If you want to learn How to Boil Corn on the Cob, this recipe details exactly how long to boil corn on the cob, all of my tips and tricks, and a super tasty chile lime butter. Boiled corn is the sweet & juicy perfect summer side.
Corn on the cob is a classic side dish and a super easy corn recipe. It is the perfect accompaniment to any simple protein like my Cast Iron Chicken Breast, Picanha Steak, or Air Fryer Bratwurst.
My favorite boiled corn on the cob seasoning is the Trader Joe’s Chile Lime Seasoning. It also goes great on grilled corn.
Some of my other go to ways to prepare corn are my Cast Iron Corn recipe and Roasted Chili Corn Salsa, which I eat as a dip and a side.
If you have extra corn to use up, try my Creamy Chicken Corn Soup in the slow cooker.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Boiled corn on the cob only takes about 7 minutes to cook.
- Corn is a super easy and kid friendly side dish. It is perfect for summer barbecues and gatherings.
- This fresh sweet corn on the cob is smothered with chile lime butter. It is sweet, spicy, and a little tangy.
- Boiling corn on the cob is one of the easiest ways to cook fresh ears of corn.
- This corn on the cob recipe is gluten free, vegetarian, and can be made vegan with dairy free butter.
- Learn how to cook corn on the cob on the stove.
How to Choose Perfect Ears of Corn
Here’s what to look for when buying ears of corn:
- Go for the corn still in the husk. I have purchased pre-shucked corn before and it doesn’t have the same flavor. The husk helps preserve the cob.
- Fresh corn is best. Buy corn when it is in season (June to September) from local farms or farmers markets. It was likely picked sooner than the corn you will find at a large grocery store.
- Choose the bright green husks. Avoid husks with dark spots or discoloration.
- Look for tightly wrapped husks. The husks should be hugging the kernels. Avoid dry husk or husks that look peeled back.
- Moisture is key. Look for moist or sticky silks (strings at the top) and stems.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Unsalted Butter: If you are not adding chile lime seasoning to the butter, be sure to use salted butter. This pairs well with the honey.
- Chile Lime Seasoning: Most grocery stores carry a variation of this. I like the chile lime seasoning from Trader Joes. You can also use Tajin. You can also with ¼ teaspoon of chili powder and the zest of 1 lime. Be sure to use salted butter if you are only adding chili powder and lime zest. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some extra spice.
- Honey: I like the extra bit of sweetness this adds to the corn. You can omit this.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.
How to Shuck Corn
Before you boil the corn, you will need to remove the husks.
- Start by separating all of the strings (silks) opposite of the stem, until you can see the top of the corn cob.
- Grasping the top of the husk near the silk, peel all of the husks away at once towards the stem. Repeat with the remaining group of husks. There is no need to peel the husks off one at a time. This should only take about 2-3 pulls.
- Grab all of the peeled back husks near the steam and break them off.
- Remove any remaining silks with your fingers. You can cut off the stem if desired with a knife. Otherwise, you are ready to boil!
How to Boil Corn on the Cob
Quick Overview
- Boil corn.
- Make chile lime butter.
- Spread butter on hot corn and serve.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add a few pinches of salt.
Step 2: Using tongs, carefully place the corn in the boiling water.
Step 3: Cover and boil for 7-8 minutes.
Make sure the water has reached a rolling boil before adding the corn.
Step 4: While the corn is boiling, combine the butter, seasoning, and honey together with a fork.
Step 5: Remove the corn from the water after it has finished boiling.
Step 6: Spread the butter all over each side of the corn. Garnish with cilantro and lime zest if desired.
Spread the butter on the corn while it is hot so it can melt completely.
Recipe Serving Suggestions
- Spread a compound butter on top. This is my favorite way to serve corn. If honey chile lime butter is not your jam, try this Garlic Herb Butter.
- Season with dry spices or herbs. Sprinkle granulated garlic, lemon pepper, oregano, cayenne pepper, chili powder, or any of your favorite dry spices or blends on top of buttered corn on the cob.
- Finish with a creamy sauce. Try my Chipotle Sauce or Jalapeño Lime Crema.
- Top with cheese. I love cotija cheese for mexican style corn or parmesan cheese paired with italian seasoning.
- Slice corn off the cob. Use it as topping for salad recipes, salsas, taco, or bowls. This is a great way to use leftover cold corn.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Don’t overcook the corn. Some recipes say to boil the cobs for up to 10 minutes. This is way too long. The corn will be waterlogged and lose flavor.
- Serve with some sort of butter. Whether it is plain butter or a compound butter, butter adds so much flavor and moisture to the corn.
- Season. Even if you keep it simple with just salt and pepper, seasoning is key.
- Keep corn warm in the oven. Place the corn on a baking sheet covered with foil in a 200 degree oven to keep it warm.
- The air fryer is great for reheating. Lightly spray the cobs with oil. Air fry at 400 degrees for 5-7 minutes.
Recipe FAQs
It takes about 7-8 minutes to boil husked corn on the cob.
Half cobs of corn take about the same amount of time as whole, 7-8 minutes covered.
The corn will turn an intense yellow color. The water will also turn yellow. The kernels should look plump.
Yes. Even if you like your corn well done, I do not recommend exceeding 10 minutes of boiling. It will ruin the texture of the corn.
I prefer to boil corn covered. This allows the corn to steam evenly.
More Side Dish Recipes
If you try this recipe, please leave a star rating in the recipe card below and/or comment! I always appreciate your feedback. Follow me on Pinterest, Facebook & Instagram.
How to Boil Corn on the Cob (Easy)
Ingredients:
- 4 ears fresh sweet corn, husks and silk removed
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter*
- ½ teaspoon chile lime seasoning*
- ½ teaspoon honey*
- chopped cilantro, lime zest, & fresh pepper, for serving
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add a few pinches of salt.
- Using tongs, carefully place the corn in the boiling water.
- Cover and boil for 7-8 minutes.
- While the corn is boiling, combine the butter, seasoning, and honey together with a fork.
- Remove the corn from the water after it has finished boiling.
- Spread the butter all over each side of the corn. Garnish with cilantro and lime zest if desired.
Notes:
- Unsalted Butter: If you are not adding chile lime seasoning to the butter, be sure to use salted butter. This pairs well with the honey.
- Chile Lime Seasoning: Most grocery stores carry a variation of this. I like the chile lime seasoning from Trader Joes. You can also use Tajin. You can also with ¼ teaspoon of chili powder and the zest of 1 lime. Be sure to use salted butter if you are only adding chili powder and lime zest. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some extra spice.
- Honey: I like the extra bit of sweetness this adds to the corn. You can omit this.
- Don’t overcook the corn. Some recipes say to boil the cobs for up to 10 minutes. This is way too long. The corn will be waterlogged and lose flavor.
- Keep corn warm in the oven. Place the corn on a baking sheet covered with foil in a 200 degree oven to keep it warm.
- The air fryer is great for reheating. Lightly spray the cobs with oil. Air fry at 400 degrees for 5-7 minutes.
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