How to Cook Fresh Corn on the Cob
Preparing the Corn
Before cooking fresh corn on the cob, there are a few steps you need to take to prepare it. Start by shucking the corn, which means removing the outermost layer of leaves and the silk from the top of the cob. To do this, hold the corn by the stem and carefully pull down the leaves until they’re completely removed. Then, remove the silk by running your hands over the cob or using a corn silk brush.
Once the corn is shucked and cleaned, you can choose to leave the cob whole or cut it into smaller pieces. If you’re grilling or baking the corn, you may want to cut the cob into halves or thirds to make it easier to handle.
Now that the corn is prepped and ready, it’s time to move on to cooking.
Boiling the Corn
Boiling fresh corn on the cob is one of the easiest and most popular ways to cook it. To start, fill a large pot with enough water to cover the corn and bring it to a boil. While the water is heating up, you can add salt or sugar to the water if desired.
Once the water is boiling, carefully add the corn to the pot. Cover the pot with a lid and let the corn cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it’s tender. Be careful not to overcook the corn, as this can make it tough and chewy.
When the corn is done, remove it from the pot with tongs and place it on a plate or serving platter. You can serve the corn as is, or add butter and salt for extra flavor. Boiled corn on the cob is a classic side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
Grilling the Corn
Grilling fresh corn on the cob is a great way to add a smoky flavor and char to the corn. To start, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While the grill is heating up, you can brush the corn with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle it with salt and pepper.
Once the grill is hot, place the corn directly on the grates and close the lid. Let the corn cook for 10-12 minutes, turning it occasionally, until it’s lightly charred and cooked through.
When the corn is done, remove it from the grill with tongs and let it cool for a few minutes. You can serve the corn as is, or add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and sprinkle with cotija cheese for a Mexican-style twist. Grilled corn on the cob is a delicious side dish that’s perfect for summer barbecues and cookouts.
Baking the Corn
Baking fresh corn on the cob is a simple and hands-off method that yields tender, juicy corn every time. To start, preheat your oven to 350°F. While the oven is heating up, you can prepare the corn by brushing it with melted butter and seasoning it with salt and pepper.
Once the oven is hot, place the corn on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the corn is tender and cooked through.
When the corn is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. You can serve the corn as is, or top it with herbs like chopped parsley or chives for extra flavor. Baked corn on the cob is a versatile side dish that’s perfect for any meal, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.
Serving and Enjoying the Corn
After you’ve cooked your fresh corn on the cob, it’s time to serve and enjoy it! Depending on how you cooked it, you can serve the corn as is or add toppings for extra flavor.
If you boiled the corn, you can serve it with melted butter, salt, and pepper. If you grilled the corn, you can add a sprinkle of cotija cheese, a squeeze of lime juice, or a drizzle of honey for sweetness. If you baked the corn, you can top it with chopped herbs, grated Parmesan cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.
No matter how you serve it, fresh corn on the cob is a delicious and versatile side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re grilling up burgers or serving a fancy dinner party, corn on the cob is sure to please.
