Corn On The Cob In The Instant Pot
Who doesn't love sinking their teeth into sweet, juicy, and tender corn on the cob? It's a classic summer treat that everybody craves, but cooking it can be a hassle. Boiling corn on the cob on the stove is the traditional method, but it requires constant attention, and it's easy to overcook or undercook the corn. Plus, it heats up the kitchen, which is the last thing you want on a hot day.
Thankfully, there's a better way to cook corn on the cob, and that's using an Instant Pot. An Instant Pot is a multi-cooker that combines the functions of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and more. It's perfect for cooking corn on the cob because it's quick, easy, and keeps the kitchen cool. In this article, we'll guide you through how to cook corn on the cob in the Instant Pot, and share some tips and tricks to make sure you get the best results every time.
The Benefits Of Cooking Corn On The Cob In An Instant Pot
Before we dive into the details of how to cook corn on the cob in the Instant Pot, let's take a look at some of the benefits:
- Quick: Cooking corn on the cob in the Instant Pot takes only a few minutes, compared to 15-20 minutes of boiling on the stove.
- Evenly cooked: The steam from the Instant Pot cooks the corn evenly, so you don't have to worry about some cobs being overcooked while others are undercooked.
- Keeps the kitchen cool: Using the Instant Pot instead of boiling on the stove means you won't heat up the kitchen, which is especially important on hot summer days.
- No need to watch the pot: Once you've set the Instant Pot, you can walk away and do something else, while it does the cooking for you.
- Easy to clean: Cooking corn on the cob in the Instant Pot means you only have one pot to clean, instead of a pot and a colander.
How To Cook Corn On The Cob In The Instant Pot
Now that we've convinced you of the benefits of cooking corn on the cob in an Instant Pot, let's get to the details of how to do it. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Remove the husks and silk from the corn cob. Make sure to remove all the silk, as it can burn and ruin the flavor of the corn.
- Add one cup of water to the Instant Pot and place the trivet inside. The trivet can be the one that came with the Instant Pot or any heat-resistant stand that will keep the corn from touching the water.
- Place the corn cobs on the trivet in a single layer. If you're cooking more than four cobs, you can stack them on top of each other, but make sure they're not too crowded and can still cook evenly.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, making sure the vent is in the sealing position.
- Press the "Manual" button and set the timer for two minutes on high pressure. If your corn cobs are very large or very small, you can adjust the cooking time accordingly. For larger cobs, add an extra minute, and for smaller cobs, decrease the cooking time by a minute.
- After the cooking time has elapsed, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
- Remove the corn from the Instant Pot using tongs, and serve hot with butter, salt, and pepper.
Additional Tips And Tricks
While cooking corn on the cob in the Instant Pot is pretty straightforward, there are a few additional tips and tricks you can follow to make sure you get the best results:
- Use fresh corn: The fresher the corn, the better it will taste. Try to find corn that was picked no more than a day or two ago.
- Season after cooking: While you can add butter, salt, and pepper before cooking the corn, it's better to season it after it's cooked, as the flavors will be more intense.
- Don't overcook: Two minutes of cooking time is usually enough, but if you leave the corn in the Instant Pot for too long, it will become mushy.
- Use a butter brush: To avoid burning your fingers, try using a silicone butter brush to spread the butter on the corn.
- Experiment with flavors: Corn on the cob is delicious on its own, but you can also try adding different flavors and spices to the cooking water. Try adding garlic, herbs, or even beer to the water for a unique flavor.
Conclusion
Cooking corn on the cob in an Instant Pot is the fastest, easiest, and most reliable way to get perfectly cooked corn every time. With just a few minutes of cooking time and minimal preparation, you can enjoy this summer treat without breaking a sweat. Try out the tips and tricks we've shared, experiment with flavors, and enjoy the delicious results.