Boiled Corn on the Cob

By Rebecca St.Clair

Fresh, sweet, and incredibly easy, this Boiled Corn on the Cob recipe is a summertime favourite! Ready in minutes, it’s the perfect side dish for grilled burgers, hot dogs, barbecue chicken, and all your favourite cookout meals. If you’re searching for an easy corn on the cob recipe or how to cook fresh summer corn, this classic method never disappoints.

You can enjoy the taste of summer with corn gently cooked until perfectly tender and juicy. This classic summer side dish is simple, family-friendly, and one of the best ways to enjoy sweet corn during corn season. Nothing says summer quite like Easy Boiled Corn on the Cob! This classic summer side dish is the easiest way to enjoy fresh seasonal corn at its peak.

This foolproof method always makes tender, buttery corn bursting with natural sweetness. A must-have for your seasonal recipe collection. The ultimate summer comfort food with butter, salt, pepper or your favourite seasonings.

How to boil fresh corn on the cob

When sweet corn is in season you can find it at roadside stands, farmer’s markets, and at the grocery store. Remove the husk and the silk right before you want to cook the ears of corn. This will keep in the moisture.

To cook the corn, fully submerge the cleaned ears of corn in a pot of boiling water. Once it comes back up to a boil, cook for 3-5 minutes.

Large ears of corn can be snapped in half before boiling for smaller portions.

How to choose the best ears of corn

Choosing the best ears of corn can make a huge difference in flavour and sweetness. Here’s what to look for when shopping for fresh corn on the cob:

The husk should be bright green, slightly moist, and tightly wrapped.

The corn silk are the strands sticking out of the top. There should be one going to each kernel. When the silk is pollinated it will grow one kernel of corn. These should be light brown or golden.

Gently squeeze the ear through the husk. It should feel firm and plump all the way to the tip. You should be able to feel rows of kernels without large gaps or soft spots.

Fresh-picked corn is the sweetest because its natural sugars gradually convert to starch after harvest. If possible, buy corn the same day it was picked or from a local farm stand.

How to Make Boiled Corn on the Cob

1. Remove the husks and silk from as many ears of corn as you want to cook.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. There should be enough water to fully submerge the ears of corn.
3. Carefully add the cleaned sweet corn to the pot of boiling water.
4. Once the water comes back up to a boil, allow it to cook 3-5 minutes.
5. Remove the cooked ears of corn from the water with kitchen tongues and set on a platter for any excess water to evaporate off.
6. Serve hot with butter, salt, and pepper or your favourite toppings and seasonings.