An easy foolproof corn on the cob recipe that comes out perfectly tender every time and is made in just 10 minutes on the stove!
There is nothing quite like some butter-dripping-down-your-chin, perfectly tender fresh corn on the cob in the summertime, right?!
They are the perfect inexpensive side for any lunch or dinner and everyone always wants one... or more!
As a kid, we had some of those cute corn cob holders and I loved jamming them in the end so I could pick mine up. I need to get some of those!
Grilled corn is great, but it's so easy to burn or char and it's just a bit more temperamental.
So I almost always turn to this method when we’re having corn on the cob. It’s fast, easy and takes just a couple minutes to prep. Literally, this is all you need:
And as the title suggests, it's FOOLPROOF!
All you do is bring a big pot of water to a boil, add some salt and add your corn cobs. Then cover and turn off the heat. Let it sit for about 10 minutes and that is it.
And you get perfectly cooked, perfectly tender beautiful corn on the cob every single time.
That is my kind of easy! (I even made you a video so you can see how easy it is - scroll down to see it!)
And while it's ready to go in 10 minutes, I'll go ahead and admit I've totally forgotten about it before. Walked away, got distracted and finally got to it about 30 minutes later.
The corn? Still totally perfect!
That's the "foolproof" part of this corn on the cob. It's so forgiving.
Pro tip: Don’t shuck your corn until you’re ready to cook it. It helps keep it fresh. If you must, peel back the outer green a little bit in the store to make sure the corn looks OK, but replace it and keep everything on until just before you’re ready to drop it in the boiling water.
Plus, you can dress up this corn however you like.
Here are a few ideas.
Toppings for Corn:
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
- Paprika
- Cilantro
- Parlsey
- Chili powder
- Cheese (Parmesan, cheddar, goat, feta)
- Cooked, crumbled bacon
- Drizzle of crema
Feel free to mix and match your favorites and create your own masterpiece!
And if you are a summer corn lover like me and just can't get enough, be sure to check out some of those other favorite recipes.
Ways to use fresh corn:
- Spicy corn radish salad
- Bacon rice with corn
- Easy corn chowder
- Quick corn and pepper saute
- Quick okra, corn and tomato saute
And this summer corn salad with roasted poblanos, cilantro and a creamy dressing is killer for a side dish to share at potlucks and parties.
Sweet summer corn on the cob, welcome to the table!
Enjoy!
XO,
Kathryn
Easy, Foolproof Corn on the Cob
Ingredients
- 4 ears corn on the cob
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, for water
- Optional toppings: Butter, salt and pepper, paprika, cilantro, parsley, chili powder, Parmesan or cheddar or goat or feta cheese, crema, cooked bacon, etc.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a roiling boil and add salt.
- Shuck and add corn cobs to the boiling water. Cover the pot with a lid, turn off the heat and let the corn sit for 10 minutes.
- Remove the corn from the water, add desired toppings and enjoy!
Lucy @ Bake Play Smile
Mmm we LOVE corn on the cob here! I often add a little sprinkle of paprika and parmesan cheese too! Great recipe - and so easy!
Kathryn
Ooh, Parmesan cheese - I'll definitely sprinkle that on next time! Yum!