How to Boil Corn the Right Way
When it comes to summer foods, boiled corn is one of the first that pops into mind. It’s an easy, inexpensive, and tasty treat, tossed with butter and salt on a bare cob. It’s also a staple at almost every barbecue. And there’s nothing quite like grilled corn on the cob, which is always a special treat!
How To Boil Corn
It’s important to know how to boil fresh, sweet corn properly so that you can enjoy the best taste and texture. To do this, you’ll need to clean the corn properly, which will help it absorb the water required for boiling.
Choosing the Right Corn
You should always pick out corn with bright green, tightly wrapped husks that are not dried out. Dried husks can make the corn difficult to boil, and the kernels will be tougher. The top and bottom ends of the corn should be pale, not brown or tan, as this is a sign that the corn has been stored for a long time.
Trim the Ends
When removing corn from its husk, you want to trim off the tips of the ear so that it’s easier to remove. This will also help to keep the corn’s tassels from becoming too dry, which can cause them to break off and fall off the cob.
Once you’ve removed the husk, peel away the silk along with the straggler strands. You should be able to remove all of the silk, but you may find some stuck to the corn. You’ll have to snip the strands off with a knife.
Prepare the Corn for Cooking
When you’re ready to boil your corn, fill a pot with enough water to completely cover the ears of corn. Add a pinch of sugar to the water if you like, but it’s not essential; sugar can help to make your boiled corn more flavorful and less bitter.
Set the Timer
To get the most out of your boiled corn, set a timer so that you don’t overcook it. Overboiling corn is a common mistake that can ruin the natural sweetness and crispy texture of your corn.
Overboiling corn can also destroy the pectin in the kernels, which is a key component of its crunchy texture. In addition, it can also cause the corn to lose its vibrant yellow color and become mushy and waterlogged.
If you overboil your corn, it can also lose its sweetness and taste rubbery. To prevent this, set a timer and boil your corn for exactly the amount of time you’ve set it to.
How to Test That Your Corn Is Ready For Eating
To test that your boiled corn is cooked, lift it out of the water with tongs and see if it’s tender yet crunchy. If it’s still a little soft, return it to the water and continue cooking until it’s tender.
Regardless of whether you’re cooking frozen or fresh corn, it should take about 10 minutes to boil. You can cook the corn longer if you’d like it to be crispier, but just remember that if you overboil your corn, the pectin will break down and the corn will become waterlogged and mushy.
