Learn how to cook corn on the cob and corn kernels perfectly every time! Top it with butter, salt, pepper powder, paprika powder or add in your favorite seasonings and enjoy! Learn to cook corn the right way with step by step pictures and video.
I usually buy corn cobs but when its not available, buy a pack of ready made fresh corn kernels too. I usually do not buy frozen corn as I prefer fresh over frozen. It just takes few minutes to cook corn either corn kernels or corn on the cob if you know the method, you can have hot juicy corn anytime!
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Cook sweet corn
My method to cook or boil corn is very simple as it needs just sweet corn and water. I don’t add salt while cooking corn as it toughens the skin of corn kernels. So choose to season with salt and other ingredients later after cooking.
The timing for cooking corn either corn on the cob or corn kernels depends purely on the size and variety of sweet corn. Here in India sweet corn takes minimum 7-10 minutes to get cooked.
Make sure the pot is big enough to fit in your corn and water should be added till immersing level. You can drain water after cooking corn and use it as a stock for soups or any curries you make.
How to cook corn Video
You can choose to buy corn on the cob or corn kernels , either ways I have given the cooking method using pressure cooker, one pot and steamer. For cooking frozen sweet check expert tips section.
Corn is a quick, flexible snack to make for kids & family in the evening. There is nothing like hot and juicy corn with butter and spices…I so love it!
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Cooking Corn Ingredients
- Sweet Corn – Choose fresh tender sweet corn.
- Water – Water is used to cook corn using steamer, pressure cooker and pot methods.
- Salt (optional) – When we add salt while cooking sweet corn it toughens the skin of the kernels so I usually add salt only after cooking.
Cooking corn
I have shared both cooking corn on the cob and corn kernels here :
- Corn on the cob – Choose fresh slightly tender corn, choose ears that are heavy for their size. Choose the ones that look fresh with vibrant green husks and the kernels should look tightly packed.
- Corn kernels – Corn kernels are ready available in supermarket these days. You can choose to buy them or buy even frozen corn. But the timing for cooking frozen corn varies as it is already half cooked so keep an eye.
Methods to cook corn
- One pot method – In this open pot method, you can boil corn in water until soft, takes about 5-10 mins depends on he corn variety.
- Steaming – You can use a idli pot, pour water inside place the steaming basket over it (without touching water) and steam corn, this method takes little extra time and effort as you need to check every now and then.
- Pressure cooking – This is the easiest method, add corn , just pour water and pressure cook for 2-3 whistles. Let the pressure release by itself and you are done.
- Instant pot – Instant pot method is also easy just like pressure cooker method with an added advantage of not baby sitting. Set the timer and do your work, sweet corn will get ready.
Sweet Corn Seasoning Variations
- Basic – Brush with butter, salt and pepper for a simple topping tastes great.
- Spices – Add in paprika powder along with herbs like basil, oregano etc.
- Fresh herbs – You can add fresh herbs like coriander leaves, mint leaves, basil leaves for a flavored sweet corn on the cob.
- Cheese – Rub with butter, sprinkle salt and Parmesan cheese, serve.
- Herbs – Add in garlic powder, onion powder along with butter and salt.
How to cook corn – Step by Step
Cooking corn on the cob – Method 1 : Pot Method
1.Choose fresh tender sweet corn.
2.Remove the green corn husk first. Then remove the corn threads on it and discard them.
3.Cut the stem part and discard it.
4.Sweet corn is ready to cook now.
6.Bring water to boil in a large pot.
7.Add the corn. Water should be till immersing level so add accordingly.
8.Cook covered for 10 minutes. The timing depends on the variety of corn, freshness, size etc. Switch off.
9.You can see the corn turn bright yellow from pale yellow when cooked. Remove using a tong. You can switch off then leave the corn in water and serve it warm.
Method 2 : Steaming Method
10.Add water to a pressure cooker and place the steamer on it. Place the corn on the steamer.
11.Cook covered for 10-12 minutes.
12.Once cooked remove.
Method 3 : Pressure Cooking Method
13.Add water to pressure cooker. Place the corn inside.
14.Close with lid, put on weight and pressure cook for 3 whistles.
15.Once pressure releases by itself open and remove the corn.
