Today we’re diving into a step by step tutorial and video on how to boil corn on the cob. And as simple as it sounds, we wanted to share our favoirte tips and our herb butter to finish it off. This is SUMMER on a plate and it’s the perfect side dish to your BBQ!
This is really such a simple and easy side dish that tastes like summer! We love slathering the boiled corn with an herb butter for a luscious finish.
Boiling corn on the cob is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to enjoy fresh summer corn. When done correctly, the kernels are juicy, sweet, and tender,never mushy, never bland.
If you’ve ever wondered:
- How long do you boil corn on the cob?
- Should you add salt to the water?
- Do you start corn in cold or boiling water?
- How do you know when corn is done?
This complete guide answers everything in detail so you get perfect corn every time.
Corn is so nostalgic for many of us, in different ways. We always had grilled corn served in the husks instead of plates. This is to me feels like walking around streets of Cairo with my Grandpa. I will make another post on this. Our Mexican Street Corn Salad uses grilled corn and it’s phenomenal!
My family however love boiled corn as this is what they know most, and it has grown on me. We’ve made these Corn Ribs last year and they were amazing!
Ingredients You Need to Boil Corn on The Cob
- Corn on the Cob. Seasonal fresh corn on the cob, husks and hair removed. Fresh seasonal corn is sweet, juicy and the best choice.
- Butter. We prefer unsalted butter here so we can control the amount of salt in the recipe. Corn is so sweet and you don’t want to overpower it with salt anyway.
- Herbs. We use a combo of fresh thyme, oregano, chives and rosemary.
- Seasoning. A simple salt and pepper is enough. If you want to add a zesty seasoning blend, you can. Be careful not to overpower the sweet corn.
How To Boil Corn on The Cob
Here’s how simple it is to boil corn step by step:
- Start by cleaning the corn. Remove the husks and hairs as best as you can from the corn. You can optionally cut each into half, just snap it and it will break into two pieces. We love the portion size when cut into half as they’re much easier to eat too.
- You’re going to then drop the corn into a pot of hot water. There’s no need to salt the water actually, as this overpowers the sweetness of the corn. It’s best to boil the corn in just plain water.
- Let the corn boil and then lower the heat to medium low. It should be rolling and still boiling but not vigorously.
- You don’t need to cover the pot.
- How long to boil corn on the cob will depend on the size of your fresh corn. Also this will depend on how soft you want the corn on the cob to be.
- On average corn on the cob takes 3-5 minutes to cook. More details below.
How Long to Boil Corn on the Cob (Exact Timing)
- Fresh Corn (In Season) :Boil for 4 to 6 minutes. Bring water to a full rolling boil first, then add husked corn, cover the pan and return to a boil. Once boiling again, cook 4–6 minutes. Fresh summer corn only needs a short boil.
- Fresh, Just Picked Corn: Boil for 3 to 5 minutes using the same method above. Extra fresh corn cooks even faster because the sugars are still high and the kernels are tender.
- Frozen Corn on the Cob: Boil for 6 to 8 minutes. You don’t need to thaw first. Add frozen corn directly to boiling water and cook until heated through and tender.
- Older or Late Season Corn: Boil for 6 to 8 minutes. Slightly older corn may need a minute or two longer to soften.
- At that point you will remove the corn from the boiling water if serving immediately.
- Otherwise, keep the corn in the water with the heat turned off until ready to serve.
- The kernels would have softened and turned to sweet on the ear of corn.
- To make the herb butter, simply mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
- When ready to serve the corn, take a tablespoon or more to taste. Slather the butter over the corn on all sides. Use more or less of the butter to your taste.
- Enjoy right away!
Pro Tips For Boiling Corn on The Cob
- Use fresh seasonal sweet corn on the cob for the best tasting corn.
- Make sure when you buy corn on the cob that the husks are firm.
- Remove all husks and hair before boiling the corn on the cob.
- You need a large pot and make sure the water is cold to start with.
- Don’t Overcook because overboiled corn becomes chewy and loses sweetness.
- Avoid crowding the pot, the corn should be fully submerged.
- Turn Off Heat Once Done and let corn sit 5 minutes in hot water for gentle finishing.
- Boil the corn for 3-5 minutes depending on the size and how well cooked you prefer it to be.
- Leave the corn in the hot water and turn off the heat until ready to serve. This way it will remain warm.
- The herb butter is optional but so good! Use as little or much of it to your taste.
