How to Cook Corn on the Cob – Few things are as satisfying as buttery corn on the cob; let us show how to cook corn on the cob on the stovetop, grill, microwave, and in the oven. As the now-famous corn kid said, “I can’t imagine a more beautiful thing.” This simple seasonal side is the perfect addition to any meal.
Summer, it’s one of the best times of the year, and the main reason for that is peaches, tomatoes, strawberries, and CORN! These crops only come in during a small window of time, making summer even more special! If you’re looking for the best way to cook corn on the cob, we have a few methods to help you decide how to prepare it.
WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE
- Corn on the Cob: Look for corn with bright green husks wrapped tightly against the corn. The tassels, or the things sticking out of the cob, should be brown. If they are dried out and black, toss them back because they’re likely old.
- Milk: We use milk to boil corn on the cob on the stovetop; it provides additional creaminess to the corn; talk about mouthwatering.
- Butter: Butter and corn on the cob go hand-in-hand.
HOW TO COOK CORN ON THE COB
- 1. How to Make Corn on the Cob on the Stovetop
- 2. How to Make Corn on the Cob on the Grill
- 3. How to Make Corn on the Cob in the Microwave
- 4. How to Make Corn on the Cob in the Oven
- What is the best way to cook corn on the cob?
- Why do you put milk in water when boiling corn?
- How long to cook corn on the cob?
1. How to Make Corn on the Cob on the Stovetop
The stovetop is my preferred way to prepare corn on the cob. And my method for boiling corn is easy and delicious; milk and all that butter impart so much flavor! How long you cook the corn depends on how much you’re making, but it shouldn’t take longer than five minutes.
Shuck and wash the corn.
Add the corn to a stockpot and poach them in water, milk, and butter.
Bring the pot to a boil and simmer for 3-5 minutes over medium heat.
Using tongs, remove the corn and place them into a serving dish.
2. How to Make Corn on the Cob on the Grill
Grilling isn’t the fastest way to prepare corn, but there is something about grilled corn on the cob that hits the spot! Grilled corn has a smoky flavor that cannot compare, and when you use them to make recipes like elotes or add them to a fresh salad, they’re outstanding!
Preheat the grill by setting all the burners to high heat for about 10 minutes. While the grill is coming to temperature, shuck the corn and give them a good wash.
Wrap the corn in foil and add a tablespoon of butter before closing it.
Add the corn to the grill and turn down the heat to maintain a grill temperature of 450° F (232° C).
Grill for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Remove the corn from the foil to serve.
3. How to Make Corn on the Cob in the Microwave
For the longest time, I had no idea you could cook corn on the cob in the microwave. It’s the easiest way to prepare corn and the perfect way to make a single serving. All you have to do is throw the corn in the microwave with the husk and fire away.
Add an ear of corn to the microwave with the husk intact. Microwave for 2-4 minutes.
Remove the corn using oven mitts. Then, cut off the ear and remove the husk.
Coat the corn with butter to serve.
4. How to Make Corn on the Cob in the Oven
You will love my hands-off roasting method for making corn. I recommend removing the husk before cooking it in the oven to make it easier. However, you can cook corn on the cob in the oven with the husk on, wrap it, and shuck it after it’s finished cooking.
Preheat the oven to 425° F (218° C). Then, shuck and wash the corn.
Wrap the corn in foil and add a tablespoon of butter before closing it.
Line the corn onto a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
Remove the corn from the foil and serve.
COOKING TIPS
- I provide the cooking times for corn on the cob in the FAQ box below, but I recommend checking the corn for tenderness. Fresher corn stalks mean shorter cooking time. The older the corn is, the longer you will need to cook them, and you take the chance of the corn becoming starchy.
SEARCHING FOR MORE LIKE THIS?
If you love corn on the cob, pair it with one of these Dinner favorites!
