Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh corn on the cob, and there are many delicious ways to cook it. One method that is becoming increasingly popular is roasting corn in the oven with the husk. This technique locks in the corn’s natural sweetness and adds a hint of smoky flavor. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to do!
Why roast corn in the oven with the husk, you might ask? Well, this method allows the corn to steam in its own natural juices, resulting in a tender and juicy cob. Additionally, the husk helps protect the corn kernels from drying out during the cooking process. The end result is perfectly cooked corn that bursts with flavor.
To roast corn in the oven with the husk, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, carefully peel back the husk of each ear of corn, leaving it attached at the base. Remove the silk strands and rinse the corn under cold water to make sure it’s clean. Once the corn is washed, pull the husk back up, covering the kernels completely. Tie the top of the husk with a piece of kitchen twine to secure it in place.
Tip: Soaking the husk in water for about 15 minutes before cooking can also help prevent it from burning in the oven.
Place the prepared ears of corn directly on the oven rack and let them roast for about 30-35 minutes, or until the kernels are tender when pierced with a fork. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and freshness of the corn, so it’s best to keep an eye on them. Once the corn is done, carefully remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
When it’s time to enjoy your roasted corn, simply peel back the husk and use it as a handle. You can serve the corn as is or dress it up with a variety of toppings, such as butter, salt, pepper, and herbs. The possibilities are endless!
So, the next time you have fresh corn on hand and want to try something different, give roasting corn in the oven with the husk a try. It’s a simple and delicious way to take your corn on the cob to the next level. Happy cooking!
Preparing the corn
Before you can cook corn in the oven with the husk, you need to prepare the corn first.
Step 1: Selecting the corn
Choose fresh and ripe corn on the cob. Look for corn with bright green husks and moist, plump kernels.
Step 2: Removing the outer leaves
Start by removing some of the outer leaves of the husk. Peel away any brown or damaged leaves, but make sure to leave the inner layers intact.
To access the corn kernels, you only need to remove the outer leaves and keep the inner ones intact. This will help retain moisture and ensure the corn doesn’t dry out while cooking.
Step 3: Removing the silk
Next, peel back the remaining leaves and remove the silk. This can be done by gently pulling it off with your fingers or using a kitchen brush to brush it away.
Make sure to remove all the silk as it can burn in the oven and affect the taste of the cooked corn.
Now, your corn is ready to be cooked with the husk in the oven.
Removing the husk
Before cooking the corn, it is important to remove the husk to expose the kernels. Here are the steps to remove the husk from the corn:
Gather the necessary tools:
- Sharp knife
- Scissors
Follow these steps to remove the husk:
- Start by removing the outermost layer of the husk. Use your fingers to peel back the husk from the tip of the corn.
- Once the first layer is removed, grab a firm hold of the remaining husk and pull it down towards the base of the corn. This will remove the majority of the husk.
- Use a sharp knife to cut off the excess husk at the base of the corn, leaving the stalk intact.
- Inspect the corn for any remaining strands of silk. Use a pair of scissors to carefully remove any silk that may still be attached to the kernels.
After completing these steps, you should have a corn cob with the husk removed and the kernels exposed. You are now ready to cook the corn in the oven.
Adding flavor
If you want to add some extra flavor to your corn, there are several options to consider:
1. Butter and herbs
One classic way to enhance the taste of oven-roasted corn is by adding butter and herbs. Before wrapping the corn in the husk, spread a small amount of softened butter onto the kernels. Then, sprinkle your favorite herbs, such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary, on top of the butter. The butter will melt during the roasting process, infusing the corn with rich and savory flavors.
2. Spices
If you prefer a more spicy flavor, you can season the corn with spices before roasting. Sprinkle a blend of your favorite spices, such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or chili powder, onto the kernels. Adjust the amount of spices according to your taste preferences. Roasting the corn will allow the spices to penetrate the husk and infuse the corn with a smoky and spicy kick.
Note: Keep in mind that the heat of the oven may intensify the flavor of the spices, so it’s best to start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
3. Cheese
If you’re a cheese lover, you can also add some grated cheese to the corn before roasting. Sprinkle a generous amount of your favorite cheese, such as cheddar, Parmesan, or feta, onto the buttered kernels. As the corn cooks, the cheese will melt and create a deliciously cheesy and gooey coating.
Tip: For a more indulgent version, consider adding a drizzle of melted cheese sauce or a dollop of cream cheese on top of the cheese before wrapping the corn.
