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Vegetables » How To Cook Corn on the Cob

How To Cook Corn on the Cob

by Lynne Webb on August 6, 2023 (Updated August 7, 2023) // Leave a Comment

Fresh corn on the cob is a summertime favorite that brings the best of the season to your dinner table. Whether you're steaming, boiling, grilling, or microwaving, our guide on how to cook corn on the cob will fill you in on everything you need to know.
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Partially husked ears of yellow corn on picnic table.

Table of Contents

  • Fresh Corn: A Summertime Favorite
  • Tips for Buying and Storing Fresh Corn
  • How to Cook Corn on the Cob
  • Three Ways Dress Up Corn on the Cob
  • How to Cook Corn on the Cob

Fresh Corn: A Summertime Favorite

Although corn is readily available year-round, there’s nothing like the flavor of fresh summer corn. Versatile and easy to prepare, fresh corn can be steamed, boiled, microwaved, grilled in the husks (or not), or cut from the cob for delicious soups, salads, and salsas.

Tips for Buying and Storing Fresh Corn

Choosing the best ears of corn is relatively simple: select those with the most vivid color, the fewest blemishes, and the smoothest kernels (no wrinkly, dull, or dry kernels). Fresh corn will always be at its sweetest and most flavorful when cooked the same day it’s picked, but it can be stored for a day or two.

To maintain maximum freshness, store your corn with the husks on, place the ears in plastic bags, and store the bags in the refrigerator (preferably in the vegetable crisper). The husks and plastic bags help to retain moisture and the refrigeration will slow down the conversion of the corn’s natural sugars to starch, a process that will diminish its flavor over time. Always plan to cook fresh corn on the cob within two days.

How to Cook Corn on the Cob

Here are the instructions for four different methods of cooking fresh corn on the cob (a printable copy of the recipe is available below). Bear in mind that cook times can vary with the variety of corn, size of the kernels, and level of freshness. No matter which method you choose, be vigilant and test for doneness.

How to Remove the Husks

  1. The easiest way to husk your fresh corn is to start by holding the ear with the stem end facing down. Pull the husk and silks downward together, working your way around the ear. Next, remove any remaining silks by wrapping the ear in a damp paper towel and gently twisting it back and forth. You can also try rinsing the ear in cool water, but don’t go crazy – a few stray strands of silk won’t affect the flavor of your corn.

How to Steam

Steaming is our favorite method for cooking fresh corn on the cob because it’s the easiest way to achieve a tender texture and avoid overcooking.

  1. Prepare the steamer: Add about 1-1/2 inches of water to the bottom of a pot with a steamer insert and bring it to a boil. Make sure the water is below the level of the steamer basket.
  2. Add the corn: Add your corn to the steamer in a single layer if possible. If you don’t have enough room, you could rotate the corn halfway through the cooking time or steam your corn in two batches (recommended). To keep the corn warm while you cook the second batch, preheat your oven to 200°F, wrap the cooked corn in foil, and place it in the oven.
  3. Steam: Most fresh corn will be fully cooked in about 5 to 8 minutes, but the variety and size of the kernels can make a difference and some ears may take longer. Corn is done when the yellow color becomes more vibrant and the kernels appear plumper. You can also pierce a kernel with the tip of a knife to test for tenderness. Be careful not to overcook corn as the kernels will become tough and chewy.
  4. Serve: Remove the corn from the steamer with tongs being careful not to grip it too tightly. Brush with melted butter and season as desired.

How to Boil

Boiling corn on the cob is probably the most common way to prepare it. It’s an easy enough method, but it’s also a little easier to overcook the ears, so be sure to keep a close eye.

  1. Get the water boiling: Fill a stockpot about 2/3 full with water and bring to a boil over high heat.
  2. Add the corn: Using tongs, gently place the ears of corn into the water one at a time. Make sure they are all fully submerged.
  3. Boil: Once the water returns to a boil, cook for 3 to 7 minutes, until the kernels appear plumper and their color is more vibrant. As with the steaming method, some varieties of corn may take a little longer. You can also pierce a kernel with the tip of a knife to test for tenderness. Avoid overcooking.
  4. Serve: Use tongs to remove the corn from the pot, shaking off any excess water before transferring it to a serving platter. Brush with melted butter and season as desired.

