Corn on the cob is a delicious summer treat that can be enjoyed as a side dish or the main event at a backyard barbeque. Whether you prefer your corn boiled, grilled, or roasted, the cooking time can vary depending on the method you choose. In this article, we will guide you through the different cooking methods and provide you with the approximate cooking times for perfect corn on the cob.
Boiling corn on the cob: Boiling is one of the easiest and most popular methods for cooking corn on the cob. To boil corn, start by filling a large pot with water and bringing it to a boil. Add the shucked corn and cook it for about 6-8 minutes. The corn should be tender but still have a slight crunch when done. Remember to add salt or sugar to the boiling water to enhance the natural sweetness of the corn.
Grilling corn on the cob: Grilling corn on the cob gives it a smoky flavor and a charred, caramelized exterior. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the shucked corn directly on the grill and cook it for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. The corn should have some grill marks and be tender when pierced with a fork.
Pro tip: For an extra-special touch, you can wrap the corn in foil with a pat of butter and some seasonings before grilling. This will infuse the corn with even more flavor.
Roasting corn on the cob: Roasting corn in the oven is an excellent option if you don’t have access to a grill. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the shucked corn directly on a baking sheet or wrap it in foil. Roast for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn is tender and lightly browned. The roasted corn will have a slightly sweeter taste and a rich, toasty flavor.
Now that you know the different cooking methods and their approximate cooking times, you can confidently cook corn on the cob to perfection. Whether you choose to boil, grill, or roast it, enjoy this delicious summer treat with your favorite butter, salt, and seasonings!
How long to cook corn on the cob
Cooking corn on the cob is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this popular summer vegetable. Whether you prefer boiling, grilling, or microwaving, the cooking time can vary depending on your preferred method. Here are some general guidelines:
- Boiling: To cook corn on the cob by boiling, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the shucked corn and cook for about 5-7 minutes. The corn should be tender but still slightly crisp.
- Grilling: Grilling corn on the cob adds a smoky and charred flavor. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the shucked corn directly on the grill grates and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. The corn kernels should be slightly charred and tender.
- Microwaving: Microwaving corn on the cob is a quick and convenient method. Place the shucked corn in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Cook on high for about 3-5 minutes, or until the corn is tender.
Remember, these are general guidelines and the cooking time may vary depending on the freshness and size of the corn. It’s always a good idea to test the corn for doneness by piercing a kernel with a fork. If it easily goes through, the corn is ready to be enjoyed!
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving a summer treat, cooking corn on the cob is an easy and flavorful way to enjoy this seasonal vegetable. Experiment with different cooking methods and find your favorite way to prepare and enjoy corn on the cob!
Cooking corn on the cob in a pot
Cooking corn on the cob in a pot is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this favorite summer vegetable. Here’s how to do it:
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
- Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water.
- Gently place the husked corn ears into the pot.
- Cover the pot with a lid and let the corn cook for about 5-7 minutes.
- Using tongs, carefully remove the corn from the pot and place it on a plate.
- Let the corn cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
- Optional: brush the corn with melted butter and sprinkle with salt for added flavor.
Enjoy your delicious corn on the cob!
Grilling corn on the cob
One delicious way to cook corn on the cob is by grilling it. Grilling corn enhances its natural sweetness and adds a smoky, charred flavor. The grilling process is relatively quick and easy, and the end result is a mouthwatering side dish that pairs well with any summer barbecue.
Ingredients:
– Fresh corn on the cob
– Butter
– Salt and pepper (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Peel back the husks of the corn, but leave them attached at the base. Remove any silk strands.
3. Rub each ear of corn with butter, and season with salt and pepper if desired.
4. Pull the husks back up around the corn, covering it completely.
5. Place the corn on the grill and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and slightly charred.
6. Carefully remove the husks, using oven mitts or tongs to protect your hands from the heat.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips:
– Soak the corn in water for about 15 minutes prior to grilling. This will help keep the corn moist and prevent the husks from burning.
– Experiment with different seasonings, such as chili powder, garlic powder, or grated parmesan cheese, to add extra flavor to your grilled corn.
Corn variety | Cooking time |
---|---|
Standard yellow corn | 15-20 minutes |
White corn | 15-20 minutes |
Bi-color corn | 15-20 minutes |
Baking corn on the cob
Baking corn on the cob is a simple and delicious way to prepare this summer staple. The oven helps to intensify the natural sweetness of the corn, resulting in a flavorful and tender dish.
