Corn on the cob is one of the simplest, healthiest, and tastiest snacks that you can enjoy at any time of the year. Whether you are planning a picnic or just want to prepare a quick and delicious meal for your family, making corn on the cob is incredibly easy. If you don’t have a grill or an outdoor space to roast your corn, you can still enjoy it by cooking it on the stove. Here’s how to make awesome corn on the cob on the stove using basic kitchen equipment.

To start with, you need to get some fresh corn, which can be found at most grocery stores or farmer’s markets. Keep in mind that the quality of corn you choose will greatly affect the flavor and texture of your corn on the cob. After you have the corn, remove the husks and the silk. Then, rinse the corn under cold water to remove any remaining dirt or debris. Once it’s clean, place the corn in a large pot filled with boiling water and let it cook for about 10 minutes until it’s tender.

Choosing the Perfect Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob is a delicious side dish that’s perfect for summertime barbecues and family dinners. When making this classic dish, it’s important to choose the right corn. Here are some considerations:

1. Freshness

The fresher the corn, the better the taste. Choose corn that has been harvested recently, ideally within a day or two.

2. Color

Choose corn with bright green husks that are tightly wrapped around the ears.

3. Size

Size doesn’t necessarily affect quality or taste, but larger ears of corn tend to have more kernels and are ideal for feeding a crowd.

4. Texture

When choosing corn, it’s important to feel for bumps and dents. The kernels should feel plump beneath the husk.

5. Variety

There are many varieties of corn, each with its own unique flavor profile. Sweet corn is the most popular variety and features softer kernels that are high in sugar.

6. Organic or not

Choose organic corn if possible. If you can’t find organic, look for non-GMO corn.

7. Local options

Farmers’ markets are a great place to find fresh local corn. You can also ask the farmers questions about the corn and how it was grown.

8. Quantity

When choosing corn, consider how many people you’ll be serving. Plus, having extra ears of corn allows for second helpings.

9. Prepping the corn

Before cooking, remove the husks and silk from the corn. Cut off the ends and wash the ears in cold water to remove any debris.

10. Finding the best cooking method

There are many ways to cook corn, but boiling or steaming on the stove is the most popular. Choose the method that you are most comfortable with or explore different techniques to find your favorite.

Choosing the Right Corn on the Cob

When it comes to making corn on the cob on the stove, the first step is choosing the right corn. Here are a few tips to help you make sure you pick the perfect ears for your recipe.

1. Look for Fresh Corn

When you’re shopping for corn, try to buy it as fresh as possible. Look for ears with bright green husks that wrap tightly around the cob. The silk on the end should be a little sticky and not too dry or brown.

2. Choose Ears with Plump Kernels

To get the best flavor and texture, look for ears with plump, juicy kernels. Avoid ears with large, wrinkled kernels, which can be a sign that the corn is overripe or dried out.

3. Check for Even Rows

When you peel back the husk, the rows of kernels should be even and smooth. Uneven or missing kernels can be a sign of insect damage or uneven growth.

4. Consider the Variety

There are many varieties of corn, each with its own flavor and texture. Some are sweeter, while others have a slightly nutty flavor. If you have a preference, look for the variety you like.

5. Think About Size

Corn comes in different sizes, from small baby corn to larger ears. If you’re cooking for a crowd, larger ears may be more practical, but small corn can be a fun addition to salads or appetizers.

6. Look for Organic Corn

If possible, try to buy organic corn. Not only is it free of pesticides and chemicals, but it’s often grown in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way.

7. Know What’s in Season

Corn is at its peak in the summer months, so if you’re shopping in the off-season, be aware that the quality may not be as good as it is during peak season.

8. Check for Ripeness

To check if the corn is ripe, gently press a kernel with your thumbnail. If it releases a milky liquid, the corn is ready to eat. If the kernel is tough or dry, the corn may not be ripe enough.

9. Consider the Origin

If you’re looking for the sweetest and juiciest corn, try to buy locally grown corn. The fresher the corn, the better it will taste.

10. Buy Extra

When it comes to making corn on the cob on the stove, it’s always best to buy a few extra ears. That way, if one or two don’t turn out as well as you’d like, you’ll have some extra to work with.

How to Boil Corn on the Stove

If you prefer boiled corn on the cob, then this section is for you. Here are the ways to make delicious boiled corn on the stove.

Step 1: Preparation

Before starting to boil the corn, you need to ensure it’s fresh and cleaned. Here’s how to prepare the corn:

Items Needed: fresh corn on the cob, water, salt, large pot, butter (Optional)
Instructions:
  1. Remove the husks and the silk from the corn.
  2. Rinse them in cold water to remove any remaining silk.
  3. Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the corn.
  4. Add salt to the water and bring it to a boil.

Step 2: Boiling the Corn

Once the corn is well-prepared, here’s how to boil it:

Items Needed: fresh corn on the cob, water, salt, large pot, butter (Optional)
Instructions:
  1. Add the corn to the pot of boiling water.
  2. Allow it to cook for 5 to 7 minutes, depending on your preference (for well-done corn, cook for 10 minutes).
  3. Remove the corn from the pot with tongs and place it on a plate to cool.
  4. Add butter if desired and serve.

Step 3: Flavoring the Corn

Boiled corn on the cob tastes great on its own, but it’s even better with some added flavors. Here are some ways to flavor your boiled corn:

Items Needed: fresh corn on the cob, butter, salt, pepper, grated parmesan cheese, chopped parsley
Instructions:
  1. After boiling, brush the corn with melted butter.
  2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the corn.
  4. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Step 4: Grilling the Corn

If you’re looking for a grilled flavor, you can grill the boiled corn on a skillet. Here’s how:

Items Needed: cooked corn on the cob, butter, salt, pepper
Instructions:
  1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add butter to the skillet and let it melt.
  3. Place the corn on the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5 minutes on each side or until charred.
  4. Remove from the skillet and enjoy.

Step 5: Storing the Boiled Corn

If you have leftover boiled corn, you can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Here’s how:

Items Needed: Corn on the cob, Ziplock bag
Instructions:
  1. Let the corn cool completely and remove the kernels from the cob (if desired).
  2. Place the corn in a ziplock bag and store it in the fridge.
  3. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the corn in the microwave or on the stove.

Now that you know how to boil corn on the cob, you can enjoy this delicious dish any time you want. Whether you prefer it grilled, boiled, or baked, corn on the cob is always a great addition to any meal.

Perfectly Cooked Corn on the Cob, Every Time!

Thanks for spending your time reading our article on how to make corn on the cob on the stove. We hope these tips and tricks will help you create the perfect dish to enjoy with your friends and family. We encourage you to try out these methods and experiment with different seasonings to make this dish your own. Remember, cooking is all about having fun and creating memories with the people we love. So, don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen! And don’t forget to visit us again soon for more helpful articles on cooking and lifestyle tips. Happy cooking!