How to Microwave

Microwaving corn on the cob is a quick, easy cooking method that yields great flavor and good texture with very little fuss, but every microwave is different and you may need to experiment a little to figure out a perfect cook time. Here are the steps for microwaving fresh corn on the cob:

  1. Melt some butter: Choose a dish that will hold your ears of corn in a single layer and melt about 1 tablespoon of butter (cut into pieces) for each ear at 50% power. For best results, cook in 20-second increments until melted. Swirl the butter to thoroughly coat the bottom of the dish.
  2. Add the corn: Add your corn to the dish and turn the ears to coat them in butter.
  3. Cover and cook: Cover the dish with microwave-safe plastic wrap and cook on 80 to 100% power (depending on your microwave’s wattage) for 5 to 7 minutes.
  4. Test for doneness: Check for doneness after 5 minutes. Corn is done when its color becomes more vibrant and the kernels appear plumper. Be careful not to overcook. You can also pierce a kernel with the tip of a knife to test for tenderness.

How to Grill

Fresh corn on the cob can be grilled in the husk or not. Either way, grilling corn takes a little longer than boiling, steaming, or microwaving.

  • Soak the corn (for grilling in the husk only): If you want to grill your corn in the husk, you need to soak them for about 30 minutes first. Soaking serves two purposes. One is to keep the husks from burning on the hot grill, the other is to generate a little steam inside the husk to keep the kernels moist. Be sure to drain the ears well before placing them on the grill.
  • Preheat the grill: Whether you plan to grill your corn on the cob in the husk or bare, preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Just before you’re ready to add the corn, oil the grates.
  • Grill: Place the corn directly on the grill grates, cover, and cook until tender, turning with tongs every 5 minutes. Corn in the husks will take about 12 minutes, and corn with the husks removed will take about 8 minutes.
  • Serve: Allow corn grilled in the husks to cool slightly to make it easier to handle. Serve with butter, salt, and pepper, or other toppings and seasonings of choice.
Side by side close-ups of steamed corn on the cob and grilled corn on the cob.

Three Ways Dress Up Corn on the Cob

  • Mexican Street Corn: Corn on the cob with melted butter is deliciously satisfying, but if you want to ramp up the flavor, we recommend trying our Mexican Grilled Corn (Elote). It’s a simple recipe that consists of grilled corn on the cob, butter, fresh-squeezed lime juice, cilantro, and a sprinkling of Cotija cheese (similar to feta).
  • Parmesan Dusted: You can also give your corn a bit of an Italian flair by brushing it with a mixture of olive oil and melted butter, and sprinkling on some grated Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
  • Herb Butter: An easy-to-make compound butter flavored with fresh herbs is one of our favorite upgrades for corn on the cob. We mix chopped fresh chives and parsley into softened butter along with a tiny pinch of garlic powder, then form it into a log, refrigerate it, and slice it into pats when we’re ready to serve. Tip: Compound butter can be frozen too.
Fresh ears of corn, partially husked on a picnic table.

How to Cook Corn on the Cob

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Fresh corn on the cob is a summertime favorite that brings the best of the season to your dinner table. Whether you're steaming, boiling, grilling, or microwaving, our guide on how to cook corn on the cob will fill you in on everything you need to know.
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Cook Time : 15 minutes mins
Print Recipe Pin Recipe SaveSaved!

Ingredients 

  • 4 ears fresh corn
  • Butter
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions 

  • Remove the husks from the corn by holding the ear with the stem end facing down. Pull the husk and silks downward together, working your way around the ear. Remove any remaining silks by wrapping the ear in a damp paper towel and gently twisting it back and forth.

How to steam corn on the cob:

  • Add about 1-1/2 inches of water to the bottom of a pot with a steamer insert and bring it to a boil. Make sure the water is below the level of the steamer basket.
  • Add your corn to the steamer in a single layer if possible. If you don’t have enough room, you could rotate the corn halfway through the cooking time or steam your corn in two batches (recommended). To keep the corn warm while you cook the second batch, preheat your oven to 200°F, wrap the cooked corn in foil, and place it in the oven.
  • Most fresh corn will be fully cooked in about 5 to 8 minutes, but the variety and size of the kernels can make a difference and some ears may take longer. Corn is done when the yellow color becomes more vibrant and the kernels appear plumper. You can also pierce a kernel with the tip of a knife to test for tenderness. Be careful not to overcook corn as the kernels will become tough and chewy.
  • Remove the corn from the steamer with tongs being careful not to grip it too tightly. Brush with melted butter, and season as desired.

