Corn on the Cob 101:
This time of year, we can’t get enough of garden fresh sweet corn on the cob. I’ve been testing out different methods of cooking corn and cutting it off the cob, and I’m excited to share my favorite methods: Spoiler Alert: you don’t need to buy any new gadgets! Consider this a Corn on the Cob 101.
I get too excited about new kitchen gadgets that can optimize specific kitchen tasks, and when it comes to cutting corn off the cob, I didn’t realize I had acquired a few tools. Although as much as I get excited about the new tools, I get more excited when I find out I don’t need any of them!
Best way to cut Corn off the Cob:
If you are not up for eating corn right off the cob, there are so many different ways to get the corn off the cob, and I’ve been testing out a few different methods and tools….and I have a favorite method. Here’s what I’ve tried:
- Corn on the Cob Peeling Tool: This tube like tool catches all the corn kernels inside the tube as you push the blade onto the cob. I found this tool hard to use. You have to push really hard, and it’s not easy. I also didn’t love that it left some of the corn still on the cob on the ends.
- Corn on the Cob stripping tool: this handheld yellow plastic cutter uses a round serrated cutter to cut the kernels off the cob. I found this one hard to use also, especially when the cob of corn is still hot from being in the water. It’s a little awkward and the corn kernels kind of fly all over the place after they are cut.
- A Bundt Pan: I recently saw a video of someone using a bundt pan to push the cob of corn through the center hole of a bundt pan. They made it look so easy, pushing one after another cob of corn through the center and the cut corn kernels would fall into the pan and the cob would fall through it into a trash can or something. I tried this method and it did not work for me at all. I have a few different sizes bundt pans and I tried to find the one with the perfect sized center hole to push it through, but it was a big old mess. I do think the idea of using a bundt pan to help hold the corn vertically while you cut the corn kernels off with a knife is a great way to catch the cut corn as it’s falling, so the bundt pan can be helpful in this way.
- A serrated knife: Cutting corn off the cob with a regular serrated knife is my favorite method! The reason it’s the preferred method is because it keeps the corn kernels together in sections and I love that look, plus its fun to eat it like this! I love that this was the winning method, because now I won’t be tempted to buy another corn peeling gadget (haha).
How to cut corn off the Cob:
Here’s how to cut corn kernels off the cob with just a serrated knife. For years I held the corn vertically as I cut the corn kernels off, but this method is so much easier:
- Take your cooked corn (you can add butter, salt and pepper before cutting it off the cob if you desire), lay it on it’s side onto a cutting board.
- Use a serrated knife (this is the key) and saw back and forth cutting sheets of the corn kernels off the cob.
- Rotate the cob of corn clockwise and continue cutting the corn off the cob until you’ve cut all the corn off the cob. Move cut corn to a serving dish, season with butter salt and pepper and enjoy!
More kitchen basics when it comes to cooking corn on the cob:
How to boil corn on the cob:
In a large low wide pot with a lid, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. Season the water with 1-2 tablespoons kosher salt.
When the water has reached a boil, add the corn on the cob. 3-4 ears can fit depending on the size of your pot. Try not to overcrowd the corn while it cooks.
Cook for 5-7 minutes.
Remove the corn with tongs to your serving platter. Serve with salted butter and salt and pepper.
How long to boil corn on the cob?
When corn on the cob is really fresh, it only takes 5-7 minutes for corn to boil in water. You will know it’s ready because the corn kernels will turn a bright yellow color. When done, carefully remove the corn with tongs to your serving platter.
Can you boil corn on the cob for too long?
Yes! If corn is fresh, you really do not need to boil it for very long. Just 5-7 minutes is all you need to cook it in the boiling water. Try not to overcook the corn by leaving it in the water for too long. Overcooking corn on the cob can make the corn texture on the chewy and tough side.
Best method to cook corn on the cob:
There’s a few different ways to cook corn on the cob, from roasting it on the grill to steaming it in the microwave with the husks on to boiling it. When it comes down to it, boiling it is our preferred method. You can’t beat the simplicity and ease.
How to make Cooler Corn:
If you are looking to feed a crowd and corn on the cob is on the menu, you have to try Cooler Corn! It’s really simple, and it’s a great way to cook a bunch of fresh corn on the cob at once.
- Start by boiling water, about a quart of water for every 2 corn on the cobs.
Place all your husked corn on the cobs into your cooler, making sure that the cooler is clean and the drain plug is closed tight and secure. - Once your water is boiling, you will pour the boiling hot water into the cooler over the corn, making sure the water is covering all the corn. Cover the cooler with the lid and allow the corn to sit in the water for 20+ minutes.
- Because the water is not actively boiling, the corn can sit in the water longer.
When ready, carefully remove the corn from the hot water with tongs and serve with salted butter and salt and pepper.
Note: Please use caution with this method. Avoid transporting the cooler with the hot water and corn in your car. I’ve heard of accidents happening and people getting burned by the hot water.
Corn on the Cob 101
How to easily cook corn on the cob, and cut it off the cob too!
Ingredients
- 6-12 ears fresh corn on the cob peeled (or husked)
Instructions
How to Boil Corn on the Cob:
-
In a large low wide pot with a lid, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. Season the water with 1-2 tablespoons kosher salt.
-
When the water has reached a boil, add the husked corn on the cob. 3-4 ears can fit depending on the size of your pot. Try not to overcrowd the corn while it cooks.
-
Cook for 5-7 minutes with the lid on.
-
Remove the corn with tongs to your serving platter. Serve with salted butter and salt and pepper.
How to Cut Corn Off the Cob:
-
Take your cooked corn (you can add butter, salt and pepper before cutting it off the cob if you desire), lay it on it’s side onto a cutting board.
-
Use a serrated knife (this is the key) and saw back and forth cutting sheets of the corn kernels off the cob.
-
Rotate the cob of corn clockwise and continue cutting the corn off the cob until you’ve cut all the corn off the cob. Move cut corn to a serving dish, season with butter salt and pepper and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
*You will know your corn on the cob is fully cooked because it will darken in yellow color.
Making This Recipe? Tag us on Instagram: @NoBiggie using the hashtag #NoBiggieRecipes, so we can see what you are making in the kitchen!
More Corn Recipes we love:
- Sweet Corn Tamale Cakes
- Hot Corn Dip
- Sweet Corn Chowder
- Corn Salsa (Cowboy Caviar)
- Shrimp Boil (with fresh corn on the cob)
- Easy Taco Soup
If you have learned something new, I’d love to hear it! Leave a comment and rate this post with the stars in the recipe card.
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