Steaming Sweet Success: Corn On The Cob Epicure-Style

Corn on the cob is a delicious and healthy dish that can be cooked in a variety of ways. One popular method is steaming, which is easy and quick. It also preserves more nutrients compared to other cooking methods like boiling or grilling. To steam corn on the cob, you'll need a steamer basket and pot, or alternatively, you can use a microwave, skillet, or oven. The process is simple: add water to a large pot, insert a steamer rack, and bring the water to a boil. Husk the corn, removing the silk and any discoloured kernels. Place the corn in the steamer basket, cover, and let it steam for 4-15 minutes, depending on your desired texture. Serve with butter, salt, and pepper, or get creative with spices and seasonings. Enjoy your perfectly cooked corn on the cob!

How to steam corn in the microwave

Steaming corn is one of the easiest and most delicious ways to cook fresh corn. It's quick, simple, and brings out the best taste and texture of fresh, in-season corn. Plus, it's a great way to preserve the nutrients in corn! Here's how to do it in the microwave.

Step 1: Prep

Place the corn (still in the husk) on a microwave-safe dish. You can cook up to four small cobs at a time. Cut off and discard the stem ends, but leave the silky tassels at the top.

Step 2: Microwave

Cover the dish and microwave on high for 3 to 5 minutes. If you like your corn softer, add an extra minute of cooking time.

Step 3: Rest and Serve

The corn will be very hot when you take it out, so let it rest for a few minutes before handling. Then, using oven mitts, gently grip the tip of the corn and squeeze. The cob should cleanly pop out of the husk, leaving the silk threads behind. Serve with butter, salt, and pepper, and your favourite seasoning. Enjoy!

How to steam corn on the stovetop

Steaming corn on the cob is an easy and delicious way to cook fresh corn. Here is a step-by-step guide to steaming corn on the stovetop:

What You'll Need:

• A generously-sized pot with a lid
• A steamer basket or rack that fits inside your pot
• A pair of tongs
• Fresh corn on the cob (as many as can fit in your pot)
• Water
• Butter, salt, and pepper (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Corn

Husk the corn and remove the silk. Trim off any discolored 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 comfortably in the pot.

Step 2: Prepare the Steamer

Add about 2 inches of water to your large pot and insert the steamer rack/basket. Make sure the water level is below the steamer rack/basket. If it is touching or too high, pour some of it out.

Step 3: Bring the Water to a Boil

Cover the pot and place it on the stove over high heat. Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Step 4: 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 cooking 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 and add more water as needed. Do not let the water level fall below 1 inch, as your pot may scorch.

Step 5: Serve

Turn off the heat and carefully remove the corn from the pot using tongs. Serve the steamed corn as is or with butter, salt, and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

Tips:

• Choose young, freshly picked corn for the sweetest and tenderest results.
• Avoid salting the water or corn before cooking, as salt will toughen the corn. Season with salt and butter after steaming.
• For a fun twist, try seasoning your corn with different flavors like Cajun spices, basil-parmesan butter, or Mexican street corn-style with chili powder, cotija cheese, cilantro, and lime juice.

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 step-by-step guide on how to prepare corn for steaming:

Choose the Right Corn:

Start by selecting fresh, high-quality corn on the cob. Look for corn with bright green husks, avoiding any that appear dried out or discoloured. The silk of the corn should be light in colour, and the ears of corn should feel heavy, indicating they are juicy.

Shuck the Corn:

Peel back the husks from the corn, starting at the top where the tassels are located. Remove all the husks and break off any excess stem at the bottom of the cob.

Clean the Corn:

Use a vegetable brush to remove any leftover corn silk strands. Brush the corn under running water to ensure all the silk is removed. You can also use your fingers to pluck off any stubborn strands.

Cut the Corn (Optional):

If you are preparing corn for a party or want smaller portions, you can cut the corn in half before steaming.

Prepare the Steamer:

Fill a large pot with about two inches of water. The water level should not touch the bottom of the steamer basket. If using the Epicure Multipurpose Steamer, follow the instructions provided with the product.

Add the Corn:

Place the cleaned ears of corn into the steamer basket. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a large plate or a colander placed inside the pot. Make sure the corn is stacked vertically with the stems down.

Bring Water to a Boil:

Cover the pot and place it on the stove over high heat. Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Steam the Corn:

Once the water is boiling, place the corn into the steamer basket inside the pot, if you haven't already. Cover the pot and let the corn steam for 4 to 6 minutes for crisp corn, or longer if you prefer softer corn. Adjust the steaming time according to your desired level of doneness. Remember to keep an eye on the water level and add more water if needed.

