How to Boil Corn on the Cob Perfectly! The easiest method for boiling corn on the cob is here! This fail-proof method keeps your corn tender, sweet, and crisp, and includes an optional spice blend recipe. Perfect for a summer side dish, and the best part? The corn stays hot and full of flavor while you prep (or grill) the rest of dinner. I mean, look at this thing! 😉
Corn is hands down my favorite summer side dish. It's simple, fresh, crunchy, sweet, and utterly delicious. I love mine slathered in vegan butter and sprinkled with my family-famous spice blend that I've been making since I was a little kid! My sister, on the other hand, likes her corn on the cob plain, with no seasoning at all—just cooked perfectly.
After years of trying various times and methods, I have found the easiest, fool-proof technique to boil corn. You won't believe how easy this method is! Just toss the fresh corn into a pot of boiling water, put a lid on it, and turn off the heat. That's it! The corn needs to stay in the pot for a minimum of 10 minutes but can continue to sit in the hot water for up to 30 minutes. The corn will stay at the perfect level of doneness, so you can focus on the rest of your meal without stress! How cool is that?
Common Questions:
- How long does cooked corn on the cob last in the fridge? Cooked corn on the cob can last in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to keep it fresh. For the best taste and texture, try to eat it within those first few days.
- Where is the best place to buy corn on the cob? Most people would say farmers markets or farm stands will have the best, freshest, tastiest ear of corn. That said, grocery stores are always a great option for those that don't have access to farmers markets. Just be sure to purchase corn on the cob when it is in season (end July – late September in North America) to guarantee freshness and great taste!
- How do I Select the Best Corn: Buying fresh sweet corn still in the husks ensures optimal freshness and sweetness, as the husk acts as a natural protective layer that preserves moisture and slows down the conversion of sugars to starch. To check the freshness of your corn, look at the silk; it should be moist, not dry or black. The kernels should be plump and tightly packed.
Tips and Tricks:
- Don't Salt the Water: Don't add salt to your large pot of water, as it can make the corn mushy! Instead, season it after boiling and just before serving.
- Extra-Sweet Corn: Some folks like to add a tablespoon of sugar to the water to bring out the natural sweetness, but I find fresh corn is sweet enough on its own. If you're curious, give it a taste and see which you prefer.
- Removing the Kernels: If you want to remove the kernels from the cob for salads such as my Cowboy Caviar or other dishes like my Vegan Black Bean & Corn Quesadilla, stand the cob upright in the center of a Bundt pan and use a sharp knife to cut downward—the pan will catch all the kernels.
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote): For a delicious variation, try making elote. After boiling slather the corn with vegan mayo, sprinkle with crumbled vegan cheese (cotija cheese), chili powder, and squeeze lime juice over the top. Finish with chopped cilantro.
- Corn Salad: Use leftover boiled corn to make a refreshing corn salad. Mix corn kernels with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, avocado, and my chipotle lime dressing for a vibrant summer dish.
- More seasoning options: Besides my spice blend (recipe below), try vegan butter with fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon zest, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How to Boil Corn on the Cob Perfectly:
To Boil the Corn: Shuck corn just before cooking. Fill a large pot with roughly 16 cups (4 litres) of water. Place the pot over high heat, cover it with a lid, and bring to a boil. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the shucked corn cobs, cover the pot again, and turn off the heat. Let the corn sit in the hot water for a minimum of 10 mins and up to 30 mins. The corn will keep perfectly while you prepare the rest of your dinner!
To Make the Corn Spice Blend: Add paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne to a small bowl or jar. Mix or shake well, then sprinkle over the corn before enjoying. Store any leftover spice blend in a sealed jar in your pantry for next time.
To Serve the Corn: When ready to serve the corn, use tongs to remove the cobs from the pot and transfer them to a serving dish. Optionally, you can serve the corn with vegan butter, salt and pepper, basil, chives, cilantro, parsley or other fresh herbs, lime juice, and a generous sprinkle of the corn spice blend. Enjoy!
This Perfectly Boiled Corn on the Cob Is...
- Tender, sweet, and crisp!
- Includes an optional spice blend recipe.
- Perfect for a summer side dish.
Serve this with:
Vegan Beet Burgers
Easy Vegan Pasta Salad
Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches
Easy Vegan Potato Salad
Quick & Easy BBQ Tofu
Easy Vegan Tacos
The Best Vegan Seitan Burger
Easy Vegan Macaroni Salad
If you try this technique for how to boil corn on the cob, let us know by leaving a comment, rating it, and don't forget to tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram.
Bon appetegan!
Sam Turnbull.
(click stars to vote)
How to Boil Corn on the Cob Perfectly
Servings: - 6
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Ingredients
- 4 - 6 cobs of corn, shucked
- Optional for serving: vegan butter, salt & pepper, chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
Corn Spice Blend Recipe (optional):
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne, (optional for spice)
Instructions
To Boil the Corn:
- Fill a large pot with roughly 16 cups (4 litres) of water. Place the pot over high heat, cover it with a lid, and bring to a boil. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the shucked corn cobs, cover the pot again, and turn off the heat. Let the corn sit in the hot water for a minimum of 10 minutes and up to 30 minutes. The corn will keep perfectly while you prepare the rest of your dinner!
To Make the Corn Spice Blend:
- Add paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne to a small bowl or jar. Mix or shake well, then sprinkle over the corn before enjoying. Store any leftover spice blend in a sealed jar in your pantry for next time.
To Serve the Corn:
- When ready to serve the corn, use tongs to remove the cobs from the pot and transfer them to a serving dish. Optionally, you can serve the corn with vegan butter, salt and pepper, cilantro or parsley, and a generous sprinkle of the corn spice blend. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Other Summer Sides Dishes You Might Enjoy...
Gary G. says
used the recipe cirn came out fantastic.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Fantastic! So happy you loved it Gary 🙂
Mary says
Hi Sam, I love your recipes but disagree with the basis of this one. I learned long ago that heating up a big pot of water to simmer corn in not only takes a long time to do, but it uses a ton of either gas or electric (whichever powers your stove) AND makes the kitchen even hotter. Instead, you can easily and successfully steam the corn using an expandable steamer set over about an inch and a half of water. Quick, easy, a lot cooler, and just as delicious!
Kay says
Nice! How long does it take to steam it?