It's Corn! How Long to Boil Corn

The answer depends on the size and freshness of your corn. The older and tougher the corn and the larger the cob, the longer it’ll take. You may also need a minute or so longer if using frozen cobs.

Generally speaking, a medium-sized cob measuring about 6 inches (15 cm) takes about 7 minutes to boil when it’s fresh. You can reduce the cooking time to 5 minutes for smaller cobs or 8 to 10 minutes for the jumbos.

But! You don’t want to overboil it and lose the delicious flavor and crunchy texture. So you should start to check if it’s done at around 6 minutes by piercing the cob with a sharp knife. If it slides in easily, it’s ready. If not, cook it for another minute, but keep your eye on the clock.

Okay, now that you know how long to boil corn on the cob, let’s get down to business!

1. Start by filling a large pot with enough water to cover your corn cobs.
2. Add a pinch of sugar — not salt! — to the water, if you like. Salt can cause leathery corn, while a dash of sugar brings out the natural sweetness in boiled corn. You can also add a tablespoon of lemon juice if you prefer.
3. Put the pot of water on the stove, turn up the heat to medium-high, and bring it to a boil.
4. When the water starts boiling, submerge the corn cobs and turn the heat down so the cobs can simmer.
5. Set the timer for 6 to 8 minutes, depending on the size and freshness of your corn cobs.
6. Test the corn cobs with a sharp knife to see if they’re ready.
7. When they’re done, take the pot off the stove and carefully drain it in a colander over a sink.
8. Let the cobs cool slightly before handling them.
9. Place the boiled cobs on a plate.
10. Optional: Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle on your favorite seasonings.
11. Enjoy!

If you prefer grilling to boiling corn on the cob, You’ve got options. You can grill it naked or with the husks left on.

The husk protects the kernels while cooking and steams the corn while imparting a hint of smoke.

For husky grilled corn:

1. Remove any yucky leaves or stringy bits.
2. Place the cobs on a gas or charcoal grill over medium to high heat.
3. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally.
4. Cool slightly, then strip off the blackened husk and silk.
5. Roll that cob in butter and seasonings and tuck in.

You can grill your corn husk-free if you prefer charred bits and a more pronounced BBQ flavor.

For husk-free grilled corn:

1. Strip the cob of its husks and remove any silk strands that may be attached.
2. Brush the cobs with a bit of oil or melted butter and sprinkle with the seasonings of your choice.
3. Place your naked cobs directly on the grate over medium to high heat.
4. Turn them regularly to prevent burning.
5. Cook for around 10 minutes.
6. Take them off the grill, cool them slightly, and enjoy with more butter.

In case you’re looking for other ways to enjoy corn on the cob, we’ve got you covered!

Cilantro, lime, and paprika grilled corn on the cob

A healthy BBQ recipe! Instead of butter, use a smear of coconut oil and roll your cooked cobs in paprika and cilantro. Finish with a squeeze of lime, and get munching.

Succotash soup

Suffering succotash! Use up cooked corn cobs in this classic soup. It’s creamy, comforting, and flavorful. Plus, it can be ready in under 20 minutes.

You’ll need boiled potatoes, onion, chicken stock, lima beans, and corn that you’ve removed from the cobs. Pop them together in a pan, along with a roasted poblano chili. Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes and blend. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream and more cilantro.

Corn on the cob salads

Salads aren’t just for summer. Using corn in salads is a great way to add flavor and texture all year round, and remember, salads don’t have to be chilled. Instead, a warm salad is a welcome change from wintery soups, stew, and casseroles.

For a winter-friendly salad, cut the kernels off the corn cob and mix them with cooked quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, and avocado. Add a grilled chicken breast and dress with lemon juice, olive oil, and a sprinkle of chili flakes. Yum!

Corn is full of nutrients and vitamins that help promote good health. Here are some of its many benefits:

• It’s rich in dietary fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling fuller for longer.
• It contains antioxidants that help fight inflammation and keep your immune system strong.
• It’s a good source of vitamins A, B, and E and has some vitamin C, which you need to stay healthy.
• It has magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients help your body grow, maintain, and repair tissues and cells.
• It’s a great source of carbohydrates, giving you the energy you need to stay active throughout the day.
• Corn is low in fat and cholesterol-free, so it’s an excellent choice for heart health.

Corn on the cob is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that goes well with any meal.

Whether you choose to boil, grill, or bake your corn cobs, the result is a tasty and nutritious addition to your plate. Get creative with different seasonings and sauces and become a bona fide corn-star!