The Foolproof Way to Make Boiled Corn on the Cob

Test cook Becky Hays uncovers the secrets to Foolproof Boiled Corn.
Get the recipe for Foolproof Boiled Corn: cooks.io/2FCTrB7
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[@breezyreports]

5yrs later and stumbled on this video for my first ever BBQ hosting and the corn was a smash! Added my own seasoning and it was a hit!

[@barbaradeselle9087]

As a kid, my grandmother would go to their garden and pick fresh corn for us kids for breakfast. 60+ years later I can still taste that deliciousness!

[@hijodelaisla275]

Your grandmother was a kid at the same time you were? How is that possible?

[@GODEED]

Ha ha... She is vindicated by her correct punctuation!Although, I appreciate your keen observation, Hijo😊

[@fp5495]

@@hijodelaisla275 How is it not? It makes total sense what she said. In other words, she said: "When I was a kid, my grandmother.......". You should do more research on the most rudimentary grammar skills before you try to sound clever.

[@hijodelaisla275]

@@fp5495 Yeah, I know what she was trying to say. I wasn't "trying" to be clever, I was being playful with the grammatical error that Godeed recognized too. You, however, confidently scold that I'm the one lacking in rudimentary grammar skills. You appear to know more than we do, and choose to flaunt your superiority. Okie dokie, I'm off now to do the "research" that you have assigned me.

[@barbaradeselle9187]

​@hijodelaisla275 1950's. I was 5-10 yo. Believe me my grandmother had a heart of a kid and the mind of a genius. She raised her children through the Depression and WWII. Anything you'd like to say. I am currently 73 yrs old.

[@hiblackie2340]

OMG it worked. I’ve just tasted the sweetest corn I’ve ever had in my life and i cooked it myself. I used Cajun seasoning instead and it turned out perfect. Thank you thank you 🙏🏼 for this amazing video.

[@dimitriusa]

Tried it for the first time today…came out great!!! Kids and adults loved it 👍

[@leasplane4768]

I found your recipe, and it is the best corn we ever tasted. I could never figure out how long to cook it, and this was so easy and the corn was wonderful!

[@Aylincooking.]

❤

[@WhatAboutNepal]

We've been doing this recipe for a few years now and it's really the best. Thanks so much.

[@Aylincooking.]

❤

[@loisbowers5254]

We once picked fresh corn out of out Uncles field, on the Eastern shore of Maryland cooked it and ate it right away. Best corn I’ve ever eaten. Served with lots of butter and Old Bay seasoning. Maryland tomatoes too!

[@youthrevisitedagain]

Maryland tomatoes are the best! I’m from CA & enjoyed them on a vacation years ago. Hubby & I ate all they had at the salad bar. Best part of our trip!

[@tmcche7881]

A Maryland tomato? What variety tomato is grown exclusively in Maryland?

[@loisbowers5254]

@@tmcche7881 the kind I grow in my garden

[@shermanderek2]

The shelf life for raw corn is two hours off the stalk. None of that supermarket stuff qualifies. I detasseled corn for DeKalb co in DeKalb IL as a youth.

[@joemccay9978]

Fresh picked corn is the best! The longer you wait to cook it, the more like cardboard it will taste!

[@jonathanserrano4435]

My husband loved them! Thank you so much

[@skrimnal]

love the simplicity and convenience. going to give it a shot today

[@karenmason6002]

Tried this recipe tonight and they turned out great!! Who would have known this method of cooking corn on the cob would turn out so good. Great job ATK!!

[@valerielucille3204]

I have used this technique several times and love it!

[@Aylincooking.]

❤

[@gritskennedy5007]

We love you guys. We enjoy he educational aspects as well as the artistry and alchemy creativity and the perfect descriptions og what exactly each dish tastes like along with the texture and alternative accompaniments

[@dh7139]

yup!! agreed😀

[@BrandonElliotSmith]

Been a little minute & I had to come back & watch this again just to confirm the time. Been making my corn like this ever since I saw this episode lol. Never lets me down, & that says alot coming from someone who can't cook consistently to save his life.