What to Serve with Corn on the Cob
- BBQ. Grilled Veal Chops, Grilled Trout , Ribeye Steak, Lamb Steaks, Turkish Chicken Skewers.
- Salads. Taco Salad, Black Bean and Corn Salad, Sweet Potato Salad, Tuna Salad Recipe .
- Salsas. Pineapple Salsa, Best Strawberry Corn Salsa
- Tacos. Ground Beef Tacos, Salmon Tacos, Ground Chicken Tacos, Lamb Tacos.
- Burgers. Mushroom Swiss Burger, Cheese Stuffed Burgers, The Best Lamb Burgers Loaded with Nachos.
How Long Does it Take to Boil Corn on the Cob
Usually this depends on the size and how well cooked you want the corn on the cob to be. The averag time is 3-5 minute for boiling corn. The details are:
- Fresh Corn (In Season) :Boil for 4 to 6 minutes. Bring water to a full rolling boil first, then add husked corn, cover the pan and return to a boil. Once boiling again, cook 4–6 minutes. Fresh summer corn only needs a short boil.
- Fresh, Just Picked Corn: Boil for 3 to 5 minutes using the same method above. Extra fresh corn cooks even faster because the sugars are still high and the kernels are tender.
- Frozen Corn on the Cob: Boil for 6 to 8 minutes. You don’t need to thaw first. Add frozen corn directly to boiling water and cook until heated through and tender.
- Older or Late Season Corn: Boil for 6 to 8 minutes. Slightly older corn may need a minute or two longer to soften.
Do you put corn in cold water or boiling water?
Always add corn to boiling water, not cold. This prevents overcooking and preserves sweetness.
Should You Add Salt to the Water?
This is highly debated. Our best practice and trials have shown that’s best NOT to salt the water for boiling corn. We prefer the sweetness of the corn to concentrate during boiling and salt it later if needed. So you can eithwe use our flavored butter as above, or simply salt the corn well.
Should you add sugar to boiling water?
Not necessary for very fresh corn. If corn is slightly older, a teaspoon of sugar can enhance sweetness.
What is the best way to cook corn?
You can boil, steam or microwave corn for juicy tender corn. And you likewise grill it for that charred flavor and extra bite.
How to Tell When Corn Is Done
Perfect boiled corn should be bright yellow with plump and juicy kernels.If you have a fork, prick it and it should be tender when pierced. When corn is done, it will be almost sweet smelling. However if your kernels look shriveled or dull, it may be overcooked.
Does corn float when boiling?
No, actually corn shouldn’t float when boiling.
How long can boiled corn sit in hot water after it cooks?
Up to 10 minutes with heat off. Longer than that may cause overcooking.
Variations After Boiling
Once boiled, try adding a blend of simply butter and salt. Also chilli powder and lime for a Mexican fiesta.Other seasonings include: Parmesan and black pepper, our garlic herb butter, or a simple honey butter.
Storage & Reheating
- Store cooked corn in refrigerator up to 3 days.
- Reheat in microwave wrapped in damp paper towel.
- Or reheat briefly in hot water for 1–2 minutes.
Best Corn Recipes
Black Bean and Corn Salad
Corn Ribs
Cornbread Recipe
Pierogy Corn Casserole
Spicy Corn Fritters
Best Cornbread Muffins
Best Strawberry Corn Salsa
How To Boil Corn On the Cob
Ingredients
Corn on the Cob
- 4 corn on the cob husked and cleaned from any hair
Herb Butter
- 3 Tablespoons butter unsalted
- 1/8 teaspoon salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon herbs thyme, oregano, chives and rosemary
Instructions
-
Start by cleaning the corn. Remove the husks and hairs as best as you can from the corn. You can optionally cut each into half, just snap it and it will break into two pieces. We love the portion size when cut into half as they’re much easier to eat too.
-
You're going to then drop the corn into a pot of hot water. There's no need to salt the water actually, as this overpowers the sweetness of the corn. It's best to boil the corn in just plain water.
-
Bring the water and corn to boil and then lower the heat to medium low. It should be rolling and still boiling but not vigorously.
-
You don't need to cover the pot.
-
How long to boil corn on the cob will depend on the size of your fresh corn. Also this will depend on how soft you want the corn on the cob to be.
-
On average corn on the cob takes 3-5 minutes to cook.
-
At that point you will remove the corn from the boiling water if serving immediately.
-
Otherwise, keep the corn in the water with the heat turned off until ready to serve.