Serve:

Once the corn is steamed to your liking, carefully remove it from the pot using tongs. Serve the corn with butter, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also experiment with different seasonings, such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, or grated Parmesan cheese.

By following these steps, you will be able to prepare and steam corn on the cob to perfection, resulting in a delicious and healthy side dish.

How to serve steamed corn

Steamed corn on the cob is a delicious and healthy dish that can be easily prepared with just a few simple steps. Here is a detailed guide on how to serve perfectly steamed corn using an Epicure steamer.

Step 1: Choosing the Corn

When selecting corn, look for bright green husks and avoid those that appear dried out or discoloured. The silk of fresh corn should be light in colour, while older corn will have silk that is brown or black. Choose corn that feels heavy, as this indicates that it is juicier.

Step 2: Preparing the Corn

Before steaming, remove the husks and silk from the corn. You can do this by peeling back the husks from the top of the cob and then using your hands to pull off the silk. Rinse the corn under running water to remove any remaining silk. Break off any excess stem at the bottom of the cob.

Step 3: Steaming the Corn

For this step, you will need your Epicure steamer. Place 2 inches of water in a large pot and insert the steamer rack, ensuring that the water does not touch the bottom of the rack. Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, carefully place the corn cobs into the steamer basket and cover the pot again.

Step 4: 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 and add more water if needed to ensure it doesn't fall below 1 inch.

Step 5: Serving

Once the corn is steamed to your desired level of doneness, carefully remove it from the pot using tongs. Serve the corn as is, or with butter, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also experiment with different seasonings, such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, or grated Parmesan cheese.

Storage

If you have any leftover steamed corn, it can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Simply wrap it well in aluminium foil or place it in an airtight container. Steamed corn also freezes well and can be stored in the freezer for up to 10 months.

How to steam corn without a steamer

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.

Using a Skillet

• Prepare the corn by husking it and pulling off any threads or strings.
• Rinse the corn in cool water, then use a knife to cut away any bad spots.
• Cut the corn cobs in half if you'd like smaller portions or if they are too big for your skillet.
• Fill the bottom of a large skillet with 1 to 2 inches of water.
• Bring the water to a boil.
• Add the husked corn to the skillet in a single layer.
• Let the water return to a boil, then lower the heat and cover the skillet.
• Cook the corn for 3 to 4 minutes, turning the corn every minute or so with a pair of tongs to ensure even cooking. The corn is ready when the kernels turn bright yellow.
• Remove the corn from the skillet using tongs and serve.

Using an Oven

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
• Husk the corn and pull away any threads or strings. Rinse the corn, then chop off any bad spots. Cut the corn cobs in half.
• Place the corn into a 3-quart glass baking dish.
• Fill the baking dish with 1/2 inch of water. Do not add salt to the water, as it will make the corn tough.
• Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
• While the corn is steaming, mix 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley (optional), and 1/4 teaspoon of seasoned salt in a small bowl.
• When the corn is done, drain the water and pour the butter mixture over the corn, turning the cobs with tongs to coat them evenly.

Using a Microwave

• Husk the corn and remove any remaining threads or strings. Rinse the corn, then chop off any bad spots. Cut the corn cobs in half if needed.
• Pour 2 tablespoons of water into a microwave-safe baking dish large enough to fit your corn.
• Add the corn to the dish, ensuring the ends aren't hanging over the edge.
• Cover the dish with plastic wrap and poke a vent hole with a fork to allow steam to escape.
• Microwave on high for 4 to 6 minutes, or until the kernels turn bright yellow. Cooking time may vary depending on the strength of your microwave.
• Remove the plastic wrap carefully, as the steam will be very hot. Use tongs if necessary.
• Serve the corn.

Using a Colander

• Add two inches of water to a pot with a lid.
• Place a colander of corn above the water, ensuring the water isn't touching the colander.
• Cover the colander with a large lid or double layers of thick foil to prevent steam from escaping.
• Bring the water to a boil and cook the corn for 10 minutes.
• Turn off the heat and let the corn sit, covered, for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the kernels are bright yellow, plump, and tender.

Tips:

• Choose young, freshly picked corn for the sweetest and most tender results.
• Avoid salting the water or the corn before cooking, as salt will toughen the corn. Season with salt and butter after steaming.
• Corn is done cooking when the kernels become bright yellow and feel tender and plump.
• To check if the corn is cooked to your liking, bite into a kernel.
• For parties or easier eating, cut the corn into smaller portions before steaming.
• Do not keep lifting the lid to check on the corn, as this will let out steam.
• For microwave cooking, wrap shucked corn in a damp paper towel to prevent dryness.

Frequently asked questions