Steaming Sweet Corn: Rice Cooker & Cheesecloth Method

Steaming corn in a rice cooker is a simple and convenient way to prepare this delicious vegetable. Not only does it retain the natural flavour and nutrients of the corn, but it also results in a tender and juicy texture that will leave you wanting more. This method is especially useful for busy individuals who want a hassle-free way to cook corn without compromising on taste and quality. With just a few simple steps, you can achieve perfectly steamed corn every time. So, get ready to dust off your rice cooker and enjoy corn like never before!

How to prepare the corn for steaming

Preparing corn for steaming is simple and can be done in a few easy steps.

Firstly, you will need to husk the corn and remove the silk. You can do this by hand, pulling away the outer layers and threads until you are left with just the cob. If there are any discoloured kernels or any that have been damaged, trim these off. Rinse the corn in cool water to ensure it is clean.

Next, you can decide whether to cut the corn in half. This may be necessary if you are steaming multiple cobs and they do not fit in your pot or steamer. Cutting the corn in half will also reduce the cooking time, so bear this in mind if you want to cook the corn quickly.

Once your corn is prepared, you are ready to begin steaming.

How to set up the rice cooker for steaming corn

To set up your rice cooker for steaming corn, follow these simple steps:

Preparation:

Start by preparing the corn cobs. Remove the outer husks and silk, ensuring the corn is clean and free from any debris. Rinse the corn under running water to get rid of any remaining silk.

Trimming:

Trim the ends of the corn cobs with a sharp knife. This will help the corn fit properly in the rice cooker's steaming tray or basket.

Adding Water:

Pour water into the inner pot of the rice cooker, following the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, 1 to 2 cups of water is sufficient, but the amount may vary depending on the size of your rice cooker.

Placing the Corn:

Place the steaming tray or basket into the rice cooker. Arrange the trimmed corn cobs on the tray, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not overcrowded. Close the lid of the rice cooker.

Setting the Timer:

Turn on the rice cooker, select the steaming function, and set the timer. The cooking time for corn is usually around 10-15 minutes. If your rice cooker doesn't have a steaming function, you can use the regular cooking function and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Steaming:

Allow the corn to steam without disturbing it until the timer goes off. Avoid opening the lid during the cooking process to prevent the steam from escaping.

Checking for Doneness:

After the cooking time is complete, carefully open the lid. Insert a fork or toothpick into a kernel to check if the corn is tender. If the corn is still slightly firm, close the lid and continue steaming for a few more minutes.

Serving:

Once the corn is cooked to your desired tenderness, use tongs or oven mitts to remove the corn cobs from the rice cooker. Serve them hot as a delicious side dish or incorporate them into your favourite recipes.

How long to steam corn in a rice cooker

Steaming corn in a rice cooker is a simple and effective method that allows you to enjoy the natural flavours, nutrients, and tender texture of corn. With the right equipment and a few easy steps, you can achieve perfectly steamed corn every time.

Preparation

First, prepare the corn cobs by removing the outer husks and silk, ensuring the corn is clean and free from debris. Rinse the corn under running water to remove any remaining silk.

Trimming

Trim the ends of the corn cobs using a sharp knife to help them fit properly in the rice cooker's steaming tray or basket.

Adding Water

Pour water into the rice cooker's inner pot, following the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, 1 to 2 cups of water is sufficient, but the amount needed will depend on the size of your rice cooker.

Placing the Corn

Place the steaming tray or basket into the rice cooker. Arrange the trimmed corn cobs on the tray, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not overcrowded. Close the lid of the rice cooker.

Setting the Timer

Turn on the rice cooker and select the steaming function. Set the timer for around 10-15 minutes, which is the recommended cooking time for corn. If your rice cooker doesn't have a specific steaming function, use the regular cooking function and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Steaming

Allow the corn to steam undisturbed until the timer goes off. Avoid opening the lid during the cooking process to prevent the steam from escaping.

Checking for Doneness

After the cooking time is complete, carefully open the rice cooker lid. Insert a fork or toothpick into a kernel to check if the corn is tender. If the corn is still slightly firm, close the lid and steam for a few more minutes.

Serving

Once the corn is cooked to your desired level of tenderness, use tongs or oven mitts to remove the corn cobs from the rice cooker. Serve them hot as a side dish or incorporate them into your favourite recipes.

With these simple steps, you can enjoy perfectly steamed corn in no time. Remember to exercise caution when handling hot corn cobs and the rice cooker.

