Do you have a can of corn in your pantry and not sure how to make it into a delicious side dish? Look no further! Cooking canned corn on the stove is a quick and easy way to elevate this simple ingredient into a tasty addition to any meal.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients at hand. For this recipe, you will need a can of corn, water, salt, and butter or oil for added flavor.
Note: Some canned corn may already be seasoned with salt or other spices. In this case, adjust the amount of salt you add accordingly.
Step 2: Drain and Rinse the Corn
Open the can of corn and drain the liquid. Rinse the corn under cold water to remove any excess salt or preservatives.
Step 3: Cook the Corn
In a saucepan, add the corn and enough water to cover the kernels. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the corn simmer for about 5 minutes or until it is heated through.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Drain the corn again and return it to the saucepan. Add salt, butter, or oil according to your taste preferences. Stir well to coat the corn evenly. Serve hot as a side dish or incorporate it into your favorite recipes!
Now that you know how to cook canned corn on the stove, you can easily enjoy this versatile ingredient in a variety of dishes. Whether you want a quick and easy side dish or a flavorful addition to your favorite recipes, canned corn is a pantry staple that can be transformed into a delicious meal with just a few simple steps.
Preparation
Before you start cooking canned corn on the stove, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment ready. Here’s what you will need:
Ingredients:
- 1 can of corn
- Water
- Salt (optional)
Equipment:
- Medium-sized saucepan
- Strainer or colander
- Stove
- Spoon
Once you have gathered all the ingredients and equipment, follow these steps to prepare the canned corn:
- Open the can of corn using a can opener. Be careful with the sharp edges of the can lid and discard it once the can is open.
- Place a strainer or colander in the sink and pour the corn into it. Rinse the corn under cold water to remove any excess liquid and drain well.
- Alternatively, if you prefer not to rinse the corn, you can skip step 2 and proceed directly to the next step.
Now that your canned corn is prepared, you are ready to move on to the cooking process. Continue reading to learn how to cook canned corn on the stove.
Gather Ingredients
Before you start cooking canned corn on the stove, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here is what you will need:
Ingredients:
- 1 can of corn
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to have these ingredients on hand before you begin the cooking process. Having everything prepared and within reach will make the cooking process much easier and more convenient.
Drain the Corn
Once the canned corn is cooked, it is important to drain the excess liquid before serving. Drain the corn using a colander or strainer to remove any remaining liquid.
Here is how you can drain the corn:
- Place a colander or strainer in the sink.
- Open the can of cooked corn.
- Pour the contents of the can into the colander or strainer.
- Allow the liquid to drain fully.
- Gently shake the colander or strainer to remove any remaining liquid.
Make sure to drain the corn well, as excess liquid can make the corn soggy and affect the texture of the dish. Once drained, the corn is ready to be used in your recipe or served as a side dish.
Cooking Process
1. Drain the canned corn: Open the can of corn and pour the contents into a colander to drain the liquid. Rinse the corn with cold water to remove any excess salt.
2. Heat the stove: Place a saucepan or skillet on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Allow the pan to preheat for a few minutes.
3. Add the corn: Once the pan is hot, add the drained corn to the pan. Spread it out in an even layer to ensure even cooking.
4. Cook the corn: Let the corn cook on the stove for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The corn will start to develop a slightly caramelized and roasted flavor.
5. Season as desired: You can add salt, pepper, butter, or other seasonings to the corn during the cooking process to enhance the taste. Stir the corn well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
6. Serve: Once the corn is cooked to your desired level of tenderness, remove it from the heat and transfer it to a serving dish. Serve hot as a side dish or use it in your favorite recipes.
Note: The cooking time may vary depending on the stove and the desired level of caramelization. Keep an eye on the corn as it cooks and adjust the heat if necessary.
Heat a Pan
To cook canned corn on the stove, the first step is to heat a pan. Choose a pan that is large enough to hold the amount of corn you want to cook, but also small enough to fit comfortably on your stove burner.
Place the pan on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Allow the pan to heat up for a minute or two before adding any ingredients. This will ensure that the corn cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the pan.
