Corn on the cob is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed all year round. While grilling corn is popular during the summer months, sometimes you may want to enjoy this tasty treat indoors. Cooking corn on the cob in a pan is a quick and easy way to achieve a similar grilled flavor and tender texture. Whether you’re cooking for a small dinner or hosting a backyard BBQ, this method is sure to impress your guests.

To begin, you’ll need some fresh corn ears. Look for corn with bright green husks and plump, juicy kernels. Peel back the husks and remove the silks, making sure to remove all of them. Then, rinse the corn ears under cold water to remove any remaining dirt or debris.

Pro Tip: For added flavor, you can soak the corn ears in water for about 30 minutes before cooking. This will help keep the kernels moist and prevent them from drying out.

Next, fill a large pot or pan with enough water to cover the corn ears. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat. Once the water is boiling, carefully add the corn ears to the pan, making sure they are completely submerged. Reduce the heat to low and allow the corn to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the kernels are tender when pierced with a fork.

Get ready to cook corn on the cob in a pan

Before you start cooking corn on the cob in a pan, gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Fresh corn on the cob
  • Water
  • Salt
  • Butter or olive oil (optional)
  • Large pot or pan

Choose fresh and ripe corn

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Tip: If possible, buy the corn on the day you plan to cook it to ensure maximum freshness.

Prepare the tools and ingredients

Before you begin cooking corn on the cob in a pan, it’s important to gather all the necessary tools and ingredients. This will ensure that you have everything you need and can cook the corn without any interruptions. Here is a list of what you will need:

Tools:

  • A large pan
  • Tongs
  • A sharp knife
  • A cutting board

Ingredients:

  • Fresh corn on the cob
  • Water
  • Butter
  • Salt (optional)

Make sure that you have a large pan that is big enough to hold all the corn on the cob that you plan to cook. Tongs are necessary for flipping the corn and removing it from the pan. A sharp knife and cutting board will be needed to trim the ends of the corn and cut it into smaller pieces, if desired.

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Of course, the most important ingredient is fresh corn on the cob. Look for corn that has bright green husks and moist silky threads. The kernels should be plump and shiny. Additionally, be sure to have water on hand to boil the corn and butter for serving. You can also choose to add salt to the water for extra flavor, although this is optional.

Remove the husks and silks

Before cooking the corn on the cob, it is important to remove the husks and silks. Start by peeling back the husks, which are the green outer layer of the corn. You can grip the husks at the top and slowly pull them downward until they are completely removed.

Once the husks are removed, you will see the silks, which are the thin, hair-like strands that run along the corn cob. While some people choose to leave the silks on while cooking, it is generally recommended to remove them. To do this, take a firm grip on the silks at the top of the corn cob and pull them downward, removing them in one fluid motion. Make sure to remove as much of the silks as possible.

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Removing the husks and silks will not only make the corn on the cob easier to eat, but it will also allow the flavors to penetrate the corn better during the cooking process.

Boil water in a pan

To cook corn on the cob, you will need to start by boiling water in a pan. Boiling the corn will help to soften the kernels and make them tender and sweet.

Here are the steps to boil water in a pan for cooking corn on the cob:

  1. Fill a large pan with enough water to fully immerse the corn cobs.
  2. Place the pan on a stovetop burner and turn the heat to high.
  3. Allow the water to come to a rolling boil.
  4. Once the water is boiling, carefully add the corn cobs to the pan.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium-high and let the corn cook for about 8-10 minutes.
  6. Keep an eye on the corn as it cooks, making sure the water maintains a gentle boil.
  7. After the cooking time is up, use tongs to remove the corn cobs from the pan. Be cautious as they may be hot.
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Now that the water is boiled and the corn is cooked, you can move on to the next steps of preparing a delicious corn on the cob dish.

Add the corn and cook

Once the water is boiling, carefully add the corn ears to the pan. Make sure they are submerged in the water. You can gently stir the cobs to ensure even cooking.

Let the corn cook for about 5-7 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the corn and personal preference for tenderness. The corn is ready when the kernels are bright yellow and tender when pierced with a fork.

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While the corn is cooking, you can prepare any desired toppings or seasonings such as melted butter, salt, pepper, or herbs.

Once the corn is cooked to your liking, use tongs to remove the corn from the pan and place them on a plate or serving dish. Be careful as the corn will be hot.

You can serve the corn on the cob immediately and enjoy its delicious flavors and natural sweetness.

Note: If you prefer a grilled taste, you can also cook the corn on a preheated grill pan, adding a smoky flavor to your corn.

Season and serve your delicious corn on the cob

Once your corn on the cob is cooked to perfection, it’s time to add some extra flavor with seasonings and condiments. Here are some ideas to make your corn even more delicious:

Seasoning Instructions
Butter Spread softened butter all over the corn, allowing it to melt and coat the kernels.
Salt and pepper Sprinkle some salt and pepper over the corn to enhance its natural flavors.
Parmesan cheese Grate some Parmesan cheese over the corn for a cheesy and savory taste.
Lime juice and chili powder Squeeze fresh lime juice over the corn and sprinkle it with chili powder to give it a tangy and spicy kick.
Garlic butter Mix melted butter with minced garlic and brush it onto the corn for a savory and aromatic flavor.
Herb butter Combine softened butter with your favorite herbs, such as parsley or dill, and spread it over the corn for a fresh and fragrant taste.

Once you have seasoned your corn to your liking, serve it immediately while it’s still hot. Whether you’re enjoying it as a side dish or the main attraction, corn on the cob is always a crowd-pleaser!

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Q&A

What is the best way to cook corn on the cob in a pan?

To cook corn on the cob in a pan, start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Add the corn to the boiling water and cook for about 8-10 minutes or until the corn is tender. Drain the corn and serve hot with butter and seasoning.

Can I cook corn on the cob in a pan without boiling it?

Yes, you can cook corn on the cob in a pan without boiling it. One method is to heat the pan on medium-high heat and place the corn directly on the hot pan. Turn the corn occasionally until it is cooked and has a slight char. This method gives the corn a slightly smoky and grilled flavor.

How long does it take to cook corn on the cob in a pan?

Cooking corn on the cob in a pan usually takes about 8-10 minutes. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the corn and how tender you like it. It’s always a good idea to test the corn for doneness by piercing a kernel with a fork or knife. If it goes in easily, the corn is ready.

What seasonings can I add to the corn on the cob when cooking it in a pan?

You can season corn on the cob when cooking it in a pan with a variety of ingredients. Some popular options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, and butter. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to add extra flavor to the corn.

Can I cook corn on the cob in a pan if I don’t have access to fresh corn?

Yes, you can still cook corn on the cob in a pan even if you don’t have access to fresh corn. You can use frozen corn on the cob or canned corn on the cob. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Frozen corn on the cob may take a few minutes longer to cook, while canned corn on the cob can be heated directly in the pan.

Is it possible to cook corn on the cob in a pan?

Yes, it is possible to cook corn on the cob in a pan. In fact, it is a quick and easy method of cooking corn.