Boiled Corn on the Cob
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Learn how long to boil corn on the cob to make sweet and tender corn. Boiling corn on the cob is perfect for backyard bbqs and other get-togethers, and it only takes minutes to make. Serve it hot with butter and salt for a delicious side dish or appetizer everyone will love!
Boiling corn on the cob is one of the easiest ways to cook sweet corn, especially when you need to make it in quantity. Other options include steamed, baked, microwaved or grilled corn. Kids enjoy it as much as adults, and it works beautifully when you’re entertaining guests who may be vegetarian or vegan.
Serve corn on the cob as a side dish for bbq mains like chicken, pulled pork and steak. Corn is also great to put out as an appetizer while the other dishes are cooking. When you feel like boiling corn with other ingredients, give this delicious shrimp boil a try.
HOW TO BOIL CORN ON THE COB
The peak season for American sweet corn is May through September. It’s best to go to farmers markets or farm stands and ask them when the corn was picked. They’ll usually tell you, but when you have to decide for yourself then look for:
- The husks should have a nice green sheen
- The tassels on top should be moist and even tacky
- The stems should be moist
It’s also good to peel back the tassel a few inches to inspect the kernels, which should be bright-colored and free of worm holes. Brown spots on the outside or inside are usually warning signs of inferior corn.
HOW LONG TO BOIL CORN ON THE COB
How long you boil corn depends on the freshness of the corn! That’s because freshly picked corn only needs brief exposure to heat to activate its sugars for a great taste. Cooking longer converts the sugar to starch, which is not so flavorful!
As the days pass after picking, the kernels firm up and require more cooking time to soften. Here’s a quick guideline on how long to boil corn based on freshness:
| Corn | Boiling time |
| In-season and freshly picked | 3-5 min |
| In-season and several days old | 5-7 min |
| Off-season or older corn | 10-15 min |
A lot of people use a 20 minute rule, but it’s really excessive unless you’re cooking tough old corn. Think of it like cooking a steak until it’s well-done – you can do it, but it’ll be tougher. In the same way, fresh corn will lose some of its texture and flavor after 20 minutes of boiling.
When is boiled corn on the cob done?
The corn on the cob is cooked when the kernels are tender and its color has brightened up. Try poking the corn in the pot with a wooden spoon, and it should have the firmness of an orange when cooked vs. an apple when still undercooked.
When sweet corn is overcooked, the kernels will look flat and worn instead of plump and juicy. The texture becomes chewy without much flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
Corn on the cob will stay warm on a plate for 15-20 minutes. If you need more time, drain the water from the pot and keep it covered in the pot, or covered with foil on a platter.
While freshly cooked is always best, there are several easy options for reheating boiled corn on the cob:
- Drop it into boiling water for one minute.
- Microwave it in several 20-second intervals until hot (depends on microwave power).
- Bake or grill at 200°F / 100°C for 10 minutes.
TIPS FOR BOILING CORN ON THE COB
- Do not salt the water for corn! Save the salt for the table, as introducing it during cooking will make the kernels tough.
- For extra flavor, you can add a tablespoon or two of sugar to the boiling water. However, if your corn is already fresh and sweet…. maybe there’s no need.
- When cooking for a crowd, use one extra-large pot or two large pots simultaneously to avoid cooking endless batches of corn. Keep the water boiling throughout.
- Corn on the cob will stay warm for a good 15 minutes. Cover with foil to retain the heat longer.
- Store uncooked corn in the fridge until you’re ready to cook it to preserve freshness.
- Boiled corn on the cob, once cooled, can be frozen if stored in sealed ziptop bags. The texture once thawed is slightly inferior to fresh sweet corn, but it’s an option nonetheless.
Boiled Corn on the Cob
Ingredients
- 6 ears corn on the cob
- 2 tbsp butter, unsalted or salted
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot halfway with cold water. Place over high heat and bring to a boil.
- Meanwhile, shuck the corn by peeling back the husks and removing the silky strings.
- Cut out any brown parts with the tip of a paring knife. If your pot is on the smaller side, break the corn in half to fit.
- Add the corn to the boiling water.
- Cover and cook until done (this will depend on the corn - see note)
- Using tongs, remove the corn from the pot to a serving platter.
- Brush with butter and sprinkle with salt. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
| Corn | Boiling time |
| In-season and freshly picked | 3-5 min |
| In-season and several days old | 5-7 min |
| Off-season or older corn | 10-15 min |
Please read our nutrition disclaimer.
EQUIPMENT FOR BOILING CORN ON THE COB
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YES! This is the perfect way to make sure my corn comes out nice and tender every time!
Hi there, Thanks for your review and happy to hear! 🙂