How to Boil Corn on The Cob

Impress the neighbors at the next backyard barbecue by learning how to perfectly boil corn on the cob. The essential summer side dish that is delicious, nutritious, and fun to eat (dental floss sold separately).

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Every barbecue needs corn on the cob, and boiling it is by far one of the easiest methods. I’m telling you, once you learn how to boil corn on the cob, you’ll wonder why you ever prepared it any other way.

If there would be only one summer vegetable that I can choose from, it’s corn on the cob! Bite into one and try not to think about sunshine. You can’t do it! Serve it alongside some other summer barbecue must-have side dishes, like a zucchini pasta salad, and you’ll have the neighbors peering over their fences with envy.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This boiled corn recipe is ready in under 15 minutes and requires just a few easy steps.
It pairs wonderfully with a wide range of dishes.
With that inimitable crunch, corn on the cob sounds as good as it tastes.
As sports stadiums and street vendors will attest, corn on the cob makes a great snack that can dressed up in so many ways. It’s like a healthy version of the hot dog!

Is Boiled Corn on the cob Healthy?

Boiled corn is perhaps the healthiest method of cooking corn, as it retains its nutrients. Which nutrients? Dietary fiber, vitamin B9, vitamin C, and minerals such as magnesium and potassium. It’s also rich in antioxidants, which can help maintain the health of your eyes. The calories and fat are only really an issue when you load on the salt and butter. Luckily, you control how much you want to add so it can be as healthy (or unhealthy) as you like.

INGREDIENTS

The only essential ingredient is — you guessed it! — the corn. Everything else is up to you.

2 cobs of corn
2 tbsp butter
2 garlic cloves
3 tbsp chives, chopped
pinch of sea salt and black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

Boil

Bring a large pot of water to boil, then add the garlic cloves. Reduce the heat to MED-HIGH.

Simmer

Stir in the butter, then add the corn. Simmer for 10 minutes until the corn is tender.

Season

Remove the corn. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with chopped chives.

DEVOUR!

Variations

Corn is versatile and can be enjoyed in many different ways. For instance, you can slice the corn off the cob to make a fresh corn salad or use it as a topping for meats, like grilled beef or chicken.
You can also top the boiled corn with ingredients of your choice, like dried herbs, bacon, mayonnaise, ancho chili pepper, and/or grated cheese.
Instead of the chives, you can use other herbs like fresh parsley, coriander, or mint. All of them work well with boiled corn.

Serving Suggestions

Easy Turkey Meatloaf: Comfort food (and relatively healthy, thanks to the turkey) teams up with summer food. This one’s for the entire family.

Cajun Burgers with Sweet Potato Buns: Perhaps the one thing that is more summery than corn on the cob. Spicy burgers wedged between sweet potato buns make for a healthy and hot treat on a hot day.

Healthy Chicken Quesadilla: For those quesadilla connoisseurs who think this particular recipe needs more corn.

FAQs

How long does it take to boil corn on the cob?

The cooking time of corn depends on its size and the season. In this recipe, I boiled the corn for 10 minutes and it was perfectly tender. Cook it longer if you feel the corn is undercooked. The most important thing is that you don’t overcook the corn. It will taste bland and mushy. Also, the fresher the corn, the less time it takes to cook.

Can I add salt to the boiling water?

No, don’t add salt to the water. The salt will toughen the corn. You can season the corn with salt after boiling it.

How do you check if the corn is done?

You can test it by poking the kernels with the tip of a knife. The kernel should not be mushy or tough, which means they are either overcooked or undercooked.

How to Store Boiled Corn on the cob

Let the corn cool completely. Wrap it in plastic (do so tightly to ensure the corn maintains its freshness). Put the wrapped cobs in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Now they’re ready for refrigeration, where they should keep for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can either briefly microwave them or boil them. You can also freeze the corn for up to 12 months by following these same steps. To eat once more, let them thaw in the fridge overnight.