How To Boil Corn On The Cob

🌽 What Makes This Method So Good

If you’re a fan of corn, then knowing how to boil corn on the cob is absolutely crucial! OK, maybe not crucial, but still. It’s one basic cooking method you’ll definitely want in your arsenal. Boiled corn sounds pretty simple, and it is! But not in a “bland, boring, boiled vegetable” sort of way. The simple method for how to boil corn on the cob brings out the natural juiciness and sweetness of the corn kernels in maybe the easiest, fastest way possible. This is quite possibly the best way to cook fresh corn on the cob.

🌽 How to Choose Fresh Corn

There are a few things to look for when it comes to choosing the very best corn on the cob to boil, but it’s not complicated at all! Whatever you do, don’t unwrap the husks to check the corn inside. It’s not necessary, and it leaves the corn in less-than-desirable condition for other shoppers.Instead, look for these clues on the outside of the cornhusks to get an idea of what’s inside.

🌽 How to Shuck Fresh Corn

Part of the process of how to boil corn on the cob perfectly is to shuck the fresh corn. There’s really not any prep for this recipe besides that, and thankfully, even that is super easy. If you have ears of corn that are particularly stubborn and difficult to shuck, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes to loosen them up a little.

👩🏼‍🍳 Chef’s Tips

For the best, most tender corn, use plain, unsalted water. Boiling corn in salted water can actually make the kernels tough and hard. You’ll have much tastier corn on the cob if you boil it in unsalted water, then add salt to taste before serving. Corn starts to lose its sweetness as soon as it’s picked. If you’re not sure how to boil older corn on the cob to get good results, don’t worry. This method still works! You can add 2-3 tablespoons of sugar to the water before bringing it to a boil. The added sugar can help revive a little of that sweet flavor. Also, depending on the age of the corn, you may need to boil it for 10 minutes or more, as opposed to 3-5 minutes for fresh corn. One other important thing to remember when it comes to how to boil corn on the cob perfectly – keep a close eye on it! Corn cooks pretty quickly, which means it’s easy to overcook. Overcooked corn can be gummy, mushy, or chewy, and can lose a lot of flavor.

🧈 Flavor Variations

Now that you know how to boil corn on the cob, the next step is deciding how to dress up your corn on the cob! Believe it or not, corn is surprisingly versatile. A few of my favorite flavors & toppings include…

Melted butter, salt, and pepper A mixture of butter, mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice for a little Mexican street corn flair Melted butter mixed with Tajin Melted butter mixed with a squeeze of lime juice and a little chipotle powder or chili powder A dash of hot sauce or sriracha Melted butter mixed with ranch seasoning Diced crispy bacon Mayo mixed with finely minced garlic and powdered parmesan cheese A pat of garlic herb compound butter

🌽 Some of Our Favorite Corn Recipes

Mexican Corn Dip Savory Southern Cornbread Stuffing Air Fryer Corn on the Cob Corn Relish Creamy Corn Soup Elote (Mexican Street Corn) Cornbread Salad Instant Pot Corn on the Cob with a Honey Butter Glaze Corn Souffle Shrimp and Corn Soup Popcorn Soup