Wondering how to cook corn? Here are 6 different methods to cook corn so that they come out perfectly tender every time!
Whenever corn season rolls around, we always buy plenty. They’re so sweet, delicious, and go with everything. However, it can be overwhelming at first if you haven’t cooked corn before as there are so many different ways and overcooked corn comes out mushy and far from sweet. So today I’ll be sharing 6 methods on how to cook corn for you to pick the method that you like best!
How To Pick The Best Corn At The Store
- Squeeze the corn on the cob, it should feel firm.
- The husk of fresh corn should be tightly wrapped, slightly damp, and bright green in color.
- Avoid any corn where the husk has brown holes in them.
- The silk sticking out of the husk at the top (tassel) should smell sweet and feel a little sticky
How to Remove the Corn’s Husk
The easiest way to shuck corn is to split the top side of the husk in half and peel the husk down, like peeling a banana!
How to Cook Corn 6 Ways
All instructions are for corn that has been shucked.
How to Boil Corn
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Add in the corn and cover so it returns to a boil.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the corn kernels are tender.
How to Cook Corn in the Instant Pot
- Add 1 cup water into the Instant Pot and place in the trivet.
- Place the corn on top of the trivet, stacking them if needed.
- Cook on High Pressure for 2 minutes.
- Quick release when done.
How to Grill Corn
- Brush olive oil and/or butter onto the corn.
- Place corn on a hot grill and cook for 8 to 12 minutes, flipping the corn every couple of minutes to get your desired level of char on each side of the corn. The more you flip, the less charred the corn is.
How to Microwave Corn
- Wrap corn in a wet paper towel and place the corn in a large microwaveable dish with a lid.
- Place the lid on and microwave for 3-5 minutes or until the corn kernels are tender.
How to Oven Roast Corn
- Preheat the oven to 375F.
- Place each ear of corn on a piece of tin foil with some butter on top and tightly wrap it up.
- Bake in the oven for 30 minutes or until the kernels are tender.
- Optional: open the tin foil and broil the corn for 1-2 minutes if you’d like to brown it a bit.
How to Steam Corn
- In a saucepan or pot with a steamer insert, bring up to 1½ cups of water to a boil. The steamer insert shouldn’t be submerged in water.
- Add in the corn, place the lid on top, and steam for 5-6 minutes.
How to Store Corn
When bringing home broccoli from the grocery store, store the corn on the cob in its husk inside a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your fridge for up to 3 days. If fresh corn dries out, it causes the kernels to become super starchy. I recommend using it as soon as possible to avoid that!
How to Store Leftover Cooked Corn
Once the corn has been cooked, let the corn cool to room temperature and then store in the fridge for up to 5 days, wrapped tightly with tin foil or plastic wrap.
Can You Freeze Corn?
Yes! Freeze your corn on a baking sheet in a single layer before transferring them into a freezer friendly airtight plastic bag like a ziploc or container. You can also cut the kernels off to freeze them. Store in the freezer for up to 3-4 months.
Can I Add Salt to the Water When Boiling?
Nope! While some other vegetables may require salted water, corn does not. The salt can toughen the corn so skip it!
How To Tell When Corn on the Cob is Done
Once done, corn on the cob will be bright yellow and the kernels are plumper.
Making Corn for a Crowd?
If you’re making multiple batches of corn to feed a crowd, keep your cooked corn warm by placing it into a large baking dish and keeping it covered with tin foil.
What to Corn on the Cob With
Here are some fun topping ideas for your corn on the cob:
- Chili Powder, cotija cheese, cilantro, and lime juice
- Lime-coconut crema
- Honey butter
- Miso butter
- Herb-infused butter
- Chipotle-mayo with lime juice
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How to Cook Corn – 6 Ways!
Ingredients
- 4 corn on the cob husks removed
- butter if grilling or oven roasting
Instructions
- How to Boil Corn: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add in the corn and cover so it returns to a boil. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the corn kernels are tender.
- How to Cook Corn in the Instant Pot: Add 1 cup water into the Instant Pot and place in the trivet. Place the corn on top of the trivet, stacking them if needed and cook on High Pressure for 2 minutes. Quick release when done.
- How to Grill Corn: Brush olive oil and/or butter onto the corn. Place corn on a hot grill and cook for 8 to 12 minutes, flipping the corn every couple of minutes to get your desired level of char on each side of the corn. The more you flip, the less charred the corn is.
- How to Microwave Corn: Wrap corn in a wet paper towel and place the corn in a large microwaveable dish with a lid. Place the lid on and microwave for 3-5 minutes or until the corn kernels are tender.
- How to Oven Roast Corn: Preheat the oven to 375F. Place each ear of corn on a piece of tin foil with some butter on top and tightly wrap it up. Bake the corn in the oven for 30 minutes or until the kernels are tender. Optional: open the tin foil and broil the corn for 1-2 minutes if you’d like to brown it a bit.
- How to Steam Corn: In a saucepan or pot with a steamer insert, bring up to 1½ cups of water to a boil. Add in the corn, place the lid on top, and steam for 5-6 minutes.
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