If you have ever wondered, How Long to Boil Corn on the Cob? You have come to the right place! In this simple step-by-step tutorial we will go over everything you need to know about getting the best corn on the cob cooked right on your stove top!
How To Boil Corn On The Cob
This is a staple of the summer every year! No matter if you grill corn in the husk, make grilled sweet corn (without the husk), or smoked corn on the cob – everyone loves it and boiling it in a large pot on the stovetop is just another way to make perfect sweet corn every time! The whole family is going to love this amazing side dish that is topped with butter and a sprinkle of salt. We love grabbing our fresh corn from our local farmers markets or at the local grocery store in town, always so fresh! As soon as you bite into these tender corn kernels you won’t want to cook it any other way.
Looking for More Corn Recipes?
If you love them as much as we do, try turning your plain corn on the cob into Mexican Street Corn!
What You Will Need
- ears of corn – option to boil them whole or cut in halves or thirds with a sharp knife, if you want. The cook time will be the same regardless.
- water – enough to cover all of your 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 To Boil Corn On The Cob
First, you can begin by removing the tassels, husks, and silks off the sweet corn.
Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil then use tongs to carefully place the corn in the pot and let it cook for about 4-5 minutes. You might have to do this in batches depending on how much fresh sweet corn you have.
Best Ways To Serve Boiled Corn On The Cob
You can keep it simple with just a little butter, salt, and pepper and then serve alongside a main protein and side of potatoes. Or you can cut it off the cob and enjoy it on any of your favorite tacos or salads. Another great variation is to make Mexican street corn with mayo, feta cheese, cilantro, red onion, and chili powder or a Mexican street corn salad.
Storage
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.
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.
Recipe FAQs and Tips
- How long does corn take to boil? Once the water in your pot (or dutch oven) has come to a boil you can carefully place your corn cobs in, using tongs, and let it cook for about 4-5 minutes or until tender. That’s it! So fast and simple!
- Can I boil frozen corn on the cob? Absolutely! You just 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.
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Other Recipes You Might Like
Grilled Corn On The Cob In Foil
Baked Creamy Corn Acorn Squash
Pulled Pork Salad
Easy Shrimp Tacos + Chipotle Lime Slaw
How Long to Boil Corn on the Cob
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: How-To
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American
Description
An easy tutorial that teaches you How Long to Boil Corn on the Cob on the stove top – so easy! The perfect ear of corn is just minutes away!
Ingredients
- 4–6 ears of sweet corn, shucked
- water
Instructions
- Boil Water: Fill a large stock pot with water, leaving enough room for whole cobs of corn. Bring water to a simmer/light boil.
- Cook Corn: Place 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 serve with butter and 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).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear of corn
- Calories: 123
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 21.5 mg
- Fat: 1.9 g
- Carbohydrates: 26.7 g
- Fiber: 2.9 g
- Protein: 4.7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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