Summer and corn on the cob are synonymous. There’s nothing quite like biting into sweet, juicy kernels, dripping with butter and sprinkled with salt. For many, including myself, memories of summer are intertwined with the simple pleasure of perfectly cooked corn on the cob. Growing up, my mom would often serve boiled corn as a side dish, sourced fresh from local farm stands. Its incredible sweetness and freshness made it irresistible. The taste of that summer corn, golden and buttery, still makes my mouth water today.
While I’ve previously shared recipes for steamed corn on the cob and grilled corn on the cob, it’s time to delve into the classic method: boiling. Boiling corn on the cob is incredibly easy and delivers the sweetest, most succulent results. This straightforward recipe doesn’t require complex techniques, but the key to exceptional boiled corn is simple: start with the freshest corn you can find. The quality of your corn directly impacts the final deliciousness of this summer staple.
The Easiest Way to Cook Corn on the Cob
Boiling corn on the cob is arguably the simplest cooking method, perfect for busy weeknights or casual summer gatherings. You only need one essential ingredient: fresh sweet corn on the cob! Whether you’re cooking for a small family or a crowd, this method scales effortlessly. Just ensure you have a pot large enough to fully submerge all the ears of corn.
Step 1: Prepare the Corn
Begin by removing the husks and silks from the corn. Peel back the green husks and discard them, along with the silks – those fine, thread-like strands clinging to the kernels. As you prepare the corn, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Using tongs to handle the hot corn later is a helpful tip for safety and ease.
Step 2: Boil the Corn
Once the water is boiling vigorously, carefully add the shucked corn to the pot. Ensure the water returns to a boil after adding the corn, then cook uncovered. The cooking time for boiled corn on the cob depends on your preference and the quantity of corn. For perfectly tender kernels, I recommend boiling for just 3 to 5 minutes. This timeframe is often just enough for the water to return to a boil after adding the corn, ensuring it’s not overcooked and remains sweet. If your meal isn’t quite ready, you can turn off the heat and leave the corn in the hot water to keep it warm without overcooking.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the cooked corn from the pot using tongs and place it on a serving platter. Now comes the best part – serving! The classic accompaniments are simple yet satisfying: butter, salt, and pepper. Let everyone customize their corn with these staples, or get creative with the serving suggestions below.
Delicious Serving Ideas for Boiled Corn on the Cob
While boiled corn on the cob is delightful on its own with butter, salt, and pepper, there are countless ways to elevate this simple side dish. While I often grill corn for dishes like tacos and salads, boiled corn is my go-to for eating straight off the cob. Here are some creative and flavorful serving suggestions to try:
- Elevate with Compound Butter: Instead of plain butter, try using compound butter. Any of these 4 herb butter variations would add a burst of flavor to your corn.
- Drizzle with Flavorful Sauces: Take your corn to the next level with a drizzle of delicious sauce. Consider options like spicy chipotle sauce for a kick or creamy vegan ranch for a cool contrast.
- Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs over the hot corn for added aroma and flavor. Cilantro, basil, or chives are excellent choices that complement the sweetness of the corn.
- Spice it Up: Add a touch of heat with a dusting of smoked paprika or chili powder. These spices enhance the corn’s natural sweetness with a smoky and warm depth.
- Mexican-Style “Elote”: Transform your boiled corn into a Mexican street food favorite. Brush the cooked corn with adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers and sprinkle with crumbled Cotija cheese for a savory and tangy twist.
Experiment with these variations and discover your favorite way to enjoy boiled corn on the cob!
Boiled corn on the cob is the perfect side dish for a summer cookout. Pair it with other classic barbecue fare like veggie burgers, hearty black bean burgers, or flavorful BBQ jackfruit sandwiches. Complete your summer meal with a refreshing summer salad for a balanced and delicious feast. Of course, boiled corn on the cob is also a fantastic accompaniment to countless other main courses – let your culinary creativity guide you!
More Corn Recipes to Explore
If you’ve mastered boiling corn on the cob and are craving more corn-centric dishes, explore these other delicious summer corn recipes:
How to Boil Corn on the Cob Recipe
Rating: 5 from 95 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Serves 4-8
Save Recipe Print Recipe
Learn the simplest method for cooking corn on the cob! Boiling corn yields incredibly tender, sweet, and juicy results every time. Served with butter, salt, and pepper, it’s the quintessential summer side dish.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 to 8 ears fresh sweet corn, husks and silks removed
- Butter or compound butter, for serving
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and gently add the shucked corn. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even submersion, until the kernels are tender and vibrant yellow. Alternatively, for a slightly different texture, place the corn in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring the water to a boil and cook for just 1 to 2 minutes, until the corn is tender-crisp.
- Drain the boiled corn and serve immediately while warm with butter, salt, and pepper, or your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
