There’s no denying that corn on the cob is a summer staple! It’s a must-have BBQ side dish and the star ingredient in some of our favorite corn recipes. But while grilled corn is particularly tasty in Ree Drummond’s grilled corn salsa, there are times when boiled corn is the way to go. In fact, once you learn how long it takes to boil corn, you can master all the fun ways to serve it, too! Load it up with herbed butter, shredded cheese, or your favorite spices, like chili powder. Or go big on bacon with Ree’s recipe for spicy bacon butter. But before we get ahead of ourselves, you’ll want to know how long it takes to boil corn!
Here’s the good news: it’s actually less time than you might think! In fact, during the summer when fresh corn is in season, you don’t need much time at all. The sweet and juicy corn kernels can even be eaten raw. But if you’re looking to boil corn, the recipe is simple. Read on to find out more about how to boil corn, including whether to boil it with the husk on or off! Then, put this tasty corn salad to good use—it’s the ultimate summer side dish, after all!
Is it better to boil corn with or without husk?
Unlike grilling corn, which can be done with the husks on, boiling corn is best when shucked—nobody wants those strings in their way as they take a bite of corn! Once you’re ready to cook, remove both the husks and silks by shucking the corn. This can be a messy job, so head outside and work over a trash can or bag. Starting at the tip, grab the husks and as much of the silks as possible and pull down in a few swoops until everything is removed. Rub off any extra strings with your hands before cooking—it can be a tedious job, but it’s worth it!
How do you know when boiled corn is done?
Four minutes is just enough to make your corn bright yellow and juicy—if you cook it much longer, the kernels start to get mushy. Set a timer—four minutes is shorter than you think! If you don’t have a timer, you’ll know it’s done when the kernels are tender but still crunchy.
Why is my corn still hard after boiling?
If your corn is still hard, tough, or even chewy after it’s boiled, it can be a result of two factors. For one thing, you may have overcooked your corn. Set a timer to ensure your corn isn’t boiling for too long. Another reason might be the freshness of your corn. Since corn is a summer vegetable, you’ll often find loads of it piled up at farm stands. Look for local corn when possible. And don’t be shy about peeking under the husk: The top few inches of a corn cob can tell you whether the corn is fresh or not and if the kernels are juicy. Look for little to no missing kernels and make sure that they look shiny and plump. If there are lots missing or if the tip of the corn is bare or brown, it’s best to leave it and search for another ear.
Remember, boiling corn on the cob is a quick and simple way to enjoy this summer staple. Whether you’re cooking it to perfection or adding your favorite toppings, you can’t go wrong with this classic dish. So grab some fresh corn, get your pot boiling, and indulge in the deliciousness of boiled corn on the cob!
For more cooking tips and recipes, visit Ekilove.