[@nahoooli]

Corn turned out really good, second to only grilled corn in taste. Glad I found this video first, thank you!

[@scotsmanofnewengland7713]

My grandfather a Vermonter always said the best corn on the cob was when you got the water boiling, went out to the garden,picked the corn, ran as fast as you could shucking the corn as you ran and then put it in the pot. The best corn on the cob you will ever taste !!!

[@joedennehy386]

Hecwas right

[@truthinlovemama]

My Pap would agree. Corn picked earlier in the day for dinner would be a big no-no.

[@cichimalferrari8672]

I tried this method in cooking sweet corn...perfect...thank you...and God bless you !

[@PeiPeisMom]

The "I'll see YOU later" at the end rolled me, thank you for being you always 🥰

[@andyrdavis]

This is how I was told to cook really fresh tasting corn on the cob. Put a large pot of water on and bring to a boil. Leave boiling while you run out to the garden and pick the ears of corn off the corn plant. Run as fast as you can back to the house, shucking the corn as you go. If you trip and fall on the back, the corn is no longer fresh and you have to start all over.

[@loridennis2989]

Could I run out to the garden without waiting for the boil? Lol

[@urdude67]

OCD belongs in the home

[@sunnyshin8303]

hahaha 😂

[@kellyr8230]

What if the corn slips and fall out of my hands ?

[@urdude67]

@@kellyr8230 what if I get butter on my clothes?

[@sharone9751]

Finally! One does not "cook" corn . . . you only heat it up.

[@owingswhitney]

The only recipe I use! It makes perfect corn. Thank you!!!

[@sharonanderson9041]

I tried it, and my corn was great. I will be cooking it this way from now on. Thank you

[@desertrat5543]

I tried it and it worked very well! We loved our corn 🤤

[@taos55]

So simple that is hard to believe it works to perfection.

[@helenboula3538]

If you have good carne you don't have to add anything to it just bought about three four minutes tops I don't do better I don't do salt I don't do pepper I just eat it the way it is it is delicious you can taste the vegetables it's not covered up with other taste

[@barrygioportmorien1]

I am not a cook of any kind, but I always cooked corn 4 minutes in boiling water, but I will try this method. I watch your show faithfully.

[@davidcampbell362]

Wow! I am gonna try this, on my daughter and grandson. Thank you so much!

[@swong705]

Been cooking corn this way since I've seen this video. Got corn again today. Perfect way to cook 🌽

[@lynneanderson4255]

I tried it today and it worked out perfectly. Talk about no sweat!

[@swong705]

@@lynneanderson4255 isn't it awesome how easy it is and how sweet the corn is.

[@waybach]

Fantastic! I added a cup of milk to the water and it was phenomenal!!

[@HG-1181]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thank you for sharing this method and explaining the food science behind why it works!

[@justifiedlife1595]

Always wondered how long to really cook corn! wish it were't so messy to eat, sure is good.

[@lindavasquez9519]

Terrific my go to recipe from now on. Thanks

[@Davidjune1970]

A healthy spread of butter on a slice of bread that you then wrap around the cob and spin is the easiest way to butter the corn without demolishing the entire stick of butter.

[@judsonkr]

Nice!

[@susansparke3462]

Thanks for sharing your great tip! I'll have to give this a try since I just bought some fresh ears of corn. 🧈 + 🍞 + 🌽 + 🧂 = 😋

[@eileeninzerilli1654]

I no longer boil corn on the cob. I husk and clean it, put butter and salt and wrap it in foil and put it on the grill to cook. Comes out so crispy, everyone loves it so much more!!

[@willyb933]

Well, that was easy now bring on Summer!

[@Nclght]

Works great with frozen corn too! Had a bag of frozen store bought corn. Put 8 frozen 1/2 cobbs in the boiling water but I thought it best to keep the stove on right up until it was just about to come back to a boil to compensate for temp drop due to being frozen. Then I turned the stove off, put lid on for ten minutes and the corn came out fantastic, despite being in my freezer for way over a year.

