Perfect Corn on the Cob
There’s something about the look and smell of a bright yellow cob of corn sitting on your plate that just feels like your’e about to enjoy a home cooked meal. Generally I think of summer time, with all its cookouts and barbecues and sweet, crunchy, fresh summer corn. But you want to know a secret? Not all corn on the cob is nice and sweet when you buy it. That’s where my mom’s Perfect Corn on the Cob recipe comes in.
What’s the Secret?
My mom always makes the perfect corn on the cob. It always turns out crunchy and sweet. Her secret? Sugar. Not all corn is nice and sweet when you buy it. This is a great way to cheat and your guests will never know! Usually people throw salt in the water when cooking corn on the cob, but guess what — salt in the water actually toughens and dehydrates the corn. It’s better if you add salt after the corn is cooked. Instead, throw some sugar in the water before it comes to a boil.
More Ways To Make Corn On The Cob
The recipe below is our favorite method because it is quick, easy, and foolproof. You get perfectly sweet, buttery, crunchy corn every time. In addition to this method are several other trusted ways to cook corn on the cob. If you are limited on stove-top space or just want to try something new, you can try any of these other methods: Butter and season several pieces of corn on the cob at one time by melting a stick of butter in a baking dish. Roll each one around while seasoning with salt and pepper. Keep in the baking dish to serve. Give it an extra roll before plating to make it extra buttery.
In The Oven
First of all, peel and butter the corn and season as desired. Next, wrap the corn up in foil and roast at 450-degrees F for 20 minutes. Then, remove from oven and allow to rest 2-3 minutes before unwrapping.
In The Instant Pot
Place a trivet in the Instant Pot. Then, add 1 cup cold water. Brush melted butter on up to 6 pieces of corn (peeled) and place them on the trivet. Then, close and seal Instant Pot and cook for 1 minute on high pressure and slow release for 1 minute before doing a quick release. Season and serve.
In The Slow Cooker
Peel corn (up to 8 pieces) and brush with butter. Season as desired. Place ½ cup of water in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours.
In The Air Fryer
Cut corn into pieces so it will fit in the air fryer. However, don’t overcrowd. Then, brush corn with melted butter or spray with cooking spray. Air fry at 350-degrees for 15 minutes, turning half-way through. Season and serve.
In The Microwave
Peel corn and wrap in a damp paper towel. Place on a plate and microwave for 5 minutes. Season and serve. (Not our favorite way as far as taste goes, but it is the FASTEST way and works great in a pinch.)
On The Grill
Leave husks on the corn but trim off the silks. Grill over medium-high heat for 13-15 minutes, turning often to distribute heat. If you have peeled corn, wrap the corn in foil with some butter and then grill. Get our full instructions on how to grill corn on the cob, HERE. Try our mouth-watering Grilled Mexican Street Corn or grill your corn in our Cajun Grilled Foil Packets. Don’t forget to use your leftover grilled corn in our refreshing Grilled Corn Salad!
What To Do With Corn On The Cob
We love eating corn fresh off the cob but we also love adding fresh corn to many of our recipes. If you have some leftover corn, simply stand the corn up vertically on a plate or cutting board and use a sharp knife to run down the sides to get the kernels off. You can keep these kernels in the fridge for up to 5 days and/or use them in your favorite recipes, including:
Slow Cooker Creamed CornMexican Street Corn Cups5-Minute Creamy Corn DipSweet Corn Cake (aka Tomalitos)
FAQs
How To Make Perfect Corn on the Cob
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