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

Steaming corn is a great way to cook this vegetable, as it retains its natural sweetness and texture. It is also a more nutritious option compared to boiling, as boiling leads to a significant loss of nutrients. To steam corn, start by removing its husk and silk. Then, place the corn in a steamer basket or a large pot with about 2 inches of water at the bottom. Bring the water to a boil and steam the corn for around 5-10 minutes, depending on the tenderness of the corn. You can serve steamed corn with butter, salt, olive oil, garlic, or any other spices of your choice.

How to steam corn on a stovetop

Steaming corn is a quick and easy way to cook, and it also preserves more nutrients than boiling or grilling. Here is a step-by-step guide to steaming corn on a stovetop:

What You'll Need:

• A large pot with a lid
• A vegetable steamer or steamer basket
• A pair of tongs
• Fresh corn on the cob (as many as you like, but they will need to fit in the pot)
• Water
• Butter, salt, and pepper (optional)

Steps:

• Fill the bottom of the pot with water. You will need enough water to fill the base of the pot, but make sure the water isn't touching the steamer. Aim for about 1-2 inches of water.
• Place the steamer basket in the pot.
• Cover the pot with the lid and bring the water to a boil.
• While the water is heating up, husk the corn and cut the cobs in half if needed so they fit in the pot.
• Once the water is boiling, carefully place the corn into the steamer basket using tongs.
• Cover the pot again and let the corn steam. The 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. Keep an eye on the water level and top it up if needed, but don't let it fall below 1 inch.
• When the corn is ready, turn off the heat and carefully remove the corn from the pot using tongs.
• Serve the corn as it is, or with butter, salt, and pepper to taste.

How to steam corn on a grill

Grilled corn on the cob is a delicious summer treat, and steaming the corn while you grill it is a great way to get juicy, smoky results. Here's how to steam corn on a grill in four simple steps.

First, prepare your grill for direct heat grilling. You want to give the grill plenty of time to get very hot, so be patient! While you're waiting, prepare your corn. Remove the outer leaves and then grasp the tassel and the top of the remaining leaves, pulling down firmly to remove the husk. This will also remove most of the silk. Break off the husk at the base of the ear of corn and get rid of any remaining silk.

Now your grill should be hot and your corn shucked. Place the corn directly over the heat and cook, turning occasionally, until it is beautifully charred all over. This should take around 10 minutes.

Next, slather on some butter using a pastry brush or butter knife. Don't forget to season with salt!

Finally, decide if you want to add any extra toppings. Grilled corn is a great base for all kinds of flavours, from buffalo to cheddar bacon ranch, or even honey-lime butter.

And there you have it! Steamed, grilled corn on the cob.

How to choose corn on the cob

When choosing corn on the cob, the key is to look for fresh, in-season corn, as this will always taste better than corn bought out of season. It is also best to avoid pre-shucked corn, as corn starts to go starchy once it is removed from the stalk. Instead, look for corn with bright green, undamaged husks and moist, pale silk. The corn should feel heavy for its size, indicating that it is full of juice and sap.

To check the freshness of corn, do not pull back the husk or poke the kernels. Instead, simply pick up the cob and weigh it in your hand. A heavier cob means it is fuller with juice and sap, while a lighter cob has likely started to go starchy. It may take some time to find the perfect cob, but it is worth the effort!

Once you have chosen your corn, store it in the fridge until it is time to cook. For the best flavour, steam the corn rather than boiling it, as boiling can leach flavour from the corn.

How to cut corn in half

To cut corn in half, you'll first need to shuck it. This means removing the husk and silks from the corn. Once you've done that, you can try breaking the cob in half with your hands. Place a hand at each end of the cob and quickly push away from you to snap it in two.

If you're having trouble breaking the cob with your hands, you can use a knife. However, this can be tricky, even with a large chef's knife. If you do use a knife, be careful not to injure yourself, and be aware that corn juice may go everywhere.

It's best to cut the corn in half before you cook it, as it's difficult to handle hot corn safely.

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 guidelines on how to store steamed corn to maintain its freshness and quality:

Refrigerating Steamed Corn:

• Timing is key: It is essential to refrigerate steamed corn within two hours of cooking to maintain food safety and quality.
• Use airtight containers: Place the steamed corn in shallow airtight containers, such as glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. Alternatively, wrap the corn tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic wrap.
• Shelf life: Properly stored steamed corn will last for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Check for spoilage: Before consuming, always check the corn for any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell or appearance.

Freezing Steamed Corn:

• Remove kernels: Before freezing, cut the kernels off the cobs. This step will make it easier to thaw and use the corn later.
• Use airtight containers or bags: Place the kernels in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing.
• Label and date: Clearly label and date the containers or bags before placing them in the freezer.
• Shelf life: Frozen steamed corn will maintain its best quality for 10 to 12 months but can be safely stored indefinitely if kept at a constant temperature of 0°F.

By following these simple guidelines, you can enjoy the taste of summer all year round and reduce food waste by preserving your steamed corn effectively!

Frequently asked questions