How to Boil Corn: Perfectly Cooked Corn on the Cob in Minutes

It’s still corn season, and while everyone’s firing up their grills, let me let you in on a little secret — there’s more than one way to cook corn. Sure, grilled corn gets all the glory with its smoky char and grill marks, but boiled corn has its own charm, not to mention it’s ridiculously easy. But if you don’t know where to start, don’t worry. I put together you only guide you need to master this quick and foolproof method. Here’s how to boil corn.

Choosing the right corn

When it comes to boiling corn, the type of corn you choose is the first important step. If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on freshly picked ears straight from the farm or market, you’re in for a treat. Fresh corn is naturally sweet, and boiling helps lock in that flavor. But don’t worry if all you’ve got are pre-husked or even pre-cut options from the grocery store — they’ll still turn out delicious.

Timing your boiled corn

Timing is everything when boiling corn. Overcooked corn can get tough, while undercooked corn lacks that juicy, pop-in-your-mouth texture we all love. The sweet spot? About five to seven minutes for fresh corn. Once your water’s at a rolling boil, just drop in the cobs and set a timer. If you’re using pre-cut or older corn, you might want to add an extra minute or two. I recommend keeping a close eye on your corn — I like it when the kernels are tender but still have a little snap.

Elevating your boiled corn

Boiled corn is delicious on its own, but why stop there? One of my favorite tricks I learned from my mother is to add a splash of milk and a bit of butter to the boiling water. This gives the corn an extra layer of richness and flavor. You can also boil corn in chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for a savory touch.

If you want to get a bit fancy, throw in a few sprigs of fresh herbs, like thyme or rosemary, for a subtle infusion of flavor. And while some say adding salt to the boiling water can toughen the corn kernels, it’s largely a myth. Feel free to salt the water if you like, but most of the flavor comes from adding salt after cooking.

More tips to boil corn perfectly

stack of boiled corn on plate with butter melted on top — GMVozd

Once your corn is perfectly boiled, the real fun begins — topping it off! Here’s how I like to finish off my kernels:

1. Don’t skip the butter and salt.

I’m a firm believer that a good slather of butter and a sprinkle of salt can transform boiled corn into something magical. The butter melts into the kernels, and the salt enhances the corn’s sweetness. You can also experiment with other toppings like chili powder or even parmesan.