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Regardless of how you choose to prepare your corn, there are some common mistakes to avoid. These include tearing the husk off the kernels, buying corn in a bad state and wasting food. Here are some tips to help you pick a fresh, tasty cob. Keep reading to discover how to cook corn on the cob without ruining the fresh taste! Listed below are some of the most common mistakes that can make your corn taste a lot better.
Boiling vs. grilling
There are many different ways to cook corn on the cob. You can boil it in the microwave, use a stove or Instant Pot to cook it in a few minutes, or you can grill it.
Either way, the corn on the cob should be peeled before cooking. Cooking transforms the starches and pectin in the corn into a delicious, crisp texture. Several different cooking methods are recommended by Cook’s Illustrated.
Boiling is the best way to cook fresh corn, because it produces golden, tender kernels. The corn should be washed thoroughly before cooking and the husks and silks should be removed. Put the corn in a large pot of water, and bring it to a boil. Once the water reaches the boiling point, cook the corn uncovered for about three minutes. To re-sweeten older corn, you can add sugar and milk to the water.
Microwaving vs. boiling
The microwave is a fast and easy way to cook corn. In just minutes, you can get perfectly cooked corn that retains the natural sweetness. It also saves you the hassle of boiling, shucking and cleaning up a mess. This method is ideal for summer cookouts and picnics, and can even be used for larger quantities. It’s a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy side dish.
Before cooking, wash the corn and remove its husk. Cut the bottom and one row from the stem. You should also remove the husk and silk. This will make the next step easier. Microwaving corn on the cob is a great way to get the same tasty treat without the hassle of boiling it. However, it’s not always a good idea to microwave large ears of corn.
Preparing grilled corn in the husk
To prepare grilled corn in the husk, you first need to remove the husk from the corn. While the husk should be easy to remove, some will be stubborn and may fall off completely. Fortunately, the process of removing the husk is simple and you can try it with any kind of corn, even the freshest ones. Just be sure to use a clean kitchen towel to remove the husk from the corn.
After removing the husk, soak the corn in water for 15 to 20 minutes. This will help hydrate the kernels and prevent the husk from fizzing while cooking. Adding a little coarse salt to the water before cooking can also help prevent the corn from catching fire. Afterwards, you can grill the corn in its husks, with a few simple steps.
Removing corn husks and silk
It’s very important to remove the husk and silk before cooking corn on the cob. Corn silk is sticky and can easily get stuck in your teeth or on the floor. To remove the silk, use your fingers to pull on the husk and a brush. Afterward, shuck the corn as usual. Don’t worry, it won’t take long.
While you can purchase brushes designed to remove corn silk, a shelf liner works just as well. Make sure the liner has a good grip and feels a little tacky. If you’re using a larger liner, you can cut it into smaller pieces with scissors. Once you’ve removed the silk, rinse your corn thoroughly to remove any remaining dust.
If you are using a microwave to cook your corn, be sure to use a heat mat or silicone oven gloves. Once the corn is completely cooked, cut off the root end and remove the husk. If you’re grilling your corn on the cob on the stovetop, you should keep it in the husk. However, if you want it to be served at room temperature, remove the husk and silk before serving.
