How to boil corn on the cob from fresh or frozen for a sweet, juicy, tender summer side dish to impress at BBQs, potlucks, cookouts, and mid-week meals! Including choosing, shucking, and how long to boil corn on the cob for perfect results!
Use a sharp knife to cut off the root end of each cob (or see next step). Using a firm grip on the other end of the corn, pull and twist the husk so the corn slides out of the other end.
Alternatively, to avoid cutting the corn:Remove the outer leaves until just one thin layer is left. Peel back the leaves until you can see the first few rows of kernels. Then grasp the tops of the leaves and tassel in one hand and pull them down in a firm tug to invert the husk. Then, simply break it off. Microwaving the ear of corn for a minute or two can make the second method easier.
Boil the Corn
While shucking the corn, bring a large, deep, heavy-based pan of water to a boil. Ensuring the pot is large enough to fit all the corn in 1-2 layers. Otherwise, you'll need to cook it in batches.
Optionally add sugar (not salt) to bring out the sweetness of the corn.Alternatively, replace some or all of the water with milk as a sugar-free way to bring out the sweetness in the corn.
Once the water is boiling, carefully (using tongs) add the corn to the pot, ensuring they’re fully submerged.
Boil for 3-6 minutes, turning/stirring once halfway until the corn is tender and bright yellow. If the corn is colder and harder (especially when it comes from a supermarket), it can take up to 10 minutes to cook (mine took 6 minutes).Use a sharp knife's tip to check it's tender.
Remove the corn from the water with tongs, optionally dress it up, and enjoy!
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Notes
Use the freshest corn: The fresher the corn, the sweeter and juicier it will be.
To save time: You can use pre-shucked and prepared corn cobs to save time, though they won't taste as fresh or sweet.
Be careful not to overcook it: Otherwise, corn can become mushy. Use a timer and adjust the time based on the size and freshness of the corn cobs.
Can you boil corn unpeeled? Yes, you can, though it will need an additional minute or two. Once cooked, remove the husk and enjoy.
Can I cook frozen corn on the cob? Yes, increase the time by a few minutes. It usually takes between 5-8 minutes.
To keep it warm before serving: Leave it in the hot water (off heat) to stay warm. Alternatively, drain the corn, place it on a large baking tray covered in foil, and keep it warm in the oven at 200ºF/95ºC until ready to serve.
Check the blog post for more tips, dressing ideas, and serving suggestions!