Ever since corn was cultivated 7000 years ago in central Mexico, it has become an American favorite. It’s no surprise that, in the United States, the largest grain crop is corn. Here are 3 tasty ways how to cook corn on the cob:
1. Boil Corn on the Cob
The first tasty way to cook it is probably the most popular. Boiling corn on the cob makes the kernels tender and juicy, and delicious to eat. To use this method, choose a cooking pot that will easily accommodate the number of ears of corn you have. Place the pot on your stove and fill it three quarters of the way up with cool tap water. Turn the heat on medium and bring the water to a rapid boil. Then, carefully place the husked corn on the cob into the pot and set your timer for seven minutes. Once the timer dings, turn the heat off and carefully remove the corn on the cob from the boiling water with a pair of tongs.
2. Microwave Corn on the Cob
Another tasty way to cook corn on the cob is to use your microwave oven. However, when you microwave ears of corn, they shouldn’t be completely cleaned. That means, you should remove the outer layers of husk, but not the inner pieces. The husk will help the corn on the cob cook so better it retains its tender, sweet flavor.
After you have cleaned each ear of corn, wash them in cold tap water. Then, wrap each ear in a paper towel that’s been completely moistened- but not dripping wet- with cold tap water. Place them on a microwave-safe platter. Microwave ovens differ, but two or three minutes on “High” heat should cook each ear until it’s just tender. If your microwave oven doesn’t have a carousel, turn the platter halfway through the cooking time.
Then, carefully remove the hot corn from your microwave. Clean off the remaining husks and the silk before eating the corn on the cob.
3. Grill Corn on the Cob
The final tasty way to cook corn on the cob is to use your barbecue grill. You can husk each ear of corn before you cook it, or, you can leave the husk on. The difference will be in the taste of the corn. Leave the husk on, and the corn will have a milder grilled flavor. But if you want your corn on the cob to have a hearty grilled flavor, then remove the husk before you cook it.
Before you grill it, soak the unhusked ears of corn in ice water for an hour or two ahead of time. Then, either clean it or leave the corn in the husk. Lay the cobs side by side in a single layer on your hot grill. Depending on the intensity of the heat, it should take about ten minutes on each side to cook. Turn each ear of corn so it cooks evenly and doesn’t burn. Check for doneness before you remove the corn on the cob from the grill.
