Cooking corn on the cob can be a delightful and straightforward process, with several methods to achieve perfectly cooked and flavorful results. Here’s a guide to help you cook corn on the cob using various techniques.
Grilling Corn on the Cob
Grilling corn on the cob is a popular method that adds a smoky flavor and a nice char to the corn.
Grilling in the Husks
Prepare the Corn: Peel back the husks, remove the silk, and then pull the husks back up over the corn. Soak the ears in cold water for 10-20 minutes to prevent the husks from burning[1][3].
Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F). Place the corn on the grill, rotating every 3 to 5 minutes, until all sides are cooked. This process takes about 10-15 minutes[1][3].
Serve: Remove from the grill, tie back the husks, and serve with butter, salt, and pepper.
Grilling Without Husks
Shuck the Corn: Remove the husks and silks from the ears of corn.
Grill: Place the ears directly on a preheated grill over medium-high heat. Rotate the corn every 3 to 5 minutes until all sides are cooked and light char marks form. This process also takes about 10-15 minutes[1][3].
Serve: Remove from the grill and serve with butter, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the corn dry.
Grilling in Foil
Prepare the Corn: Shuck the ears of corn and place each ear on a piece of aluminum foil with about ½ tablespoon of butter on top. Wrap the foil around the corn.
Grill: Place the foil-wrapped corn on the grill and cook for 15 minutes, turning occasionally. Unwrap and serve immediately[1].
Boiling Corn on the Cob
Boiling is a simple and quick way to cook corn on the cob.
Prepare the Corn: Remove the husks and silks from the ears of corn.
Boil: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water. Once boiling, add the corn and cook for 3-7 minutes, or until the kernels are tender and bright yellow[1][5].
Serve: Drain the corn and water into a colander, then serve the corn warm with butter, salt, and pepper.
Oven Roasting Corn on the Cob
Oven roasting is another method that retains the moisture and natural sweetness of the corn.
Prepare the Corn: Leave the husks attached to the corn cobs.
Roast: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the whole corn cobs directly on the oven grates. Bake for 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before removing the husks[1].
Serve: Serve the corn with butter, salt, and pepper.
Cooking Corn on the Cob in an Instant Pot
Using an Instant Pot is a quick and efficient way to cook corn on the cob.
Prepare the Corn: Shuck the ears of corn.
Cook: Pour one cup of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot. Place the trivet in the pot, and stack the corn cobs on the trivet. Cook on HIGH pressure for 5 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release, then remove the lid and use tongs to remove the corn[1].
Serve: Serve the corn with melted butter, salt, and pepper. You can melt the butter in the warm Instant Pot after cooking the corn.
Most Important Facts
Grilling:
Grilling in husks retains moisture and makes the corn juicy and sweet.
Grilling without husks adds a smoky char but requires careful rotation to avoid overcooking.
Grilling in foil is another option that keeps the corn moist and adds flavor from the butter[1][3].
Boiling:
Boiling typically takes 3-7 minutes in salted water.
The corn should be tender and bright yellow when done[1][5].
Oven Roasting:
Roasting in the oven with husks attached takes about 35 minutes at 350°F.
This method helps retain the natural sweetness and moisture of the corn[1].
Instant Pot:
Cooking in an Instant Pot takes 5 minutes on HIGH pressure.
Let the pressure naturally release before serving[1].
By following these methods, you can enjoy perfectly cooked corn on the cob tailored to your preferred flavor and texture. Whether you choose to grill, boil, roast, or use an Instant Pot, each technique offers a unique way to enhance the natural sweetness of corn.
