Learn how long to boil corn so that it is tender, sweet, and perfectly cooked every single time you make it! Not only will I let you know exactly how long to boil your corn, but I'll show you the best way to do it, too! With this guide, you'll have juicy and delicious corn on the cob in just a few minutes!
How To Boil Corn On The Cob
There are so many different ways to prepare delicious corn on the cob! From grilled to smoked and even corn that has been made in an air fryer, microwave, or crockpot!
However, boiling corn is one of the easiest, quickest, and most common ways of whipping up this versatile side dish! In this post, I'm going to go over the exact amount of time it takes to perfectly boil corn (as well as how to do it!)
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Best Corn To Buy
Fresh sweet corn is easily the best variety for boiling. You'll be able to find it during the summer season, but make sure you are picking some good ears.
Look for husks that are bright green in color and wrapped tightly around the corn. You can even take a peak under the husk to make sure that the kernels look shiny and plump.
Avoid husks that have holes or brown spots, as these are not as fresh and could have damage from insects.
Preparing The Corn
You can cook as many ears of corn as you like, as long as the pot you are using is large enough to fully submerge them all in the water! Before getting started, you'll want to remove both the husks and the silk from the ears of corn. You can do this while your pot of water is coming to a boil.
How To Boil Corn
Boiling corn is incredibly easy! You'll want a large pot of plain water, but go ahead and skip the salt. Adding salt to the water can actually cause the corn kernels to become tough, so it's best to leave it out and just serve the corn with salt on the side.
- Boil. Grab a large pot, fill it up with water, and then bring it to a boil. Meanwhile, you can remove the husks from your corn if you haven't already.
- Add. Once boiling, add all of your ears of corn and make sure they are fully submerged. Then, return the water to a boil.
- Cook. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the corn has turned bright yellow and tender (about 3-5 minutes).
- Serve. Drain the water and serve your corn immediately with some butter and salt.
How Long Does It Take To Boil Corn
I have found that, generally, 4 minutes is the perfect length of time for boiling corn. However, it could range from 3-5 minutes, depending on how much corn you are boiling at once.
When your water is boiling, and you add in the corn, the boiling will stop. Allow the water to return to a rolling boil, and then you can set a timer for 4 minutes to achieve some perfectly cooked corn!
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❓ Recipe FAQs
It's common to add salt to the water when boiling different foods (such as potatoes or pasta). However, it's actually best to skip the salt when boiling corn. The salt in the water can toughen the corn kernels so that they aren't as tender and soft!
You'll know your corn on the cob is ready to go when it is bright yellow in color. Additionally, the kernels will be plump and tender. You can easily test the corn by pricking one of the kernels with a fork or knife.
Yes! You can boil your corn straight from frozen. However, it will take longer to cook. Add them to your boiling water, and then let the water return to the boil. At this point, it could take from 5-8 minutes for the corn to finish cooking.
🌽 Best Corn Recipes
- Corn Soup - A creamy vegetarian soup that is loaded up with either fresh or frozen corn.
- Southern Corn Fritters - A 10-minute snack that is pan-fried until golden and crisp.
- Creamed Corn - Sweet and creamy corn that only takes 15 minutes to prepare.
- Southern Fried Corn - Bacon, butter, and onion are cooked to perfection and then tossed with sweet corn.
- Elotes - Popular street corn on the cob that is smothered in a zesty chipotle sauce.
- Creamy Baked Corn - A flavorful and sweet baked corn dish that is fantastic for any occasion.
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📖 Recipe Card
Boiled Corn
Ingredients
- 4-8 ears corn
- water (enough to submerge the corn)
- butter (optional for serving)
- salt (optional for serving)
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Meanwhile, you can remove the husks from your 4-8 ears corn if you haven't already.
- Once boiling, add all of your ears of corn and make sure they are fully submerged. Then, return the water to a boil.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the corn has turned bright yellow and tender (about 3-5 minutes).
- Drain the water and serve your corn immediately with some butter and salt
Notes
- Nutritional information is calculated for 4 ears of corn only.
- If your corn was refrigerated, let it come to room temperature before cooking (this helps it to cook quickly and evenly).
- You can boil frozen corn without defrosting it first, but it will take closer to 5-8 minutes to cook.
- Don't add any salt to the water because it can cause the corn to become tough. Instead, serve your corn with salt on the side.
- To store: Wrap your ears of corn in aluminum foil and then place them into a sealed container. Keep them stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat: Reheat your boiled corn either in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a pot of boiling water for 2 minutes.
Mischelle says
I have always cooked my corn for 3 minutes but I always add about a tablespoon of sugar to the water before adding the corn. It adds the perfect amount of sweetness!!!
Mark S says
Great info! However, If you boil the water first you're going to over flow the pot when you add the corn. It will be tricky to add the correct amount of water to the empty pot beforehand.
Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com says
Once boiling, the heat can be adjusted down to maintain a slow rolling boil. This is the easiest way to bring the corn to a boil with just the right amount of water. You won't have too much evaporate off while cooking either. Thanks for sharing!
Mark S says
Yes. Good point.
But if you fill the pot with water first, as you say, there is no room for the corn. So when you do add the corn the water will overflow the pot onto the stove top.
Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com says
Put the corn in the pot and fill with water. Remove corn and bring to a boil if you're unsure. If your corn is 100% going to make the water boil over, then opt for a larger pot. 🙂
Danny says
I have cooked corn that way for years but I do add one ingredient. It's a cap full of milk it helps make the corn tender.
Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com says
I boil corn with milk in this recipe Milk Butter Boiled Corn on the Cob. It is a personal favorite!