By adding these flavors, you can elevate the taste of oven-roasted corn and create a delicious side dish or snack. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite flavor profile.
Wrapping the corn
Once you have selected your ears of corn and prepared them by removing the silk, it is time to wrap them in their husks. This process helps to steam the corn, resulting in a juicy and flavorful final product.
Begin by peeling back the husks of the corn, but do not remove them completely. Instead, pull them back gently, exposing the kernels while keeping the husks intact. In order to make it easier to fold the husks back into place, you may need to remove a few of the outer husk leaves.
After the husks are pulled back, remove any remaining silk from the corn by hand or using a damp paper towel. Make sure to remove all of the silk so that it does not burn during the cooking process.
Once the corn is free of silk, fold the husks back into place, covering the kernels completely. You can secure the husks by tying them together with kitchen twine or using a strip of husk to tie them in place.
Wrapping the corn in its husk helps to retain moisture, allowing the corn to cook evenly and resulting in tender, juicy kernels. The husks also give the corn a unique, smoky flavor that enhances its natural sweetness.
After wrapping the corn, you are ready to place it in the oven and cook it to perfection.
Baking in the oven
Baking corn in the oven is a delicious and easy way to enjoy this popular summer vegetable. When cooked properly in the oven, the corn retains its natural sweetness and texture. Here is a simple recipe to bake corn in the oven with husk:
Ingredients:
- Fresh corn on the cob
- Butter or margarine
- Salt and pepper (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel back the husks of the corn, but leave them attached at the base.
- Remove the silk from the corn, making sure to get rid of all the strands.
- Spread butter or margarine evenly over the corn.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper on top, if desired.
- Wrap the husks back around the corn, covering it completely.
- Place the corn directly on the oven rack.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until the corn is tender and cooked through.
- Remove the corn from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Once cooled, carefully peel back the husks and serve.
This baked corn can be enjoyed as it is, or you can add additional butter or seasoning to enhance the flavor. It pairs well with other summer dishes and makes a great side dish for barbecues or picnics.
Tip: If you prefer a charred or grilled flavor, you can place the corn on a preheated grill instead of directly in the oven. Just remember to turn the corn occasionally for even cooking.
Serving and enjoying
Once your corn is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Here are a few tips on how to best enjoy your perfectly cooked corn on the cob:
1. Remove the husk: Carefully peel back the husk from the cooked corn. Be cautious as the corn will be hot.
2. Add flavor: Now that your corn is exposed, you can add flavorings of your choice. Some popular options include butter, salt, pepper, and cheese.
3. Serve hot: Corn on the cob is best enjoyed hot, so make sure to serve it immediately after adding the desired flavorings.
4. Dig in: Use your hands or a corn holder to enjoy your delicious corn on the cob. The kernels should be tender and juicy, providing a burst of sweet corn flavor with every bite.
5. Pair with a meal: Corn on the cob makes a great side dish to accompany a variety of meals. It pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, and summer BBQ favorites.
6. Leftovers: If you happen to have leftovers, you can store the cooked corn in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply wrap the corn in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container, and reheat it in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy again.
Now that you know how to cook corn in the oven with husk, you can impress your family and friends with this delicious and easy method. Enjoy your flavorful and perfectly cooked corn on the cob!
Questions and answers
What is the best way to cook corn on the cob in the oven?
The best way to cook corn on the cob in the oven is to leave the husk on and bake it at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 30 minutes. This method helps the corn retain its moisture and flavor.
Can I cook corn on the cob with the husk in the oven?
Yes, you can cook corn on the cob with the husk in the oven. Leaving the husk on helps to steam the corn while it bakes, resulting in a flavorful and tender corn.
How long does it take to cook corn on the cob in the oven?
It usually takes about 30 minutes to cook corn on the cob in the oven at 350°F (175°C). However, cooking times may vary depending on the size and freshness of the corn.
Do I need to soak the corn before cooking it in the oven?
No, you do not need to soak the corn before cooking it in the oven. The husk acts as a natural barrier that helps to steam the corn as it bakes, keeping it moist and flavorful.
Can I season the corn before cooking it in the oven?
Yes, you can season the corn before cooking it in the oven. You can add butter, salt, pepper, or any other seasonings of your choice by gently lifting the husk and spreading the seasonings directly onto the corn kernels.
How long does it take to cook corn in the oven with husk?
It takes about 30-35 minutes to cook corn in the oven with husk.