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How To Cook Corn On The Cob Perfectly, 4 Ways

Published: October 12, 2023 by Amy Williams | Leave a comment

Sweet corn is the kind of delicious vegetable that most people love–and it’s easy to see why. But there’s something special about eating it on the cob, and it can be a fun way to get your kids to eat corn as well. While some people have a strong opinion about the best way to serve corn on the cob, there are actually numerous ways to cook it, no matter what kind of kitchen tools you have. If you’re looking for tips on how to cook corn on the cob perfectly, we’re going to dive into five different methods.

Corn on the cob is great to add as a side to a simple meal and it’s also the perfect side dish for your next barbecue or family gathering. No matter what you’re using it for, keep reading to find out the best ways to enjoy corn on the cob.

Bowl with corn seeds and ripe corn cobs on wooden table — Corn on the cob is simple to prepare, even when you purchase it in the husk.
©Africa Studio/Shutterstock.com

Preparing Your Corn on the Cob

Depending on how you purchase your corn, there may be some extra steps to prepare it. While you can buy corn on the cob with the husk removed, if you purchase fresh corn, it will typically still have the husk on.

There’s a simple way to remove the husk of the corn that involves briefly heating it in the microwave. If you have a microwave available, use the following steps:

Use a sharp knife to cut off the stalk at the end of your corn
Place the corn on a plate and microwave it for about 1 minute
Remove the corn from the microwave and shake it to remove the husk

Microwaving your corn on the cob for 1 minute doesn’t actually cook the corn, but it does create a layer of steam between the corn and the husk, making it easier to remove. If you don’t want to use the microwave or don’t have one available, you can shuck the corn by hand as well.

Shucking the corn by hand involves pulling down the leaves so you can see the top kernels. Then, pull on the silk and the leaves, one section at a time, until all the kernels are exposed. At this point, you’re ready to start cooking your corn!

Benefits of Eating Corn on the Cob

No matter how you choose to eat corn on the cob, there are numerous benefits to including it in your diet. While some may be concerned about the carb content in corn, it’s important to note that corn is also high in insoluble fiber, which means that it’s digested slowly. This means that eating corn won’t spike your blood sugar levels. The level of fiber in corn also makes it a good vegetable for improving your digestive health.

Corn is a starchy vegetable, so it is high in carbs compared to other types of vegetables. However, corn also contains many necessary nutrients such as B vitamins, zinc, magnesium, and iron.

Corn on the cob is also a great source of potassium, and potassium is a necessary nutrient that helps to maintain the right level of fluid in our cells. If you are watching your caloric intake or sugar levels, it’s best to keep it simple when preparing your corn. One of the simplest ways to prepare corn on the cob is with light butter as well as salt and pepper. Let’s take a look at the different ways to cook corn on the cob perfectly.

How to Boil Corn on the Cob

One of the simplest ways to cook your corn on the cob is to boil it. It doesn’t require any fancy equipment and your corn on the cob will be ready to season and enjoy no time! Here are the steps for perfectly boiled corn on the cob:

Add water to a large pot set to high heat
Once the water is boiling, add your corn and salt to taste
Cook the corn in the boiling water for about 5 minutes
Drain the water and allow the corn to dry

Boiling corn on the cob is one of the quickest ways to cook it, and after it’s finished, you can then add butter or your own choice of seasonings.

How to Steam Corn on the Cob

Steaming your corn on the cob will lead to a similar outcome as boiling it. However, the difference is when you steam your corn on the cob, you don’t fully immerse the corn in the water. This leads to the heat from the steam cooking it instead of the boiling water. Here’s a simple way to steam corn on the cob:

Add enough water to a large skillet or pot to cover the bottom, about 2 inches
Once the water is boiling, place the shucked corn in the skillet
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer
Cook the corn for about 5 minutes or until it’s bright yellow

Like boiling the corn, this is a simple way to cook it without much hassle. Once the corn on the cob is ready, you can season it and add butter, cheese, or any other desired toppings.

How to Roast Corn on the Cob

If you’re looking for a simple way to roast your corn on the cob, you can easily roast it in the oven with just a baking sheet and some spices. This is a great way to add some extra ingredients as well without making a mess. Here’s the best way to roast corn on the cob:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F
Wrap each individual cob in aluminum foil, then place them on a baking sheet
Bake the cobs for about 20 minutes
Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool

For additional flavor, you can coat each cob in butter and season them before roasting them in the oven. You can also add the butter and seasonings after they’ve finished cooking.

How to Grill Corn on the Cob

Many picture corn on the cob as a side dish when you’re grilling outside or attending a barbecue. While there are many ways to eat corn on the cob, some would argue that grilled corn on the cob is the most delicious! No matter what recipe you try, here’s a simple way to grill corn on the cob:

Heat your grill to a high heat
After shucking the corn, coat each of the cobs with butter, salt, and pepper
Place the cobs directly on the grill
Cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping occasionally to ensure each side gets cooked
Once the cobs are grilled on each side, remove them from the grill

This can be a delicious way to eat corn on the cob, especially if you’re including it as a side at your next picnic, potluck, or barbecue.

summer barbecue recipes — There's no limit to the ways you can serve corn on the cob for a quick meal or family gathering.
©iStock.com/jenifoto

How to Serve Corn on the Cob

Whether you find it at the grocery store or your local farmer’s market, sweet corn is a delicious and versatile vegetable to enjoy, and eating it on the cob makes it extra fun. It’s perfect as a side for hot dogs and hamburgers, or even as an appetizer at your next party. There are numerous ways to serve corn on the cob, some simple and some more elaborate. Here are a few ideas for serving your corn: