How To Boil Corn On The Cob

The pinnacle of a simple but reliable summer side, corn on the cob is a BBQ must. While we love to break out the grill for sweet corn, boiling corn on the cob is quick, easy, and perfect for preparing the side dish all year long. Read on for all of our top tips on how to boil corn on the cob perfectly, every time. 

Boil in very salty water.
Use the largest pot you have, fill it with water, salt it really well, and bring it to a boil. Don't be shy—your water should practically taste like the ocean once you’re done with it. Your corn won't taste salty in the end, the salt will just help bring out its flavor. 

Shuck it good.
While your water is heating up, pull off your corn husks. This can get messy thanks to all the tiny strings (AKA silk), so we recommend doing it over a trash can. Starting at the tip, grab all of the husk and as much of the silk as possible and pull downwards, toward the thickest end of the corn. Repeat until all of the husk is off. Rub off as much of the lingering silk as possible.

How to tell when your corn is done boiling:
How long to boil corn is the biggest issue here. There aren't great indicators for when it's done, but they will look bright yellow, appear a little plumper, and will be soft and juicy. Using tongs, drop your corn into the boiling water. Return the water to a boil, then cook your corn for 5 minutes. Set a timer—if you let your corn overcook, the kernels can become tough. The goal is juicy, crunchy kernels—not mushy dry ones. Fresh corn typically cooks faster than older corn, so keep that in mind and adjust cook times as necessary. 

Serving ideas.
Corn on the cob is of course delicious with only a bit of melted butter, salt and pepper, but if you want to get creative, your options don’t stop there. Check out our favorite corn on the cob toppings for plenty of inspo. 

This boiled corn can be served with pretty much anything, but if you want to go the summer potluck route, potato salad and burgers certainly fit the bill. 😋 

Have you tried this method yet? Let us know what you think in the comments below!