To bake corn on the cob, start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven is heating up, shuck the corn and remove the silk. Rinse the corn under running water to remove any remaining silk or dirt.
Next, place the corn directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. You can optionally brush each cob with melted butter or olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper for added flavor.
Bake the corn for about 20 minutes, or until the kernels are tender when pierced with a fork. The exact baking time may vary depending on the size and freshness of the corn, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
Once the corn is cooked, carefully remove it from the oven using oven mitts or tongs. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, as the corn will be very hot.
When serving the baked corn on the cob, you can optionally garnish it with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, or sprinkle it with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Note: Baking corn on the cob is a great alternative to grilling, especially if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill. It’s also a convenient method if you’re already using the oven for other dishes.
Enjoy your deliciously baked corn on the cob!
Using a microwave to cook corn on the cob
When time is limited and you’re looking for a quick and convenient method to cook corn on the cob, using a microwave can be a great option. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to help you cook delicious corn on the cob in the microwave.
Step 1: Prepare the corn
Start by husking the corn and removing the silk. Rinse the corn under running water to ensure it is clean.
Step 2: Wrap in a damp paper towel
Take a damp paper towel and wrap it around the corn. This will help lock in the moisture and prevent the corn from drying out during the cooking process.
Step 3: Microwave on high
Place the wrapped corn on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for about 3-5 minutes per ear of corn. Cooking times may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave, so it’s best to start with the minimum cooking time and increase if needed. The corn is ready when it’s tender and cooked through.
Step 4: Let it cool and enjoy
Carefully remove the corn from the microwave (it will be hot!) and let it cool for a few minutes. Once it’s cool enough to handle, unwrap the corn and season it with butter, salt, and pepper, or any other seasonings you prefer. Then, enjoy your perfectly cooked corn on the cob!
Using a microwave to cook corn on the cob is a quick and easy method that yields delicious results. It’s perfect for those times when you want to enjoy corn on the cob without waiting for a pot of water to boil. Try out this method and discover a convenient way to enjoy this classic summer dish.
Steaming corn on the cob
Steaming corn on the cob is a popular and delicious way to cook fresh corn. It helps to retain the natural sweetness and juiciness of the corn, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. Here are the steps to steam corn on the cob:
- Fill a large pot with water, enough to cover the corn.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- While waiting for the water to boil, shuck the corn by removing the husk and silk.
- Once the water is boiling, carefully place the corn into a steamer basket or a colander that fits inside the pot.
- Lower the steamer basket or colander into the pot, making sure that the corn is not touching the water.
- Cover the pot with a lid and steam the corn for about 7-10 minutes, or until the kernels are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove the steamer basket or colander from the pot and let the corn cool for a few minutes before serving.
Steamed corn on the cob can be served as is, or you can enhance the flavors by brushing it with melted butter and sprinkling it with salt, pepper, or your favorite seasonings. It’s a versatile side dish that complements a variety of meals, and it’s especially popular during the summer months when fresh corn is abundant.
So next time you have some fresh corn on hand, try steaming it for a simple and delicious way to enjoy this seasonal vegetable. Happy cooking!
Q&A
How long should I cook corn on the cob?
The cooking time for corn on the cob depends on the method you choose. If you are boiling it, it usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Grilling it can take anywhere from 10-15 minutes. The important thing is to cook it until the kernels are tender.
Can I microwave corn on the cob?
Yes, you can microwave corn on the cob. Simply place the corn in a microwave-safe dish, add a little water, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and cook on high for about 4-5 minutes per ear. Make sure to let it cool down before peeling off the husk.
What is the best way to cook corn on the cob?
The best way to cook corn on the cob depends on personal preference. Boiling and grilling are the most common methods. Boiling is quick and easy, while grilling gives the corn a smoky flavor. Another option is to roast the corn in the oven. Each method has its own unique taste and texture, so it’s up to you to decide which one you prefer.
How do I know when corn on the cob is done?
You can tell when the corn on the cob is done by checking the tenderness of the kernels. They should be soft and easily pierced with a fork. The color of the kernels also changes to a brighter yellow when fully cooked. If you’re unsure, you can always take a sample bite to check for doneness.
Can I freeze cooked corn on the cob?
Yes, you can freeze cooked corn on the cob. After it has been cooked, let it cool completely and then wrap each cob tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped cobs in a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen cooked corn on the cob can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.
How long do you cook corn on the cob?
To cook corn on the cob, you should bring a large pot of water to a boil and then add the corn. Boil the corn for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s tender and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook it, as this can make the corn mushy.