your chosen seasoning. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to serve steamed corn

Preparation

Before steaming corn, it is important to prepare it. Start by shucking the corn and discarding the husks. If there are any insect-chewed ends, trim them from the corn cobs. You can then use a damp paper towel to remove any silk from the corn.

Steaming

Now it's time to steam the corn. Add 1-2 inches of water to the bottom of a pot. Place a steamer basket inside the pot, ensuring that the water does not rise above it. Put the corn in the basket, cover the pot, and heat on high. Once the water is steaming, cook the corn for around 4-10 minutes, depending on the tenderness of the corn.

Serving

Once the corn is steamed, remove it from the pot with tongs and cover it with foil until you are ready to serve. You can serve the corn on its own, or with butter, salt, olive oil, garlic, or lemon juice. For a more creative option, try Mexican Corn on the Cob by brushing the corn with adobo sauce and sprinkling it with Cotija cheese. Alternatively, try Basil Butter Corn on the Cob by blending butter with basil, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, and then slathering it on the corn.

How to store leftover steamed corn

To store leftover steamed corn, you'll want to place it in an airtight container or a zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. Kept in the refrigerator, your leftover corn on the cob will last for an additional 3 to 5 days. If you want to use the leftovers in another dish, you can cut the kernels off the cob and store them in an airtight container or bag in the fridge.

If you want to keep your leftover corn for longer than a few days, you can freeze it. First, blanch the corn by placing it in boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes, then immediately plunge it into ice water for about 30 seconds. Drain the water off, then place the corn in freezer bags or airtight containers and freeze. Frozen corn will keep for up to a year.

Alternatively, you can freeze just the kernels. Blanch the corn, then slice off the kernels with a knife and place them in bags or containers before placing them in the freezer. This method means you won't have to defrost a whole cob when you want to use some leftover corn in a dish.

Frequently asked questions