While the pan is heating, you can prepare the other ingredients, such as butter or seasonings, if desired. It’s always a good idea to have these ready before adding the corn to the pan.
Add the Corn
Once the water is boiling, carefully add the canned corn kernels to the pot. You can use a slotted spoon or a kitchen strainer to gently transfer the corn from the can to the pot. Be cautious to avoid any burns from the hot water.
Make sure to stir the corn so that it gets evenly heated. This will ensure that all the kernels cook properly and are evenly coated with salt and butter if you choose to add any. Cover the pot with a lid and let the corn simmer for about 5-7 minutes.
Stir occasionally
While the corn is simmering, give it a gentle stir every couple of minutes. This will help distribute the heat evenly and prevent the corn from sticking to the bottom of the pot. You can also check the tenderness of the corn by inserting a fork or knife into a kernel – it should be tender and easily come off the cob when it’s done.
Drain and serve
When the corn is cooked to your desired tenderness, turn off the heat and carefully drain the water from the pot. Use a colander or strainer to do this, ensuring that you don’t lose any of the corn kernels down the drain. Serve the corn hot as a side dish or in your favorite recipes.
Serving
Once the canned corn is cooked, it is ready to be served. You can serve it plain, or you can add some flavorings to enhance its taste. Here are some common serving options:
1. Butter and salt: Melt some butter and drizzle it over the cooked canned corn. Sprinkle with salt to taste. This simple combination adds richness and a savory flavor to the corn.
2. Parmesan cheese: Grate or sprinkle some Parmesan cheese over the cooked canned corn. The cheese adds a salty and umami flavor, complementing the sweetness of the corn.
3. Lime juice and chili powder: Squeeze some fresh lime juice over the cooked canned corn and sprinkle with chili powder. This combination gives the corn a tangy and slightly spicy kick.
4. Fresh herbs: Finely chop some fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill, and sprinkle them over the cooked canned corn. The herbs add a fresh and aromatic flavor to the corn.
Choose any of these serving options based on your preference and enjoy your delicious canned corn!
Season with Salt and Pepper
After draining the can of corn, it’s time to add some flavor. Seasoning with salt and pepper is a simple yet effective way to enhance the taste of the corn.
Start by sprinkling a pinch of salt over the corn. The salt will bring out the natural sweetness of the corn, making it even more delicious. For added depth of flavor, you can also use garlic salt or onion salt.
Next, grind some fresh black pepper over the corn. The slight heat and spiciness of the pepper will complement the sweetness of the corn, creating a perfectly balanced taste.
Be sure to mix the corn well to evenly distribute the salt and pepper. Use a spoon or spatula to gently toss the corn, making sure all the kernels are coated with the seasoning.
Remember, the amount of salt and pepper you use will depend on your personal preference. Start with a small amount and adjust accordingly. You can always add more if needed.
Once you’ve seasoned the corn, it’s ready to be served. Enjoy this simple and delicious side dish with your favorite main course!
Q&A
What is the best way to cook canned corn on the stove?
To cook canned corn on the stove, you can simply heat it up in a saucepan over medium heat until it is hot. You can also add some butter, salt, and pepper for extra flavor.
Can I cook canned corn on the stove without draining the liquid?
Yes, you can cook canned corn on the stove without draining the liquid. The liquid in the can actually helps to keep the corn moist while it is cooking.
How long should I cook canned corn on the stove?
You should cook canned corn on the stove for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is heated through. Be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
Can I add other ingredients to canned corn while cooking it on the stove?
Yes, you can add other ingredients to canned corn while cooking it on the stove. Some popular additions include chopped onions, garlic, or diced bell peppers. You can also season it with herbs and spices of your choice.
Is it necessary to add any seasoning to canned corn while cooking it on the stove?
No, it is not necessary to add seasoning to canned corn while cooking it on the stove. The corn is already cooked and usually pre-seasoned in the can. However, if you prefer it with more flavor, you can add spices, herbs, butter, or other seasonings.
What ingredients do I need to cook canned corn on the stove?
To cook canned corn on the stove, you will need one can of corn, water, salt, and butter (optional).