Corn 101: How to Make Perfectly Cooked Corn Every Time

Corn is one of the most popular foods in the world and is a staple in many cultures. It can be boiled, roasted, grilled, and cooked in many different ways. Corn on the cob is a classic side dish during summer barbecues and can be found at many street food carts.

Making corn is very simple, and there are many different ways to cook it. Whether you prefer your corn boiled, grilled, or roasted, we’ll provide you with the best ways to cook corn to perfection. Keep reading to learn how to make delicious, tender, sweet, and scrumptious corn like a pro!

Now that you know a little about the history of corn, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how to make corn. In this section, we will cover everything from purchasing corn to the different cooking methods you can use to make this versatile grain.

Purchasing Corn

When it comes to purchasing corn, it’s essential to select the best quality. Look for fresh and plump ears of corn that have bright green husks and moist silk. Avoid ears with dry or brown husks and silks or ears with missing kernels, as they may be past their prime.

Preparing Corn

Before cooking corn, you need to prepare it properly. Start by removing the husks and silk from the corn. Then wash it thoroughly to ensure all dirt and debris are removed. After that, you can cut the corn into smaller pieces or leave it whole, depending on your preference.

Boiling Corn

Boiling is one of the most popular ways to prepare corn. To do this, you will need to fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, carefully add the corn and let it cook for 3-5 minutes until your desired level of tenderness is achieved.

Grilling Corn

Grilling corn is another excellent option that adds a smoky flavor and crispy texture. Preheat your grill to high. While waiting for the grill to heat up, brush your corn with olive oil or butter and seasonings of choice. Then, place the corn on the grill for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s well charred.

Microwaving Corn

If you’re in a rush, microwaving corn is a quick and easy option. Start by placing your corn in a microwave-safe dish, adding a tablespoon of water, and covering it with a piece of plastic wrap. Then microwave on high for 4-5 minutes until tender.

Baking Corn

Baking corn is another delicious option that’s perfect for an oven-roasted side dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F and wrap your corn with aluminum foil with a little butter and seasonings. Then place your corn in the oven, and bake for 25-30 minutes until tender.

Steaming Corn

Steaming corn is an excellent way to preserve the nutrients while adding some moisture to the corn. To steam corn, start by adding an inch of water to a pot and placing a steamer basket on top. Then place the corn in the basket and cover the pot with a tight lid. Steam for 6-8 minutes or until tender.

Seasoning Corn

Whether you prefer sweet, savory, or spicy corn, seasoning is an essential step to elevate your dish. Some of the most popular seasoning options include butter, salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic, and fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or basil.

Storing Corn

If you have leftovers, it’s essential to store your cooked corn properly. The best way to store cooked corn is to let it cool down and place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last up to 3-4 days.

Conclusion

Corn is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you prefer boiling, grilling, microwaving, baking, or steaming, there’s a cooking method that will suit your needs. Don’t forget to season your corn with your favorite spices and herbs to add some flavor and texture to your dish. And lastly, always remember to select the best quality corn by checking its freshness, texture, and color. Enjoy your delicious corn dishes!

Preparing Corn: Getting Ready to Cook

Once you have selected the best corn, it’s time to prepare the ears for cooking. Here are some important steps to follow before you start cooking:

1. Husk the Corn

Remove the husk and silk before cooking the corn. You can do this by pulling down on the husk and it should come off smoothly. Grab the silk at the top and pull it away gently. If you’re having trouble removing the silk, you can also use a soft-bristled brush to get rid of it.

2. Cut off the Ends of the Corn

Cut off the stalk end of the ear to get rid of any residual stubble. Also, remove the silk end if it’s overly dry or dirty.

3. Cleanse the Corn

After removing the husk and silk from the corn, it’s time to give them a quick rinse under running water to get rid of any dirt. This ensures that the corn is clean and safe to eat.

4. Blanch the Corn

Blanching is an excellent way to reduce the cooking time and ensure that the corn is cooked evenly. After removing the corn’s ends and husk, dip them in a bowl of boiling water for about 2 minutes. Then, take them out of the water and place them in a bowl of cold water with ice cubes for 5 minutes. After this process, pat dry the corn with a clean towel.

5. Remove the Kernels

Corn kernels are edible and tasty, so they can be removed from the cob and used in various dishes. To do this, hold the corn ear on a cutting board, steadying it with one hand, and use a sharp knife to cut down the kernels along the cob’s length. You can then use the kernels in recipes such as salads, soups, or chili.

6. Slice the Corn off the Cob

If you want to serve the corn on the cob, slice it down the ear, and brush it with melted butter or olive oil for added flavor.

7. Grill the Corn

Corn on the cob can be grilled too. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and place the husked corn directly on the grill grates. Grill for 10 minutes, rotating the corn every couple of minutes, until the kernels are tender and slightly charred.

8. Microwave the Corn

Microwaving corn is a quick and easy way to cook it. Simply put the ears on a microwave-safe plate and cook on high for 2-4 minutes depending on the wattage. This will give you perfectly cooked corn every time.

9. Boil the Corn

Boiling is a classic way to cook corn. Place the prepped corn into a pot of boiling salted water. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the kernels are tender.

10. Store the Leftover Corn

If you have leftover corn, store it in the refrigerator, either on the cob or in kernels. Keep the corn in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If uncooked, the corn can last up to five days in the fridge, while cooked corn will last up to three days.

Preparation of Corn

Types of Corn

Ways of Cleaning Corn

Before cooking corn, it’s essential to clean it properly. Here are two ways to clean corn:

1. Peeling: Start by removing the husk and silks on the ear of corn. Rinse it thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit.
2. Soaking: Fill a large bowl with cool water and place the ears of corn in it. Allow the corn to soak for 15-20 minutes, then rinse each ear under running water.

Cooking Methods for Corn

When it comes to cooking corn, there are several methods to choose from, including:

1. Boiling: Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Add the corn and let it cook for 3-5 minutes or until the kernels are tender.
2. Grilling: Preheat the grill and brush it with oil. Place the corn on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s tender and browned.
3. Microwaving: Place the ears of corn in a microwave-safe dish and add water. Cover it with plastic wrap and microwave it for 3-5 minutes.

Ways to Enjoy Corn

Corn is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in several ways:

1. As a side dish: Grill, boil, or roast corn and serve it as a side dish with your favorite main course.
2. In salads: Cut the kernels off the cob and add them to your favorite salad for a crunchy texture.
3. In soups: Use corn kernels to add a sweet flavor and texture to soups like chowder or chicken and corn soup.
4. In Mexican dishes: Corn is an essential ingredient in Mexican cuisine. Use it to make tacos, enchiladas, or Mexican street corn.

Storing Corn

If you have leftover cooked corn, store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to four days. To store uncooked ears of corn, keep them in the refrigerator with the husk still on for up to one week. Once you remove the husk, the corn will dry out quickly and lose its flavor.

Wrap It Up with Corn: Thanks for Joining

Now you know how to make corn in the easiest possible way. You can do it yourself at home and treat your taste buds with something delicious. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes and you can add your own personal twist to it. Thank you for reading and I hope you come back to visit for more delicious recipes and cooking tips in the future. Happy cooking!