Instant-Pot Corn on the Cob

How fast could a corn cob shuck if a Pot cobbed shucked corn? Try saying that 5 times fast!

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Ever sink so much time, effort, and attention into your main course that you totally forget to whip up something to serve alongside it? With the complexity of some of the dinner dishes we have at FoodFaithFitness, you wouldn’t be blamed for being so sucked into perfecting your entrée that you totally glanced over what to serve it with!

Last-minute side dish options can be difficult to choose. You want something that’s quick and easy to make, but you still want your side dish to complement your main course without distracting from it. How do you cook something quickly that also couples nicely with your hard-worked entrée?

We say, go for the basics and simplify them even further!

Corn on the cob goes nicely with any meal, whether served up at a holiday feast or a typical dinner with equal simplicity and broad appeal. Properly buttered and seasoned corn on the cob can pair with anything from delicious lobster rolls to dietary crowd-pleasers like gluten-free keto-friendly vegan meatballs (made with chickpea and tomato!). If you want to doll up your corn on the cob, have no fears! We know just how to make perfect corn so quickly you’ll have all the time in the world to make it look like you weren’t scrambling to make a side dish—all thanks to our kitchen-friend, the Instant Pot!

Instant Pot corn on the cob is going to be so quick and easy, yet so reliably delicious, that you might just lean on it for all of your last-minute side dishes. We wouldn’t blame you if you used it to make delicious esquites or corn bread (with gourmet golden nuggets of corn in every bite!).

Is Instant Pot Corn on the Cob Healthy?

Corn is an excellent source of fiber, both soluble and insoluble, which can be beneficial when it comes to controlling cholesterol levels and giving you that “full” feeling you want after a feast! Our Instant Pot corn on the cob is vegan and gluten-free, thanks to everyone’s favorite countertop appliance. With a pressure cooker like Instant Pot and a dish as delicious as corn on the cob, your suppertime pressure can be relieved!

What seasonings go best with corn on the cob?

If you’re like me, you love corn on the cob for all sorts of flavors! The classic butter, salt, and pepper can’t go wrong with any meal; however, I love my corn a couple different ways! Elote (Esquites) is Mexican grilled corn; however, I personally love taking the easy way out and Instant Pot-ing my corn cobs before rolling them in cotija and chili spices for a delicious street food–inspired snack! Cut it off the cob and serve it with its seasonings in a cup of esquites, a good way to reduce the mess and even serve to kids!

You can also make Seafood Boil Cob. We’ve all had a seafood boil, complete with a couple of links of sausage and a knob of corn! You don’t have to have a messy bag of delicious shellfish to have that fantastic Old Bay classic! Season your corn cob with Old Bay and, if you’re still wanting that fishy flavor, try topping it with a bit of furikake (Japanese rice seasonings that come in flavors like seaweed and shrimp).

For some Indian flair, make Makka Butta—that’s Indian street corn. It’s a phenomenal flavor to try at your dinner table! Just lather your corn with a squeeze of lime and dust it in your favorite Indian spices (I like turmeric, cayenne, and curry). Though typically grilled and served on the street, Instant Pot Makka Butta has all the fantastic flavors with a fraction of the effort!

INGREDIENTS

10 ears of corn on the cob (or however you want to make) shucked

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep

Trim and shuck the corn, then place it on the trivet inside the Instant Pot with 1 1/2 cups of water.

Cook

Seal the pot, set to High Pressure, and cook for 2-3 minutes depending on desired firmness.

Release

Perform a Quick Release, then remove the corn, dress with butter and salt, and enjoy.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How do I prep and store the corn?

Instant Pot is the best friend for anyone looking to make food ahead of time! If you want food quick, if you want something cooked low and slow, it doesn’t matter with Instant Pot! Just make sure you wrap your finished corn in aluminum foil before refrigerating. You can reheat it in the oven for a roasted finish; or, if you want it hot and fast, microwave your cold corn on the cob wrapped in a wet paper towel.

How do I get that roasted corn browning in my Instant Pot?

Your Instant Pot might not be an open grill, but it can put a sear on your food! Instead of pressure cooking your corn on the cob, try putting it into a hot Instant Pot with no lid. Turn the cobs multiple times with tongs to ensure you don’t burn yourself, but make sure that your corn gets a good sear on all sides!

What if I don’t want my corn cobs cut?

Some people really love to eat that whole ear of corn and cutting it up can be a hassle! If that’s the case, you don’t need to change the cook time or style at all, just ensure that your corn cobs fit into your Instant Pot with a few minor cuts on either side, preserving the ear as much as possible.

Serving Suggestions

What can’t you eat corn on the cob with? Instant Pot corn on the cob pairs perfectly with anything you’re whipping up for dinner, be it surf, turf, or anything on Earth! Next time you’re looking to make baked salmon for dinner, try serving a couple knobs of perfectly cooked cob! Grill up some cauliflower steaks whenever you want to serve corn for a filling vegan dinner! Go all the way with your tabletop appliances and fry some keto chicken tenders in your air fryer while your corn is cooking! Or, just serve it up on its own with a dash and dusting of your favorite spices and flavors!