Recipe For Cooking Fresh Corn On The Cob
Corn on the cob is a favorite summer food in the United States. It's sweet, juicy and delicious, and incredibly versatile. You can eat it straight from the cob, cut it off the cob for salads, soups or casseroles, or grill it for a smoky flavor. However, cooking fresh corn on the cob can be tricky if you don't know the right technique. In this article, we'll give you a step-by-step guide to cooking fresh corn on the cob perfectly, every time.
Choosing The Right Corn
The first step to cooking delicious corn on the cob is choosing the right corn. Look for fresh, green husks that are tightly wrapped around the ears of corn. The kernels should be plump and tightly packed. Avoid corn with brown or slimy spots, or dry-looking kernels.
Preparing The Corn
Before cooking, you need to remove the husks and silk from the ears of corn. To do this, pull back the husks and remove the silk from between the kernels. Then, rinse the corn in cold water to remove any remaining silk.
Boiling The Corn
Boiling corn on the cob is one of the most popular ways to cook it. Here's how to do it:
- Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the corn (but don't add the corn yet).
- Add a pinch of salt to the water, which will enhance the flavor of the corn.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- Add the ears of corn to the pot, making sure they are fully submerged in the water.
- Reduce the heat to medium and let the corn simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the kernels are tender.
- Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the corn from the pot.
- Let the corn cool for a few minutes, then serve with butter, salt, and pepper.
Grilling The Corn
Grilled corn on the cob is a delicious variation that adds a smoky flavor to the corn. Here's how to do it:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Peel the husks back from the ears of corn, but don't remove them.
- Remove the silk from between the kernels.
- Brush the corn with olive oil, which will keep them from sticking to the grill.
- Sprinkle the corn with salt and pepper, if desired.
- Place the ears of corn on the grill and close the lid.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning the corn occasionally, until the kernels are tender and lightly charred.
- Use tongs to remove the corn from the grill.
- Let the corn cool for a few minutes, then serve with butter or other toppings of your choice.
Conclusion
Cooking fresh corn on the cob is really easy once you know the right technique. Whether you prefer boiled or grilled corn, following these steps will ensure that your corn is sweet, juicy, and delicious. So next time you're at the farmer's market or grocery store, pick up a few ears of fresh corn and try out these techniques for yourself.