-
To make the herb butter, simply mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
-
When ready to serve the corn, take a tablespoon or more to taste. Slather the butter over the corn on all sides. Use more or less of the butter to your taste.
-
Enjoy right away!
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Pro Tips For Boiling Corn on The Cob
- Use fresh seasonal sweet corn on the cob for the best tasting corn.
- Make sure when you buy corn on the cob that the husks are firm.
- Remove all husks and hair before boiling the corn on the cob.
- You need a large pot and make sure the water is cold to start with.
- Don’t Overcook because overboiled corn becomes chewy and loses sweetness.
- Avoid crowding the pot, the corn should be fully submerged.
- Turn Off Heat Once Done and let corn sit 5 minutes in hot water for gentle finishing.
- Boil the corn for 3-5 minutes depending on the size and how well cooked you prefer it to be.
- Leave the corn in the hot water and turn off the heat until ready to serve. This way it will remain warm.
- The herb butter is optional but so good! Use as little or much of it to your taste.
What to Serve with Corn on the Cob
- BBQ. Grilled Veal Chops, Grilled Trout , Ribeye Steak, Lamb Steaks, Turkish Chicken Skewers.
- Salads. Taco Salad, Black Bean and Corn Salad, Sweet Potato Salad, Tuna Salad Recipe .
- Salsas. Pineapple Salsa, Best Strawberry Corn Salsa
- Tacos. Ground Beef Tacos, Salmon Tacos, Ground Chicken Tacos, Lamb Tacos.
- Burgers. Mushroom Swiss Burger, Cheese Stuffed Burgers, The Best Lamb Burgers Loaded with Nachos.
How Long Does it Take to Boil Corn on the Cob
Usually this depends on the size and how well cooked you want the corn on the cob to be. The averag time is 3-5 minute for boiling corn. The details are:
- Fresh Corn (In Season) :Boil for 4 to 6 minutes. Bring water to a full rolling boil first, then add husked corn, cover the pan and return to a boil. Once boiling again, cook 4–6 minutes. Fresh summer corn only needs a short boil.
- Fresh, Just Picked Corn: Boil for 3 to 5 minutes using the same method above. Extra fresh corn cooks even faster because the sugars are still high and the kernels are tender.
- Frozen Corn on the Cob: Boil for 6 to 8 minutes. You don't need to thaw first. Add frozen corn directly to boiling water and cook until heated through and tender.
- Older or Late Season Corn: Boil for 6 to 8 minutes. Slightly older corn may need a minute or two longer to soften.
Do you put corn in cold water or boiling water?
Always add corn to boiling water, not cold. This prevents overcooking and preserves sweetness.
Should You Add Salt to the Water?
This is highly debated. Our best practice and trials have shown that's best NOT to salt the water for boiling corn. We prefer the sweetness of the corn to concentrate during boiling and salt it later if needed. So you can eithwe use our flavored butter as above, or simply salt the corn well.
Should you add sugar to boiling water?
Not necessary for very fresh corn. If corn is slightly older, a teaspoon of sugar can enhance sweetness.
What is the best way to cook corn?
You can boil, steam or microwave corn for juicy tender corn. And you likewise grill it for that charred flavor and extra bite.
How to Tell When Corn Is Done
Perfect boiled corn should be bright yellow with plump and juicy kernels.If you have a fork, prick it and it should be tender when pierced. When corn is done, it will be almost sweet smelling. However if your kernels look shriveled or dull, it may be overcooked.
Does corn float when boiling?
No, actually corn shouldn't float when boiling.
How long can boiled corn sit in hot water after it cooks?
Up to 10 minutes with heat off. Longer than that may cause overcooking.
Variations After Boiling
Once boiled, try adding a blend of simply butter and salt. Also chilli powder and lime for a Mexican fiesta.Other seasonings include: Parmesan and black pepper, our garlic herb butter, or a simple honey butter.
Storage & Reheating
- Store cooked corn in refrigerator up to 3 days.
- Reheat in microwave wrapped in damp paper towel.
- Or reheat briefly in hot water for 1–2 minutes.
This is my new favorite way to make corn on the cob! I can’t wait to make it again!!
I followed your method exactly, and the corn turned out perfectly tender and sweet! I never realized how much of a difference a few extra tips could make!
This is one of my favorite BBQ side dishes. It is so easy to make and definitely delicious!
This is an excellent guide. It seems so easy to boil corn, but you have to have a little bit of guidance, or you’ll overcook it.