How to boil corn on the cob:

  • Fill a stockpot about 2/3 full with water and bring to a boil over high heat.
  • Using tongs, gently place the ears of corn into the water one at a time. Make sure they are all fully submerged.
  • Once the water returns to a boil, cook for 3 to 7 minutes, until the kernels appear plumper and their color is more vibrant. As with the steaming method, some varieties of corn may take a little longer. You can also pierce a kernel with the tip of a knife to test for tenderness. Avoid overcooking.
  • Use tongs to remove the corn from the pot, shaking off any excess water before transferring it to a serving platter. Brush with melted butter, and season as desired.

How to microwave corn on the cob:

  • Choose a dish that will hold your ears of corn in a single layer with a little bit of space between each ear. Melt about 1 tablespoon of butter (cut into pieces) for each ear at 50% power. For best results, cook in 20-second increments until melted. Swirl the butter to thoroughly coat the bottom of the dish.
  • Add your corn to the dish and turn the ears to coat them in butter.
  • Cover the dish with microwave-safe plastic wrap and cook on 80 to 100% power (depending on your microwave’s wattage) for 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Check for doneness after 5 minutes. Corn is done when its color becomes more vibrant and the kernels appear plumper. Be careful not to overcook. You can also pierce a kernel with the tip of a knife to test for tenderness.
  • Before serving, season the corn lightly and turn the ears again to coat them with butter.

How to grill corn on the cob:

  • If you want to grill your corn in the husk, you need to soak them for 30 to 45 minutes first. Soaking serves two purposes. One is to keep the husks from burning on the hot grill, the other is to generate a little steam inside the husk to keep the kernels moist. Be sure to drain the ears well before placing them on the grill.
  • Whether you plan to cook your corn on the cob in the husk or bare, preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Just before you’re ready to add the corn, oil the grates.
  • Place the corn directly on the grill grates, cover, and cook until tender, turning with tongs every 5 minutes. Corn in the husks will take about 12 to 15 minutes, and corn with the husks removed will take 8 to 12 minutes.
  • Allow corn grilled in the husks to cool slightly to make it easier to handle. Serve with butter, salt, and pepper, or other toppings and seasonings of choice.

Recipe Notes

Shopping for corn: When buying corn, select the ears with the most vivid color, the fewest blemishes, and the smoothest kernels (no wrinkly, dull, dry, or brown kernels). 
Storing fresh corn: To maintain maximum freshness, store your corn with the husks on, place the ears in plastic bags, and store the bags in the refrigerator (preferably in the vegetable crisper). The husks and plastic bags help to retain moisture and the refrigeration will slow down the conversion of the corn’s natural sugars to starch, a process that will diminish its flavor over time. Always plan to cook fresh corn on the cob within two days.

Three Ways to Dress Up Corn on the Cob

  1. Mexican Street Corn: Corn on the cob with melted butter is deliciously satisfying, but if you want to ramp up the flavor, we recommend trying our Mexican Grilled Corn (Elote). It’s a simple recipe that consists of grilled corn on the cob, butter, fresh-squeezed lime juice, cilantro, and a sprinkling of Cotija cheese (similar to feta).
  2. Parmesan Dusted: You can also give your corn a bit of an Italian flair by brushing it with a mixture of olive oil and melted butter, and sprinkling on some grated Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Herb Butter: An easy-to-make compound butter flavored with fresh herbs is one of our favorite upgrades for corn on the cob. We mix chopped fresh chives and parsley into softened butter along with a tiny pinch of garlic powder, then form it into a log, refrigerate it, and slice it into pats when we’re ready to serve. Tip: Compound butter can be frozen too.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts
How to Cook Corn on the Cob
Amount per Serving
Calories
77
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
1
g
2
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.3
g
2
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.4
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
0.4
g
Sodium
 
14
mg
1
%
Potassium
 
243
mg
7
%
Carbohydrates
 
17
g
6
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
6
g
7
%
Protein
 
3
g
6
%
Trans Fat
 
0.01
g
Vitamin A
 
168
IU
3
%
Vitamin C
 
6
mg
7
%
Calcium
 
2
mg
0
%
Iron
 
0.5
mg
3
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Have you tried this recipe?Did you add your own special touch? We’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment and a rating to share your thoughts with others.

Author: Lynne Webb | 

Course: Vegetables
 | 
Cuisine: American

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Hi there! We’re Lynne & Erika, seasoned home cooks and recipe creators here at My Gourmet Connection. Our aim is to bring variety and new flavors to your everyday meals and we’ve got hundreds of recipes for you to explore. Welcome!

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