How to Boil Corn on the Cob

Boil Corn on the Cob

Discover the simple and delightful process of boiling corn on the cob! This sweet, juicy, and golden delight is the perfect summer side dish. Just add butter, salt, and pepper, and enjoy!

My love for seasonal cooking stems from the delightful memories of enjoying corn on the cob as a child. During summer, my mom would serve boiled corn on the cob almost every night, sourced from a nearby farm stand. The sweet and fresh taste of those golden kernels, smothered in butter and sprinkled with salt, was simply irresistible. Even now, the memory of that delicious summer sweet corn still makes my mouth water.

While I have shared recipes for steamed and grilled corn on the cob, I have never revealed my method for boiling corn. It is incredibly easy and guarantees the sweetest and juiciest corn on the cob you can make. The recipe itself is straightforward, with no major tips or tricks. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the fresher your corn, the better your corn on the cob will turn out. Enjoy!

How  to Boil Corn on the Cob

Here is a simple method for boiling corn on the cob. All you need is fresh sweet corn as your main ingredient. You can cook as many ears as you want, as long as your pot is big enough to fully submerge them.

To start, remove the husks from the corn. Get rid of the green husks and the silks, which are the thin strands that cling to each ear. While you do this, bring a large pot of water to a boil.

Next, let’s cook the corn. Add the corn to the boiling water and let it cook uncovered until the kernels become tender and golden. The cooking time will depend on the quantity of corn and your preferred level of doneness. As a general guideline, I recommend boiling the corn for around 3-5 minutes. This should be approximately the same amount of time it takes for the water to return to a boil after adding the corn. If the corn finishes cooking before the rest of your meal, you can turn off the stove and leave the corn in the hot water to keep it warm until you’re ready to serve.

Finally, it’s time to enjoy your corn! Take the corn out of the pot and place it on a serving platter. Serve it with butter, salt, pepper, or any other toppings you prefer.

Boiled Corn on the Cob Serving Suggestions

I enjoy adding grilled corn to tacos and salads, but when I boil corn, I usually prefer to eat it right off the cob. The easiest way to savor its flavors is with butter, salt, and pepper, but there are other delicious options to consider. Here are some few ideas to switch things up:

• Instead of regular butter, try using compound butter. Any of these 4 variations would be delicious!
• You can also drizzle it with a tasty sauce, such as chipotle sauce or vegan ranch.
• For added flavor, sprinkle it with fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or chives.
• If you like it spicy, dust it with smoked paprika or chili powder.
• Another option is to make Mexican-style corn on the cob. After boiling the corn, brush it with adobo sauce from a can of chipotles and top it with crumbled Cotija cheese.

Let me know which variations you decide to try!

Complete your meal with cookout favorites like veggie burgers, black bean burgers, or BBQ jackfruit sandwiches along with a refreshing summer salad. Alternatively, you can also serve the cooked corn on the cob as a side dish to complement your main course. Enjoy!

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