Quick Look at this Boiled Corn on the Cob
- Ready In: 15 minutes
- Serves: 4
- Main Ingredients: fresh corn on the cob and water
- Dietary Info: gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, plant-based
- Equipment: pot large enough to fit the corn
- Best For: a summer side dish for any dinner or cut the kernels off to make another recipe, like Mexican Street Corn Salad!
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Key Ingredients + Substitutions
Be sure to see the recipe card below for a full listing of ingredients, instructions, and estimated nutritional information.
- sweet corn – for best results, purchase the freshest corn on the cob that you can find. Look for roadside stands, farmer’s markets, etc.
- water – enough to cover all of the corn in the pot.
- optional toppings – butter, herbed butter, kosher salt, pepper, parmesan cheese, fresh herbs (cilantro, basil, parsley), paprika, garlic, chili powder, mayo, etc. for lots of great flavor.
How Long To Boil Corn On The Cob
Step 1 – Clean the husks and silks off each ear of corn.
Step 2 – Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Do I Need To Season The Water?
No, seasoning the water is not necessary but if you prefer adding some salt or another seasoning – go for it!
Step 3 – Place corn cobs in the boiling water for 4-5 minutes. Remove, cool slightly and serve!
Best Ways To Serve Boiled Corn On The Cob
There are a variety of serving techniques for boiled corn on the cob, here are a few:
👉 Keep it simple with a little butter and salt. Serve alongside a main protein and side of potatoes.
👉 Add more flavor and make Mexican street corn!
👉 Cut the corn off the cob and toss it on a variety of different tacos or salads.
👉 Cut off the kernels and make a Mexican street corn salad that can be enjoyed by itself or make street corn smash burger tacos or street corn chicken rice bowls.
Storage Tips
Any leftover sweet corn can be wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and stored in the fridge for about 3-5 days. You can also cut the corn off of the cob and store it in an airtight container in the fridge that way.
Boiled Corn On The Cob FAQs
Once the water has come to a boil, you can carefully place the corn cobs in, using tongs, and let it cook for about 4-5 minutes or until tender. That’s it! So fast and simple!
Yes, but you will have to add a few minutes to your cook time. Frozen corn on the cob usually takes about 5-8 minutes to fully cook in boiling water.
Other Ways To Cook Corn That You Might Like
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Ingredients
- water
- 4 ears sweet corn, shucked and silks removed
Serving Suggestions:
- butter, sub plant-based butter
- kosher salt
Instructions
- Boil Water: Fill a large stock pot with water, leaving enough room for whole cobs of corn. Bring water to a light boil.
- Cook Corn: Place 4 ears sweet corn in the pot of water. Let boil, uncovered, 4-5 minutes. Carefully remove with tongs and place on a plate or tray.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, then rub with butter and add a sprinkling of kosher salt!
Notes
- Corn: feel free to use whole cobs of corn or you can cut them in half or even in thirds – it won’t impact the cook time. Pro tip: buy the freshest corn you can (hit up those local farm stands or a local farmers market).
- Serving + Leftover Corn: we love making Mexican Street Corn or Mexican Street Corn Salad with our boiled corn (and then maybe making some Mexican Street Corn Burgers or Mexican Street Corn Nachos).
- Storage: leftover sweet corn can be wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and stored in the fridge for about 3-5 days. You can also cut the corn off of the cob and store it in an airtight container in the fridge that way.
Bridget says
So easy and perfect for corn season!
Patti says
Simple instructions and very helpful toward having outstanding results.
Thank you!
Daniel Herberg says
Room temp butter (of, course) spread onto a slice of bread & roll your ear of corn on it to easily butter it. Salt your corn as desired. Warm buttered bread for dessert! A Summer treat for sure!
Erin says
So easy!
Darwin Grose says
I love this recipe very much , corn ends up moist rather than air frying and dryed out, so much more tasteful with seasoning of your choice