Corn is a summer favorite that can be quickly cooked and enjoyed. It’s delicious boiled alone or seasoned with butter, salt, pepper, herbed butter, garlic butter, or other flavorings.
Look for fresh corn that is brightly colored, with plump kernels and moist, pliable husks. It should be tender to the touch and smell sweet.
How Long Does It Take to Boil Corn?
The cooking time of corn on the cob depends largely on its freshness and sweetness, and whether it’s unhusked or in its husk. The sweeter and more fresh the corn, the less time it takes to boil. Unhusked corn cooks a bit faster than husked corn, but only by a few minutes.
To boil corn, start with a large pot of water and salt it generously. Be sure to use kosher salt, as this is a good quality salt that will not toughen the kernels during boiling.
While you wait for the water to come to a boil, shuck and prepare the corn. This is best done over a trash can or bag, as the silks and husks are messy. Once the water is boiling, add the corn and let it cook for 3-5 minutes. Carefully remove the corn from the pot with tongs and serve warm, topped with butter and salt if desired. This is a simple dish that can be made in almost any kitchen!
How Long Does It Take to Cook Corn in the Microwave?
Microwaving corn takes about three to five minutes. Cooking time varies depending on the size of the ear and the wattage of the microwave. To ensure the corn doesn’t dry out or become overcooked, wrap each ear of corn in a moist paper towel before microwaving.
Use a paper towel to dampen the ear of corn and then wrap it tightly. Place the corn on a microwave safe plate and cook on high for 3 to 5 minutes. Allow the corn to cool slightly before removing the husks and shucking.
Another method of boiling corn involves bringing a pot of salted water to a boil and then dropping in the unhusked corn. After about 10 minutes, the kernels should be tender and bright yellow. It’s easy to tell when the corn is done because it will have a soft and juicy bite. The ear of corn will also have a crisp texture when poked with a knife.
How Long Does It Take to Cook Corn on the Grill?
If you love that juicy grilled flavor, grilling your corn on the cob is an easy, tasty option. Before you do, remove the husks and silk, and then preheat your grill to medium heat.
For extra flavor, try adding aromatics to your boiling water. You can add anything from a few halved lemons to a bay leaf and smashed garlic cloves. Just be sure to not overcrowd the pot, since boiled corn cooks faster in smaller batches.
When the timer goes off, pull the corn from the water and slather it with butter and salt, as desired. If you like a little char, you can briefly cook your corn on the grill after the allotted boil time for an extra punch of smokiness. This will only take 4-5 minutes. The char will also help the corn stay moist and tender. This is especially important if you’re serving it to children.
How Long Does It Take to Cook Corn in the Oven?
Whether you’re cooking an individual ear or several cobs for a crowd, it’s easy to cook corn in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and place corn in an ungreased 13×9-inch (3-quart) baking dish. Add water until the corn is covered and bake for 30 minutes.
When choosing a batch of corn to boil, opt for the freshest and sweetest corn possible. Look for tightly wrapped bright green husks and tassels that aren’t yellowing or brown. A quick squeeze should also reveal moist and plump kernels, notes Healthline.
It’s also important to note that the fresher the corn, the less time it will need to boil. If you’re unsure of the corn’s age, stick a fork in it to see if the center is tough or tender. It’s also wise to refrain from adding salt to the boiling water, which can harden the kernels. Instead, some cooks prefer to add a pinch of sugar or other aromatic ingredients to the water.