Buzz
Whole corn on the cob is a delicious vegetable that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with dishes like steak, chicken, or other vegetable-based meals. Corn is a perfect choice for picnics, BBQ parties, or as a light summer snack. There are various ways to prepare whole corn on the cob, with the most popular methods being grilling, boiling, and roasting. If you want to learn how to make tasty corn on the cob quickly, follow the steps below.
Steps
Boiling
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Ensure the pot is large enough to hold at least two ears of corn.
Husking the Corn. To husk the corn, simply hold the top of the ear with the corn silk (the black, hair-like strands) and pull downward to remove the husk.
Rinse the corn. Wash the ears thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.
Add sugar to the boiling water (optional). Stir in a tablespoon of sugar to enhance the natural sweetness of the corn.
Place the corn in the water. Gently lower the ears into the boiling water.
Wait for the water to return to a boil. This should take no more than a minute.
Boil the corn for 5-7 minutes or until tender. To check if it's done, pierce the kernels with a fork to see if they are soft.
Use tongs to remove the corn from the pot. Place the ears on a serving plate.
Serve and enjoy. Spread 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of butter over the corn, then sprinkle with salt and pepper for added flavor.
Grilling Method
Husking the Corn. To husk the corn, hold the top of the ear with the corn silk (the black, hair-like strands) and pull downward to remove the husk.
Rinse the corn thoroughly. Place the ears in a colander and rinse under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.
Tear off a large sheet of aluminum foil. Ensure the foil is large enough to fully wrap around each ear of corn.
Spread butter on the foil. Use a brush to coat the foil with 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of melted unsalted butter.
Sprinkle salt and pepper on the foil. Add a moderate amount of salt and pepper to suit your taste.
Wrap the corn in the foil.
Grill for 10-12 minutes.
Serve and enjoy. Add extra butter, pepper, or salt if desired.
Roasting
Preheat the oven to 175ºC.
Place two ears of corn directly onto the baking tray.
Roast the corn for 25 minutes or until tender. Once the corn is cooked, remove it from the oven.
Season the corn. Spread 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of unsalted butter over two ears of corn still in their husks, then sprinkle with salt and pepper for added flavor.
Enjoy your corn. Peel back the husks and use them as a handle while eating the corn.
Alternative methods for preparing whole corn on the cob
Microwaving whole corn on the cob. Cooking whole corn on the cob in the microwave can take as little as 90 seconds per ear.
Spicy corn on the cob. You can prepare corn on the cob with a variety of unique seasonings to create this delicious dish.
Fireman's Corn grilled on the cob. This grilled corn has a richer brown color and a more flavorful taste.
Tips
- There are many types of corn. "American" corn is one of the sweetest varieties available. You might not need to add sugar when cooking this bicolor corn.
- When husking corn, try to grab the bundle of silk. This method makes removing the silk much easier.
- Enjoy corn on the cob with melted butter or margarine.
- Spread a generous amount of butter on a bread roll and place the corn inside.
Warnings
- Handle hot water with caution.
- Ensure the corn cools down before serving and eating.
- Always open the lid of a boiling pot away from your face to avoid serious burns.
What You'll Need
- Large pot
- Tongs
- Kitchen gloves
- Microwave
- Grill rack
- Dinner plate
- Paper towels
