Two Easy Ways to Cook Juicy Corn on the Cob on the Stove
Discover these two techniques for cooking corn on the cob on the stove that will help free up your time while making dinner.
Everyone loves corn, particularly when it’s on the cob. It’s just one of those foods that is really fun to eat.
Nonetheless, corn on the cob is a side dish which means you probably don’t want to be spending a lot of time trying to get it cooked just right when you’re dealing with the main course. To the rescue are two very easy ways to cook sweet, tender, and crisp corn on the stove with no fuss.
Boiling Corn on the Cob on the Stove
There’s something festive about eating those juicy, golden kernels that everyone loves to eat. More reason why you want your corn on the cob to come out perfect. That means a foolproof technique assuring that the kernels come out plump, crisp, and juicy every time.
The good news is cooking your corn on the cob on the stove is an easy and fast method for making yummy corn on the cob.
While there are different ways for cooking corn on the cob, such as grilling or steaming, boiling is a fool-proof way to make perfect corn on the cob that’s quick and doesn’t require a lot of fuss.
How to Easily Cook Corn on the Cob on the Stove
Instructions for cooking four ears of corn on the cob on the stove:
- Fill a large pot with 6 to 8 quarts of water.
- Place the pot on a large burner and set heat at high. (If you are in a hurry, place a lid on the pot for faster boiling.)
- Once the water comes to a boil, add the shucked corn directly to the boiling water. Wait a few seconds for the water to return to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer at a low boil for 3-5 minutes.
- Using a set of tongs, carefully remove corn onto a serving platter.
This works ideally if you are cooking up to four ears of corn. It’s important not to crowd the corn or it won’t cook evenly and will throw the timing off. If you want to cook more ears use a bigger pan that holds enough water to give the corn some breathing room.
For this method, you will follow the same steps mentioned above: Fill the pan with lots of water, place on a large burner at high heat. Wait for the water to reach a rolling boil and add the corn. Here’s where the difference comes in. Instead of reducing the heat to a simmer, you want to cover the pan and turn the heat completely off. After 10 minutes you should have perfectly cooked corn.
The nice thing about this method is if you’re not quite ready to serve, you can let the corn sit in the water for an additional ten minutes and it won’t overcook the corn.
That’s all there is to it. I’ve used both of these methods for cooking corn on the cob on the stove and I can’t really say one was better than the other. Both resulted in crisp and juicy corn.
How Much Water Do You Put in the Pan for Boiled Corn?
It’s not really necessary to measure out a certain amount of water to boil your corn. Just make sure you have sufficient water to allow the corn to be fully emerged in the water without crowding. You may want to use two pans if you don’t have enough room for the corn you are cooking.
Do You Start Cooking Corn In Boiling Water or Cold Water?
Some people say to put the corn in the water before boiling. I have tried it both ways and prefer the boiling technique. For one, you have to keep your eye on the corn so it doesn’t come to a rolling boil when you’re not looking. Second, the timing is somewhat off when the corn slowly comes to a boil.
For those reasons, I prefer to bring the water to a boil first. I then add the ears of corn directly into the pot. This method helps to ensure that the corn does not overcook and become soft and mushy. Instead, putting the corn in boiling water will help it to cook evenly and quickly.
How Long to Boil Corn on the Cob?
So, how many minutes do you boil corn on the cob?
Surprisingly, it doesn’t take much time to boil. Ideally 3-5 minutes should be adequate. The difference of two minutes would depend on how you like your corn cooked. For example, some people prefer their corn almost raw. Typically, when done the corn kernels should be tender but still have a bit of a crunch to them. Cooking the corn much longer could result in mushy, unappealing corn.
Do you Put Salt in Water When Cooking Corn on the Cob?
There are mixed opinions on whether to put salt in your water before cooking the corn. Some say it makes the corn tough while others say it intensifies the flavor.
Personally, I don’t put salt in my water and don’t miss it. After all, you can always salt your corn while eating if you so choose. But, I don’t even find the need to salt my corn and I like salt. I do, however add a bit of sugar to the boiling water.
Why Add Sugar to Boil Corn on the Cob?
Keeping Corn on the Cob Warm
If your corn gets done before the rest of the dinner is ready, you can keep it warm by leaving it in the hot water for up to 10 minutes. This shouldn’t have any affect on the texture of the corn. If you still need more time, it is recommended to remove the corn from the water and wrap in foil to keep it warm.
Another alternative for making your corn ahead of time is to add the corn to the boiling water, turn off the heat and cover the pan with a lid. The corn will need at least 10 minutes in the hot bath but otherwise can stay in the pan for up to a half hour. Hence, you can focus on your meal without having to fuss over the corn.
How to Eat Corn on the Cob
While there is no right or wrong way to eat corn on the cob, everyone has their own style which is sometimes fun to watch.
Some people start in the middle and work their way to the right and then to the left. Others opt for the edges and work their way to the center. Then there are those who randomly pick a spot to take a bite.
Another option advantageous for someone with teeth issues is to scrape the kernels off with a knife. Course then you’re just eating corn and not corn on the cob.
And what about butter? Most everyone likes to slather their corn in butter. In fact, a lot of dinner tables have a stick of butter on a plate specifically for rolling the corn in.
But if that’s not the case, you can put a few pats of butter on your plate and butter the rows as you go along. Either way, make sure you have your napkin handy.
If you really are not sure what to do, take the advice of Emily Post and just watch what others do.
Be sure to take advantage of these basic cooking techniques that everyone should be familiar with.