[@shadowspt]

I wondered if you could do this. Thanks for the info

[@theoldman947]

Thanks for the tip on corn. Will try it next time.

[@steveniemyer9288]

We wrap each cob in aluminum foil, bake at 400 for 20 minutes. Got the recipe from a weight watchers cookbook years ago. Works great.

[@zackdelarocha8]

Steve Niemyer without boiling it first?

[@jordanboteler8978]

Steve Niemyer my dad does the same

[@howardfrankfort]

In the shuck works good as well

[@cherylsheets294]

Made this tonight with grilled chicken and asparagus. It was a hit! Thank you.

[@ana10g]

had it tonight! you were right about how to boil corn. taste great!

[@maritatedder7295]

I had made corn like this years ago--when I was having a big party. Today, I need to boil 18 ears of corn and remembered this being an effective method as it allows the corn to sit in the water for up to 30 minutes. I search online and all recipes said not to leave it in the water--but I knew I had done it successfully before. I just didn't remember how. Now I know. Thanks!

[@number51oco]

Thank God you have found the perfect way to prepare a delicious ear of corn while robbing it of all nutrients!!! Well done!

[@NanaOf26]

Yes, steaming or microwaving best way to save nutrients!🌽

[@karlhungusjr1]

this has to be a joke post. has to be....

[@Tubalcain422]

@@NanaOf26 microwaving saves nutrients? Besides you are eating lots of starch. You want lots of nutrients? don’t choose corn.

[@justadjimmi6613]

I've made beer bread before from a similar recipe that didn't include wheat flour or oats. I was a little concerned about the change but the bread still came out really good! I eat it straight up and the wife with fruit preserves.

[@Slaphappy1975]

Thank you for another reliably delicious cooking method, ATK!

[@williamfloyd2548]

Great as always. So happy to know the secret to corn on the cob!

[@steone3484]

Great idea , how long would it take for two ears of corn?

[@sacramentoskip]

I am going to cook two ears the same way as see how it turns out.

[@rosalainz2165]

Right time. Thanks so much

[@geraldbrienza4474]

To butter up your corn, lather up a slice of bread with butter and the seasonings, then place your cob in (like a hot dog) and slide and twist back and forth. That’s the best way.

[@dirkgibbens377]

Great idea! I’ll do that!

[@KatarinaS.]

Yes. I've done this for 40 years, it's the most efficient way to butter corn on the cob instead of ruining a whole stick of butter. Then when you're done with the bread that you used to butter your cob(s) you have a tasty morsel of bread to eat.

[@JC-uq5gi]

Just get yourself a butter dispenser for corn. I think I paid $1.99 for mine? THAT'S ...the best way.

[@geraldbrienza4474]

@@JC-uq5gi but then you have to clean that greasy butter dispenser. My way, you just eat the bread.

[@JC-uq5gi]

@@geraldbrienza4474I haven't had to clean mine yet. I just keep reloading butter sticks. The only greasy part is the inside. You have to clean a butter knife every time, and it's running all over the place. Plus, I don't have to eat any bread. That stuff is bad for you.

[@eliapalomera6437]

Wow !! I always thought that cooking corn was hard and took a long time to cook.

[@deanronson6331]

I put my corn into boiling water, let it boil for three minutes, and it tastes great. That's not to say that this ladies' recipe is not better than mine. I'll definitely try it. P.S. Well, I did try it today, and I'm sorry to say I prefer my old method.

[@sciencelabvideosl7558]

Made this today. Thank you. It was good! I liked it better without the chili powder . Just the butter was good enough for me!

[@carolberman-w9m]

Love this method of making corn. Only did two ears in less water. Still worked. Loved the chili powder lime zest topping!

[@EJCmkechi]

When I want a perfect recipe, I always know who I can count on. This corn was so great, I wish I’d made more 😅

[@dougjohnson9948]

Came out perfect. Roadside NJ corn is wonderful. Thank you.