Tips for seasoning and serving steamed corn

Steamed corn is a versatile dish that can be seasoned and served in a variety of ways to elevate your culinary experience. Here are some tips to make your steamed corn even more delicious:

• Butter and Salt: A classic combination for a reason! Slather your steamed corn with butter and sprinkle it with salt to taste. This simple seasoning enhances the natural sweetness of the corn.
• Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices to add a burst of flavour to your steamed corn. Try using basil, parsley, dill, chilli powder, garlic powder, or Cajun seasonings. These can be added to the butter or oil for a more subtle flavour or sprinkled directly on the corn for a bolder taste.
• Cheese: Grated or shredded cheese adds a creamy texture and savoury flavour to your steamed corn. Try using cotija cheese, Parmesan cheese, or any variety that melts well and complements the other seasonings.
• Citrus and Cilantro: For a tangy twist, drizzle lime or lemon juice over your steamed corn and sprinkle it with chopped cilantro. This combination adds a bright, fresh dimension to the dish.
• Cajun-Style Corn: If you're feeling adventurous, try sautéing minced onion and garlic in vegetable oil or butter, then adding Cajun seasonings to create a bold, spicy sauce for your steamed corn.
• Mexican Street Corn: Take your taste buds on a trip to Mexico by rubbing your steamed corn with butter and sprinkling it with chili powder, cotija cheese, and chopped cilantro. Finish it off with a drizzle of lime juice for an authentic Mexican street food experience.
• Basil-Parmesan Corn: For a more subtle flavour, combine softened butter with chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Spread this mixture on your steamed corn for a creamy, herby treat.
• Salt and Pepper: Keep it simple with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. This classic combination lets the natural sweetness of the corn shine through while adding a savoury kick.
• Creative Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Offer an array of options like different flavoured butters, spices, sauces, and herbs to create a fun and interactive corn on the cob bar for your guests.
• Salads: Cut the steamed corn kernels off the cob and toss them into a refreshing summer salad with vegetables like tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette dressing and enjoy the perfect side dish for a barbecue or picnic.
• Soups and Chowders: Use steamed corn as a base for hearty soups and chowders. Combine it with sautéed onions, potatoes, broth, and cream, then season with herbs and spices to create a comforting and flavourful soup.
• Salsas: Chopped steamed corn kernels mixed with diced tomatoes, red onions, jalapenos, and cilantro create a vibrant and tangy corn salsa. Serve it as an appetizer with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled meats.
• Tacos, Burritos, and Quesadillas: Steamed corn makes a delicious and nutritious filling for Mexican favourites like tacos, burritos, or quesadillas. Combine it with seasoned grilled chicken, black beans, avocado, and your favourite spices for a flavourful and satisfying meal.
• Corn Fritters: Mix steamed corn kernels with batter and fry until golden brown. These crispy corn fritters make an excellent snack or side dish for breakfast or brunch.
• Corn Pudding: For a creamy and indulgent treat, blend steamed corn kernels with eggs, milk, flour, and seasonings. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and bake until golden and set. This savoury pudding is sure to impress your guests.

How to store and reheat leftover steamed corn

Storing and reheating leftover steamed corn is a simple process that will allow you to enjoy this delicious side dish again and again. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do it:

Storing Leftover Steamed Corn:

• Allow the corn to cool down to room temperature. Bacteria love the sugar in corn, so it's important to get it into the fridge within 2 hours of cooking.
• Wrap each cob individually in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. You can also place them in an airtight container or a Ziploc bag with as much air removed as possible.
• Store the wrapped corn in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3 to 5 days.

Reheating Leftover Steamed Corn:

There are several methods you can use to reheat leftover steamed corn, each with its own advantages:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap each ear of corn in aluminium foil and add a teaspoon of water for steam. You can also add butter, oil, and/or spices for extra flavour. Place the corn in the oven for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
• Microwave: Place the corn on a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp towel to maintain moisture. Heat the corn in 10-20 second intervals, rotating it occasionally, until it is warmed throughout. This method is quick and easy but requires careful attention to avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Drop in the unseasoned corn cobs and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through. This method is straightforward and effective, but it may be a waste of water and energy if you're only heating one or two cobs.
• Grill: Start your grill and get it warmed up to medium-low heat. Place the corn on the grill and rotate it one-quarter turn every 30 seconds using tongs. Continue until the corn is warmed through, which usually takes about 2 minutes or 2 full rotations. Grilling is a great way to add extra flavour to your corn, but it can dry it out, so consider brushing the corn with melted butter before grilling.
• Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Wrap each ear of corn in aluminium foil and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until heated through.

Remember, when reheating corn on the cob, it's important not to overcook it. You want to retain the juicy, crunchy texture and flavour that makes corn on the cob so delicious. Enjoy your leftover steamed corn!

Frequently asked questions