TOPPINGS AND GARNISH
- Compound Butter
- Homemade Ranch or Ranch Seasoning
- Fresh Herbs
- Spices: Cayenne, Paprika, Tajin, Blackening Seasoning
- Elotes: Mayonnaise, Cojita Cheese, Parmesan, Chili Powder, Lime Juice
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Beef Ribs
- Roasted Chicken
- Air Fryer Turkey Burgers, Hamburger
- Chicken or Steak Kabobs
- Sriracha Salmon
- Bratwurst, Hotdogs
- Bison Steak Recipe
- Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
- Fried Chicken
- Spinach Salad
- Blackened Mahi Mahi
WHAT TO DO WITH THE LEFTOVERS
- TO STORE – Store leftovers in an airtight container; corn will keep for 3-5 days.
- TO REHEAT – Warm leftovers in the microwave and enjoy!
- TO REPURPOSE – When it comes to corn, the possibilities are endless- it’s CORN! Use the leftovers to make a corn salsa, creamy corn chowder, corn casserole, esquites, cowboy caviar, or corn succotash.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the best way to cook corn on the cob?
The answer to that question depends on what matters to you the most. For flavor without many add-ons, the stovetop corn on the cob is hands down the best method. However, if you prefer convenience, I recommend preparing it in the microwave.
Why do you put milk in water when boiling corn?
Milk is my secret ingredient in preparing the best corn on the cob on the stovetop. Poaching corn in milk and butter draws out its natural sweetness and enhances the flavor. Some people do this by adding sugar to the boiling water, but I love this combination to make the juiciest corn.
How long to cook corn on the cob?
Cooking times depend on two things, the freshness of the cook and how you decide to prepare it. If you don’t feeling like reading through this whole page, I made it easy for you. Here are the cooking times for corn on the cob:
• Stovetop: 5 minutes
• Grill: 30 minutes
• Microwave: 4 minutes
• Oven: 20 minutes
YOU SHOULD ALSO TRY:
- Healthy Potato Salad Recipe
- Mashed Cauliflower
- Southern Potato Salad
- Vegetable Chopped Salad
- Vinegar Coleslaw
- And more Side Dishes!
How to Cook Corn on the Cob
Equipment
- Stock Pot (stovetop)
- Grill
- Rimmed Baking Sheet (oven)
Ingredients
- 4-8 ears of corn
- 1 stick butter, (stovetop)
- 1 cup milk, (stovetop)
- butter, to garnish
Instructions
For the Boiled Corn on the Cob:
- Shuck and wash the corn.
- Add the room-temperature corn to a stockpot and poach them in water, milk, and butter.
- Bring the pot to a boil and simmer for 3-5 minutes over medium heat.
- Using tongs, remove the corn and place them into a serving dish.
For the Grilled Corn on the Cob:
- Preheat the grill by setting all the burners to high heat for about 10 minutes. While the grill is coming to temperature, wash and shuck the corn.
- Wrap the corn in foil and add a tablespoon of butter before closing it.
- Add the corn to the grill and turn down the heat to maintain a grill temperature of 450° F (232° C).
- Grill for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Remove the corn from the foil to serve.
For the Microwave Corn on the Cob:
- Add an ear of corn to the microwave with the husk intact. Microwave for 2-4 minutes.
- Remove the corn using oven mitts. Then, cut off the ear and remove the husk.
- Coat the corn with butter to serve.
For the Roasted Corn on the Cob:
- Preheat the oven to 425° F (218° C). Then, shuck and wash the corn.
- Wrap the corn in foil and add a tablespoon of butter before closing it.
- Line the corn onto a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Remove the corn from the foil and serve.
Notes
- I provide the cooking times for corn on the cob in the FAQ box below, but I recommend checking the corn for tenderness. Fresher corn stalks mean shorter cooking time. The older the corn is, the longer you will need to cook them, and you take the chance of the corn becoming starchy.
- The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.
Noreen
Monday 28th of November 2022
Very helpful write up, thank you.