How to Cook Corn on the Cob

If you have been looking for the best tips and tricks for how to cook corn on the cob, look no further! From grilling to boiling, we go over the best ways to prepare, cook, and store your corn on the cob. 

With so many preparation variations, corn on the cob can be an intimidating food to work with. However, once you see how simple it is to prepare this delicious ingredient, you won’t want to stop making it!

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Cooking Corn on the Cob

Whether you are looking for the perfect side to throw on the grill or the perfect addition to Sunday dinner, these tips and tricks are sure to come in handy!

Grilled, microwaved, boiled or baked, corn on the cob is a summer staple. We love to grill it and add it to our Chicken Taco Salad or serve it with a perfectly Grilled Steak.

Preparing Your Corn

No matter how you are cooking your corn, the first step is to shuck it from the husk. If you have been tasked with shucking cob after cob of corn, you know it can be exhausting. However, microwaving is the best way to remove the husk and silk before cooking corn on the cob.

Step One: Cut off the stalk end of your corn if it has not been removed already. Use a very sharp knife, or a serrated knife.

Step Two: Microwave your corn in the husk for 60 seconds. This creates a layer of steam between the corn and the husk.

Step Three: Remove your cobs from the microwave and shake them while you squeeze the husk. In seconds you will have a silk-free cob of corn ready to go!

Note – this will not cook the corn, just makes it easier to remove the husk. If you want to fully cook your corn in the microwave, read on!

How To Microwave Corn

If you want some quick, delicious corn on the cob then using the microwave is the way to go. These easy steps will give you hot steamed corn that slides right out of the husk. 

1. Leaving your corn in the husk, place up to 3 pieces of corn on a plate in the microwave. (In all honestly, I’ve stacked up to 6 this way – it takes a little longer but it does work).
2. Microwave the corn for 3-4 minutes per cob. Once the corn finishes cooking, allow it to cool for 2-3 minutes in the microwave.
3. Remove the corn and cut off the stems if you haven’t already. The corn should slide right out of the husk and be fully cooked.

Grilling Corn On The Cob

The best way to grill corn is to remove it from the husk and place it right on the grate. This will give your corn a beautiful char and some delicious smoky flavor.

Remove your corn from the husk and coat the entire cob with butter.

Place the cobs on your heated grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning intermittently to ensure each side is charred.

How To Boil Corn

Boiling corn is a great option when you need to prepare a lot of corn in a short period of time.

1. Remove your cobs from the husks and set them aside. Bring a large stockpot of water to a boil.
2. Once the water is boiling, add ½ tablespoon of salt and the cobs of corn. Allow the corn to cook for 5 minutes.
3. Drain the water and pat the cobs of corn dry.

Best Baked Corn

Baking corn in the oven is a wonderful option if you want a similar end product to grilled corn without the grill clean-up.

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F. While the oven heats, coat each dehusked cob of corn in butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
2. Wrap each cob in tin foil and place on a baking sheet.
3. Bake your corn for 20 minutes. Allow the corn to cool for 5 minutes before removing the tin foil.

Steaming Corn On The Cob

Like microwaved corn on the cob, steaming gives you hot, flavorful corn without much time or effort. As a result, this is another great option for busy weeknights or larger gatherings.

1. Add 2 inches of water to a large stock pot and bring the water to a boil.
2. Remove the husks from your corn before adding the cobs to the pot. Place a lid on the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer.
3. Allow the corn to cook for 5 minutes, or until the corn turns bright yellow.

Cutting Corn From The Cob

Once you’ve cooked your corn, you can easily remove the kernels from the stalk using a very sharp knife or a long serrated knife to cut off each side of the cob. Cut from the top of the stalk to the bottom. Be sure to cut just behind where the corn is attached to the stalk to get as much corn off as possible.

FAQs

Storing Your Corn

No matter how you cook your corn on the cob, your leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. I recommend wrapping each cob in foil before placing it in an airtight container.

Alternatively, you can also freeze your corn for up to 3-4 months by boiling the corn before wrapping each cob in tin foil and placing them in an airtight container. Wrapping the cobs helps prevent them from sticking together.

I recommend cutting the kernels off the ear and reserving them in an airtight container or bag. They will stay fresh for several days and you can serve as a side dish, or toss in a salad or soup. You can also freeze corn kernels in a freezer bag for up to 3-4 months.

Serving Suggestions

Corn on the cob is delicious with just a little butter, salt and pepper. But there are a few other ways to dress up your cobs.

• Elote (Mexican Street Corn) – Slather corn with mayonnaise and sprinkle with chili powder, cotija cheese and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges. Or slice the corn off the cob and us it for my Mexican Street Corn Salad.
• Garlic Butter and Parmesan cheese
• Greek yogurt, fresh mince parsley and crumbled Feta cheese
• Bacon wrapped corn on the cob – Wrap a slice of bacon around an ear of corn, then wrap that in foil. Grill for 20-25 minutes.
• Make your sweet corn a little spicy with a spread of hot pepper jelly.
• Fresh Corn Salad
• Black Bean and Corn Salad

More Corn Recipes

• Shrimp Corn Chowder
• Creamy Cornbread Casserole
• Slow Cooker Cream Style Corn
• Creamy Hot Corn Dip
• Fresh Corn Salad with Tomatoes
• Creamy Scalloped Corn Casserole