Boiled Corn on the Cob
What I love most about boiled corn is its versatility. It works as a quick snack, a BBQ side, or a base for something a little extra (hello, chili-lime butter or herbed mayo drizzle).
Equipment
- Large pot
- Tongs
- Colander or strainer
- Butter Knife or Small Spoon
- Serving Plate or Tray
- Kitchen Timer
- Optional — Grill Pan
Ingredients
For the Boiled Corn on the Cob:
- 4 ears of fresh corn husked
- Water enough to cover the corn in the pot
- 1 tablespoon salt optional, for the boiling water
For Serving (optional):
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper optional
- Optional toppings: chili powder lime wedges, grated parmesan, chopped herbs
Instructions
Prepare the Corn
- Remove the husks: Carefully peel away the green outer leaves and the silky threads from each ear of corn.
- Rinse the corn: Give each ear a quick rinse under cold water to remove any leftover silk strands.
- Pro Tip: Use a clean, damp kitchen towel to rub off stubborn silk threads — it makes a huge difference in texture!
Boil the Water
- Fill a large pot: Add enough water to fully cover the corn when it’s placed inside.
- Add salt (optional): Stir in about 1 tablespoon of salt to season the water.
- Bring to a boil: Place the pot on high heat and wait for the water to reach a rolling boil.
- Pro Tip: Adding salt to the water can enhance the corn’s sweetness, but don’t worry if you skip this step.
Cook the Corn
- Add the corn: Using tongs, carefully place the ears of corn into the boiling water.
- Boil uncovered: Let the corn cook for 7-10 minutes, depending on how tender you like it.
- Check doneness: The kernels should be bright yellow and tender when pierced with a fork.
- Pro Tip: Avoid overcooking—the corn will become mushy and lose its natural sweetness.
Remove and Drain
- Take out the corn: Use tongs to lift the ears out of the water.
- Drain excess water: Place the corn in a colander or on a plate to let the water drip off.
Serve and Enjoy
- Add butter: While the corn is still hot, spread softened butter generously over each ear.
- Season: Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
- Optional toppings: Get creative! Try chili powder, lime juice, parmesan, or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Notes
Nutritional Value (per serving):
- Calories: ~150 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~19g
- Protein: ~3g
- Fat: ~7g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sugar: ~6g
- Sodium: ~150mg