Steaming Sweet Success: Corn On The Cob

Steaming corn on the cob is a quick and easy way to cook fresh corn. It only requires two ingredients: corn and water. The steaming process brings out the best taste and texture of fresh, in-season corn. You can steam corn on the cob on the stove, in the oven, or in the microwave.

How to steam corn on the cob in the oven

Steaming corn on the cob in the oven is a quick and easy way to cook fresh corn. Here is a step-by-step guide:

What You'll Need:

• A generously-sized oven-proof dish or bowl
• A large plate or steamer rack that fits inside your dish
• A pair of tongs
• Fresh corn on the cob (as many as can fit in your dish)
• Water
• Butter, salt, and pepper, or your preferred seasonings

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Husk the corn and remove the silk. Trim off any discolored kernels or any that have been damaged. You may need to cut the corn in half to fit your dish.
• Place about half an inch of water in your dish. The exact amount of water will depend on the size of your dish, but make sure the water doesn't touch the steamer rack or plate.
• Put the steamer rack or plate inside the dish.
• Place the corn on the rack or plate, stacking the corn vertically if needed.
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
• Put the dish in the oven and steam the corn for about 30 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on your oven and the size of the corn.
• Carefully remove the dish from the oven and take off the foil.
• Use tongs to take the corn out of the dish.
• Serve the corn with butter, salt, and pepper, or your preferred seasonings.

Tips:

• Keep an eye on the water level during steaming. Add more water if it starts to boil out.
• Avoid salting the water or corn before cooking, as salt can toughen the corn. Season the corn after it's cooked.
• If you want to steam a smaller number of corn cobs, you can use a microwave or stovetop instead.

How to steam corn on the cob in the microwave

Steaming corn on the cob in the microwave is a quick and easy way to cook this tasty treat. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving perfectly steamed corn on the cob.

Step 1: Prepare the Corn

Start by gathering your tools: a cutting board, a serrated knife, a towel or oven mitt, and, of course, a microwave. You will also need some paper towels and a microwave-safe plate.

Now, prepare the corn. If you are cooking with fresh corn, it is best to leave the husk on. This makes things a lot less messy, and it also traps heat and moisture, helping to cook the kernels evenly. It is also possible to microwave corn without the husk, but this requires an extra step (see below).

Step 2: Microwave the Corn

Place the corn on the cob in the microwave, either directly on the built-in dish or on a microwave-safe plate. The number of corn cobs you cook at once will affect the cooking time, so adjust accordingly:

• For 1 cob, microwave for 3 to 4 minutes on full power.
• For 2 cobs, microwave for 5 to 6 minutes.
• For 3 or 4 cobs, the general rule is to add 2 minutes of cooking time per additional ear of corn. For example, 8 minutes for 3 pieces, 10 minutes for 4, and so on.

Please note that cooking times may vary depending on the power of your microwave, the size and thickness of the corn, and your desired level of softness. It is always best to start with a lower cooking time and then increase in 30-second increments as needed.

Step 3: Remove the Husk and Silk

Once the corn is cooked to your liking, use tongs, an oven mitt, or a kitchen towel to remove the cobs from the microwave. Be very careful, as they will be hot! Cut off the stem end of the cob (about half an inch), then slide the corn out of the husk and silk. It should come out easily.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Microwaved corn is a great snack on its own, and you can jazz it up with butter, salt, and black pepper. It also works well as a side dish, served alongside burgers, grilled chicken, steak, or crispy tofu.

Bonus Tip: Cooking Corn Without the Husk

If you are using corn without the husk, wrap the cob in a couple of layers of damp paper towel before microwaving. The corn will steam within the paper towels, retaining its juicy texture. Again, be careful when removing the corn from the microwave, as it will be very hot!

How to cut corn off the cob

To cut corn off the cob, you will need a sharp knife and a large bowl. You can also use a bundt pan or a large, flat plate.

Place the ear of corn on the cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut the corn off the cob in a downward motion. Start at the top of the cob and work your way down. Angle the knife slightly so that you are cutting off a strip of kernels at a time. Be sure to cut close to the cob to remove all the kernels.

As you cut, the kernels will fly everywhere. This is why you need a large bowl. Place the bowl on the counter next to your cutting board. As you cut, the kernels will fly into the bowl. If you are using a bundt pan or a plate, place the ear of corn in the hole of the bundt pan or in the centre of the plate. This will help to contain the mess.

Once you have cut all the kernels off the cob, you can use them fresh or cook them. To cook, you have a few options. You can steam them, boil them, or sauté them. To steam, place the kernels in a steamer basket over simmering water for 3-5 minutes or until tender. To boil, place them in a pot of boiling water for 3-5 minutes or until tender. To sauté, heat a tablespoon of butter or oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the kernels to the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.

How to store steamed corn on the cob

Storing steamed corn on the cob is a simple process, but it needs to be done correctly to preserve the flavour and texture of the corn. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to store steamed corn on the cob:

Storing Steamed Corn on the Cob in the Fridge

Steamed corn on the cob can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It is important to store it properly to maintain its freshness and flavour.

• Cool the corn: Before storing, allow the steamed corn to cool down to room temperature.
• Wrap the corn: Use aluminium foil or plastic wrap to securely wrap the corn cobs. This will help keep them moist and prevent drying out.
• Place in an airtight container: Put the wrapped corn cobs in an airtight container or a sealed bag. Make sure the bag is not too tight, as you want to allow a little air circulation.
• Store in the fridge: Place the container or bag in the refrigerator. Steamed corn on the cob will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Storing Steamed Corn on the Cob in the Freezer

If you want to store steamed corn on the cob for a longer period, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.

• Cool the corn: Before freezing, let the steamed corn cool down completely.
• Wrap the corn: Tightly wrap each corn cob in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to protect it from freezer burn.
• Place in an airtight container or freezer bag: Put the wrapped corn cobs in an airtight container or a sealed freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag.
• Freeze the corn: Place the container or bag in the freezer. Steamed corn on the cob can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How to choose the right corn on the cob

Choosing the right corn on the cob is the first step to making perfect steamed corn. Here are some tips to help you select the best corn:

• Buy corn when it is in season, usually from May through September. Corn is at its sweetest and most tender during this time.
• Avoid pre-shucked corn, as it tends to become starchy once the stalk is removed.
• Examine the silk of the corn. Fresh corn on the cob will have silk that is lighter in colour, while older corn silk will appear brown or black and dried out.
• Look for bright green husks, and steer clear of husk that are brown, bruised, or dried out.
• Select ears of corn that feel heavy for their size, as these will be juicier.
• If possible, peel back the silk at the top slightly to check the kernels. Look for kernels that are set close together and have a white or yellow colour. Avoid corn with kernels that appear brown or damaged.
• When buying from a farmer, it is better not to peel back the silk to check the kernels. Instead, buy a couple of extra ears to support the farmer.

Remember, the key to choosing the right corn on the cob is freshness. By following these tips, you'll be able to select corn that is juicy, sweet, and tender, making it perfect for steaming.

Frequently asked questions