[@pay4fish]

Just tried it, so delicious!! 🌽🌽🌽

[@triciamc8373]

me2 'cept I boiled my corn in salt water for 10 mins and found this video. Luckily my corn was so fresh, it still tasted great and the chili lime butter added bonus

[@pay4fish]

You go Tricia!!!🌽🌽🌽 Patricia

[@pamelamurphy7782]

I'm watching this quite a while ago I couldn't remember if I was supposed to leave it on the stove and let it boil a while or take it off I only done it once but it is the best way thank you all

[@georgetaylor1063]

Love corn on the Cobb grilled.

[@ryeguy01]

Yep, I do this and never looked back. The best way is to shuck it and put it right on the grill so it gets charred bits.

[@davidrivero7943]

Ladies , i cant get enough of you's & simple delish Foods. Just in time for Summer , too. Subbed !! 😉

[@kyereCat]

Test kitchen is a game changer.

[@aliciamildner9830]

Love America’s Test Kitchen!!!!

[@austinven3945]

I love old bay in many many recipes. I've used it on grilled corn the best 👍🏾

[@ИсламИсламус]

American test kitchen team love you guys 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️💪💪💪💪💪

[@bilderberg_news4775]

If you like the way YOUR corn taste. Then that's the best way to cook it!

[@georgerodriquez7744]

I did the recipe for boil corn.and it came out good.not soggy but firm you guys past.

[@lizmiller2341]

Can't wait to try this method!

[@n8zimphotography]

I turned some leftover corn from a party into the best corn I’ve ever had from this recipe. Thank you!

[@carolebroderick1595]

Where is the recipe?

[@n8zimphotography]

The video and video description. It’s more about how the corn twas cooked han actual ingredients that made it delicious.

[@deerock94]

I put the corn 🌽 in when the water is cold and add a little sugar to bring out the sweetness...then when it comes to a boil I turn off the element and let it sit for 8-10min. Perfect Corn 🌽 every time!

[@ericjohnson279]

Thank you ladies!!

[@DanialGibson]

It is very tasty and easy to cook recommend to everyone!

[@cindyjohnson5152]

Miss seeing y’all on PBS‼️‼️👍🏽🥰

[@yamiyugi2810]

whats a PBS

[@cindyjohnson5152]

@@yamiyugi2810 PBS is the cooking 🧑‍🍳 Channel that I see them on in LittleRock,AR❗️❗️❗️❗️

[@justnoted2995]

Becky Hays is such a sweetheart; build America great with good stock. Thank you Julia

[@jjp.8690]

Learn something new every day. Have to try.👍👍

[@happygirl8189]

Hello. This is such a delicious recipe. Thanks for sharing. Amazing and so simple. Actually here in Mauritius 🇲🇺 I usually use a pressure cooker to boil the corn cut into pieces as some are too big to fit in 1 whole piece. It's best eaten drg wintertime here in Mauritius when it's quite cold. Actually I love it that way. I'll definitely give it a try. Reply back plz. Lots of love from Mauritius 🇲🇺

[@frederickb]

Brillo. Not butter no salt. Just amazingly tender and great crunch.

[@loisbowers9498]

Old Bay is great on corn!

[@carltonbanks5470]

Or down south louisiana ...some Tony Chacheres.

[@CodieBodie2223]

I like to use some Zatarain’s crab boil in my water when boiling the corn. Then I sprinkle some celery salt on the corn after buttering. It is delicious!!

[@evasitton8352]

What great ideas come from America's Test Kitchen! Love this site.

[@barbaradeselle9087]

I don’t ever “boil” corn. I will simmer it with a little sugar, just a bit. I have grilled, husks on. I have simmered and then finished on the grill for a bit of char. I have also cooked corn per this video, just depends on my mood. I can eat corn on the cob for breakfast, lunch, dinner and any time in between. Yummmmm

[@Hero69]

So how long do you simmer them for

[@barbaradeselle9087]

@@Hero69 maybe 10 minutes, give or take. The corn usually takes on a little darker color.

[@Hero69]

@@barbaradeselle9087 oh.

[@hijodelaisla275]

When you "boil" corn, is it different in some way from when you boil corn?

[@Hero69]

@@hijodelaisla275 wdym?

