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Follow this super simple guide on how to boil corn and you’ll be enjoying summer’s best in no time at all. Sweet, buttery goodness will be yours!
This is the way that my mom always prepared corn and it will forever take me back to my childhood. I prefer this mostly hands-off method when I am making a meal that requires most of my attention to be elsewhere.
Boiled Corn on the Cob
Keep these things in mind when boiling corn on the cob:
First, shuck or remove the corn husks. This can be done by peeling back the green husks starting at the end with the silks.
Remove any of the fine silks when finished. Any corn husks left on will not hurt you, but they take away from the pure eating experience.
Second, add salt to the water! Salt will enhance the flavor of anything you boil.
Third, don’t overfill the pot. Save yourself some time and money by using just enough water to cover the corn.
Note: It’s recommended that you add root vegetables to cold water, but wait for a boil with others. Remember, if it grows below ground, put it in before the boil; if it grows above ground, add it after the boil.
How To Boil Corn
Follow these instructions for cooking corn:
Prep the corn: Remove the corn from the husk. Break the corn in half you need to in order to keep the corn submerged in water in your cooking pot.
Prep the pot: Fill a large pot halfway with water (use more or less, depending on the amount of corn you plan to boil). Throw in a few pinches of salt, then cover and set it over high heat.
Reduce heat: Once the water comes to a boil, carefully add the ears of corn then turn the heat down. You will get the best results if you simmer your vegetables rather than boil them.
If the water evaporates so that the corn is not fully submerged, I add boiling water from my electric kettle (you can use hot water from the faucet, too). This keeps the temperature steady while cooking the corn.
Strain the water: Once the corn finishes, drain the water from the pot using a strainer or colander. If you leave vegetables sitting in hot water, they will continue to cook.
How Long To Boil Corn
Not sure how long to boil corn? Generally speaking, you can pull it off the heat any time after it turns bright yellow. But, most ears of corn will be finished cooking after 5 to 7 minutes in boiling water.
Boiled Corn
I like my corn with just butter, salt, and sometimes a bit of pepper. That’s the most common way that I serve it. But, I do like to spice things up with paprika and cayenne, or even go all out with garlic and parmesan when I have the time or desire.
Buttering corn on the cob can be a tasty mess. My kids LOVE this little gadget, and I love no mess. It’s a win/win.
There are so many great ways to cook corn! Once you’ve mastered boiling, you may want to try roasting, grilling, sauteeing, or even steaming it.
How to Boil Corn
Ingredients
- 4 ears corn
- water enough to cover
- butter for serving
Instructions
- Bring large pot of water with a pinch of salt to a boil. Add corn and bring back to a boil. Simmer for 5-6 minutes or until corn is tender and bright yellow.
- Remove from heat and drain off the water. Season with butter, salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to Boil Corn The easiest way but the best ever tasted…..5 STAR
Yay! I’m so glad you liked the corn.
Good tutorial Mary – many people overcook it when it really just needs to get hot.