Corn on the cob is ready!
Shredding corn kernels
16.Let the corn cool down a bit then using a knife score a row and push it to remove the corn kernels from the cob.
17.Once a row is removed it is easy to remove using your fingers itself. Just push it side ways and the corn kernels can be removed easily.
18.Corn kernels are ready to use.
You can season and eat it as such or use it for making recipes.
How to cook corn kernels
Method 1 : Pressure Cooking Method
19.Add 1 cup corn kernels to a pressure cooker, add 1 cup water to it.
20.Cover with lid, put on weight and pressure cook for 2 whistles.
21.Once pressure releases naturally open.
22.Strain using a colander.
Method 2 : Pot Method
23.Bring 2 cups of water to boil in a pan or kadai.
24.Once it comes to a boil add the corn kernels.
25.Let it cook for 10 minutes.
26.Once cooked transfer to a colander.
Expert Tips
- Do not overcook, as it may end up giving tough / hard corn.
- Do not salt salt while cooking corn kernels as it tends to toughen the skin of corn kernels.
- Choose and buy tender corn kernels , should be light yellow..
Serving & Storage
You can serve corn as such with salt, pepper and butter. Make masala corn or peri peri for spice lovers. Add raw onion,tomato chat chutney and serve it as a chat. Make a salad dressing and serve as a salad. You can even use cooked corn for rice and gravy dishes.
Have leftover corn? You can refrigerate by placing it in a container and it keeps well for 2 days. You can freeze it and use it for up to 6 months. If storing then store as corn kernels which extends shelf life.
FAQS
1.Why no salt is added?
Adding salt while cooking the corn toughens the skin of the corn kernels. So cook corn in just plain water and add salt later while serving.
2.Can I add salt while cooking corn?
I would not suggest to add salt while cooking corn as it toughens the skin of the corn kernels. So add salt after cooking. However it is your preference you can add salt to water and cook corn too.
3.What to serve boiled corn with?
You can serve boiled corn with pretty much anything, use it over your salads, burgers, rice, soups etc.
4.When and how to season corn?
After cooking corn do the seasoning like adding salt, pepper and your favorite herbs and spices. Just toss it and add lemon juice, serve hot or warm!
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📖 Recipe Card
How to cook corn | How to boil corn
Ingredients
To cook corn on the cob
- 3 sweet corn ears (corn on the cob)
- water as needed
To cook corn kernels
- raw fresh corn kernels
- water as needed
Instructions
Cooking corn on the cob – Method 1 : Pot Method
- Choose fresh tender sweet corn.
- Remove the green corn husk first. Then remove the corn threads on it and discard them.
- Cut the stem part and discard it.
- Sweet corn is ready to cook now.
- Bring water to boil in a large pot.
- Add the corn. Water should be till immersing level so add accordingly.
- Cook covered for 10 minutes. The timing depends on the variety of corn, freshness, size etc. Switch off.
- You can see the corn turn bright yellow from pale yellow when cooked. Remove using a tong. You can switch off then leave the corn in water and serve it warm.
Method 2 : Steaming Method
- Add water to a pressure cooker and place the steamer on it. Place the corn on the steamer.
- Cook covered for 10-12 minutes.
- Once cooked remove.
Method 3 : Pressure Cooking Method
- Add water to pressure cooker. Place the corn inside.
- Close with lid, put on weight and pressure cook for 3 whistles.
- Once pressure releases by itself open and remove the corn.
- Corn on the cob is ready!
Shredding corn kernels
- Let the corn cool down a bit then using a knife score a row and push it to remove the corn kernels from the cob.
- Once a row is removed it is easy to remove using your fingers itself. Just push it side ways and the corn kernels can be removed easily.
- Corn kernels are ready to use.
How to cook corn kernels
Method 1 : Pressure Cooking Method
- Add 1 cup corn kernels to a pressure cooker, add 1 cup water to it.
- Cover with lid, put on weight and pressure cook for 2 whistles.
- Once pressure releases naturally open.
- Strain using a colander.
Method 2 : Pot Method
- Bring 2 cups of water to boil in a pan or kadai.
- Once it comes to a boil add the corn kernels.
- Let it cook for 10 minutes.
- Once cooked transfer to a colander.
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