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

Steamed corn on the cob is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy sweet corn. It's also one of the easiest ways to cook corn, requiring just a pot, water, and corn. The steaming process brings out the best taste and texture of fresh, in-season corn. This guide will teach you how to steam corn on the cob, including preparation, cooking, and serving tips, for the perfect sweet and juicy corn every time.

How to steam corn on the cob without a steamer basket

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.

Step 1: Prepare the Corn

Husk the corn and remove the silk. Trim off any discoloured kernels or any that have been damaged by insects. You may need to cut the corn in half if it is too long to fit in your pot.

Step 2: Prepare the Pot

Add 1-2 inches of water to a large pot or skillet. Make sure the water is not touching the bottom of the steamer rack or corn. If it is, pour some of it out.

Step 3: Bring the Water to a Boil

Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil over high heat.

Step 4: Add the Corn

Once the water begins to boil, carefully place the corn into the pot using a pair of tongs. If you are using a skillet, add the shucked corn cobs to the water, then bring it to a boil.

Step 5: Steam the Corn

Cover the pot and let the corn steam for 4-7 minutes, depending 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. Keep an eye on the water level and add more water if needed.

Step 6: Serve

Turn off the heat and carefully remove the corn from the pot with tongs. Serve with butter, salt, and pepper, to taste.

Tips:

• Choose young, freshly picked corn for the sweetest and tenderest results.
• Avoid salting the water or the corn before cooking, as this will toughen the corn. Save the salt and butter for seasoning after steaming.
• To steam corn in the microwave, place the cob in the microwave without husking or trimming. Microwave on high for 4 minutes, then remove the corn using tongs or an oven mitt. Trim the bottom of the ear and shake out the cooked cob.
• You can also steam corn in the oven. Heat the oven to 400°F. Shuck the corn and cut it in half if needed. Place it in a bowl or casserole dish with 1/2 inch of water. Cover the dish with aluminium foil and bake for 30 minutes.

How to choose corn on the cob

When choosing corn on the cob, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the best possible product. Firstly, try to buy corn on the cob during its peak season, which is generally from May through September. Corn is at its freshest and sweetest during this time, so you're more likely to get a tasty cob. Look for ears of corn that are plump with bright green, tightly closed husks. This is a good indicator that the corn is fresh and hasn't started to dry out.

When examining the corn, take a peek at the silk. Fresh corn silk should be a light brown colour and feel slightly sticky, which indicates that the corn is still juicy. Avoid corn with husks and silks that are heavily browned, dried out, or have small holes in them, as this may suggest pest damage. You can also carefully peel back the silk at the top to check the kernels. Look for kernels that are set close together and are a white or yellow colour. Avoid corn that looks brown or chewed, as this may be a sign of critter damage.

When selecting your corn, go for the heavier cobs as these tend to be juicier. And remember, don't buy pre-shucked corn! Corn starts to turn starchy once the stalk is removed, so it's best to keep it on until you're ready to cook it.

How to shuck corn

Shucking corn is the process of removing the husks and silk. Here is a step-by-step guide to doing it efficiently:

Step 1: Peel Back the Husks

Start by peeling back the husks from the top of the ear of corn. Keep peeling back the inner leaves until you can see the corn inside.

Step 2: Grip the Corn Cob

Grip the bottom of the corn cob firmly with one hand.

Step 3: Remove the Silk

Use your other hand to grab the tops of the leaves with the tassel. Pull down forcefully in one motion to remove the silk. Repeat this process until the majority of the silk and husk is removed.

Step 4: Tear Off the Husks

Tear off the remaining husks and break off any extra stem at the bottom.

Step 5: Rinse the Corn

Rinse the corn under running water. Use a vegetable brush to brush off any remaining silk. Alternatively, you can use your fingers to pluck off any extra strands.

Step 6: Dispose of the Husks and Silk

Finally, dispose of the husks and silk in the garbage. Do not put them in your garbage disposal, as they can clog it.

How to cut corn on the cob in half

• First, you will need to shuck the corn, removing the husk and silk. This will make the process much easier.
• Next, decide whether you want to cut the corn with a knife or break it in half with your hands. If you prefer to use a knife, select a large, sharp chef's knife. The sharpness will ensure a clean cut.
• If you choose to break the corn in half, grip both ends of the ear with your hands and quickly snap it in half by pushing the ends away from you. This method is easier and safer than using a knife.
• If you opt for using a knife, place the corn flat side down on a cutting board. If the corn wobbles, slice a small portion off the bottom to create a stable base.
• For added safety and a better grip, wrap one end of the corn in a clean kitchen towel. This will also protect your hands.
• Position the knife perpendicular to the cutting board, aligning it at the centre of the corn cob.
• Firmly and carefully press down on the knife. If needed, use a rocking motion to slice through the cob. Apply even pressure to ensure a clean cut.
• Keep your fingers away from the knife's path at all times. Use the towel-wrapped end as a handle and maintain a firm and secure grip.
• If you are cutting multiple cobs, repeat the process for each one, ensuring that you clean the knife if it becomes sticky.
• As an optional step, you can microwave the corn on high for 30 seconds to one minute to soften it slightly and make cutting easier.
• If you are uncomfortable using knives, consider using a corn cutter tool as a safer alternative. It will easily halve the cobs without the need for a sharp knife.
• After cutting, remember to wipe down your cutting board and knife. Corn juice can be sticky, so a quick clean-up will prevent a mess.
• If you are not using the halved cobs immediately, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for a few days.

How to store steamed corn

Storing steamed corn is a great way to preserve this tasty treat for future use. Here are some detailed, direct, and instructive steps to help you store steamed corn effectively:

Storing Steamed Corn in the Fridge

If you plan to consume the steamed corn within a few days, storing it in the refrigerator is a good option. Here's what you need to do:

• Allow the steamed corn to cool down: Before placing the corn in the fridge, let it cool to room temperature. Storing hot corn can increase the temperature inside the fridge, affecting other food items.
• Remove the kernels (optional): You can cut the kernels off the cob and store them separately in an airtight container. This step is optional, but it can make the corn easier to use later.
• Use an airtight container: Place the whole corn cobs or the removed kernels in an airtight container. Make sure the container is clean and dry before use.
• Refrigerate within two hours: It is essential to refrigerate the steamed corn within two hours of cooking to maintain its quality and safety.
• Consume within three to five days: Properly stored steamed corn will last in the fridge for three to five days. Check the corn for any signs of spoilage before consuming it.

Storing Steamed Corn in the Freezer

If you want to store steamed corn for longer, freezing is a great option. Here's how you can do it:

• Allow the steamed corn to cool down: Before freezing, let the steamed corn cool to room temperature. Placing hot corn in the freezer can affect its texture and taste.
• Remove the kernels: For effective freezing, it is best to remove the kernels from the cob. This step will make it easier to thaw and use the corn later.
• Blanch the kernels (optional): Blanching the kernels before freezing can help preserve their taste and texture. However, this step is optional.
• Use airtight containers or freezer bags: Place the kernels in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bags.
• Label and date the containers or bags: Before placing the corn in the freezer, label the containers or bags with the date of freezing. This will help you keep track of how long the corn has been frozen.
• Consume within 10 to 12 months: Properly stored steamed corn will retain its best quality for 10 to 12 months in the freezer. However, it will remain safe to consume even after this period if kept at a constant temperature of 0°F.

Frequently asked questions