[@justwatchin5743]

Thank you for this simple tip!

[@antuliolanderos2386]

Nice, I'm buying some corn for tomorrow, Thank.

[@khadijachaar9114]

Good to know

[@jimmyp6443]

Test kitchen should of asked me ,been cooking corn like this for 50 years

[@gilliandidierserre4190]

Becky, thanks for an easy recipe👍

[@aa0517748]

That’s it. I can’t wait try it

[@vpss6403]

Just made using this method. Four ears for 7 minutes. perfect.

[@barbaradeselle9087]

My grandmother taught me to steep the corn in a mild sugar water, ie, sweet corn.

[@shermanderek2]

There are hundreds of hybrids of corn.. Sweet corn is a class of hybrids.

[@cliffcox7643]

And now, it has been discovered that you can microwave corn, in the husk at 4 minutes high power per ear. Cut off the stem, and pull off the tapered end and you have no silk. Much easier, no cleaning pots, waiting for water to boil, etc. Easier to time for start of meal.

[@Kman.]

Microwaved corn yields a tougher corn.

[@cliffcox7643]

@@Kman. it is true. It is slightly tougher, but MUCH faster and no clean up.

[@Kman.]

@@cliffcox7643 When we've put corn in the miocrowave, we use a sealable plastic bag which is designed for taters, corn, etc... The bags are reusable, so there is "clean up" afterwards & no less than cleaning a pot that had water/corn in it.

[@stevena9512]

And when you microwave it, you destroy the nutritional value of the corn. And when you put it in a plastic bag, you release micro plastic that you’re going to eat. Micro plastics are a known health risk.

[@cliffcox7643]

@@stevena9512 yeah, im ok with all that. It's just the speed, when you need it and boil it when you have time.

[@monicas2539]

Worked perfectly! Thanks

[@andrewstiller1662]

I love putting chili powder on corn. I also use cumin. Both taste delish!

[@loisbowers5254]

You should try Old Bay seasoning. It’s great!

[@laurieharrington3853]

Thank you so very much for ALL Your instructional videos, along with ALL The Time & Efforts you take creating the Best Way towards a delicious time tested recipe! You guys are my Go To For Everything! Keep up the AMAZING Job You All Do! Blessings to you All

[@TheDaddyo365]

thankyou ladies!

[@SP-ql9xz]

Thank you

[@stackus_maximus1]

Thank you

[@rechelleivy9350]

Thanks for the tip….I’ve been doing wrong for years!🙂

[@DaddyJ810]

Here in Maryland we use butter and Old Bay Seasoning.

[@loisbowers5254]

I’m from Baltimore county and here we put Old Bay on everything! Haha. It’s great on home grown tomatoes.

[@112Famine]

*Black Pepper* the best use for it is on corn on the cobb -- most of the time it is hard to even tell if black pepper is on what you're eating, well fresh cracked black pepper really shines on corn on cobb, it is the reason I bought a pepper mill for the table.

[@bobdavis1168]

Outstanding presentation !!!! Delightful hosts !!!

[@guarnericannon]

just made delicious boiled corns thx!

[@dirkgibbens377]

If you have a lot of corn to cook that’s a good way to do it. If you only need to do three or four ears the very best way is to leave the corn in the husk, wrap it in paper towel and microwave it for three minutes. The corn will be cooked perfectly, and when you shuck it the corn silks come right off. I can generally pull all the husks and corn silks down to the stem all together, snap off the stem and it’s ready to butter and eat. I use paper towel or a dish towel in my left hand because obviously the corn is quite hot

[@Sushihunter250]

QUESTION: I've never added salt to the cooking water, but what about sugar? Does that help to keep the corn sweet or not?

[@fredericrmerchant1355]

Tried this method with fresh corn from our local farmer’s market. It was perfect and so good. Really worked. And enough left over to make creamed corn tomorrow night.

[@lionreyez2416]

Deleting are we. I'm both. Bicolor corn but white corn tastes better and a shorter cook time. Crazy good.

[@devilcity5827]

Learn something today, Thanks 🙏