There are many ways in which one can cook corn on the cob. It can be boiled, grilled, or cooked in the microwave.
Boiled Corn on the Cob
This process involves filling a large pot with water and heating it to the boiling point. The pot should be large enough to hold all the corn that is being cooked. If this is not possible, one can cook one batch, set it aside, and cook a second batch; or, use two large or medium pots which will enable the corn to be boiled all at the same time.
While waiting for the water to boil, the corn should be shucked. This is done by peeling the husks and the silk off of the cob. Rinse the corn cob in cold water to help remove the silk. Once the water is boiling, place the corn into the pot and cover with a lid. Cooking times may vary according to one’s taste preferences, but the usual cooking time is 7-10 minutes.
Once done, remove the corn from the pot using tongs and place on a dish for everyone to enjoy. Serve with butter and salt.
Grilling Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob is actually cooked with the husks left on the corn. Initially, the corn does need to be prepared by cleaning it. Any loose husk or silk hanging from the end should be removed.
Prior to cooking, all the corn that is to be grilled should be soaked in a pot of water. This step will help provide moisture to the corn during the cooking process. Let the corn soak for about 15 minutes before it is ready to be cooked.
Prepare the grill and have it preheating while the corn is soaking in the water. For a charcoal grill, once the flames die down and the charcoal is a gray ash, the grill is ready. Gas grills should be preheated to high and once hot, lowered to medium high heat. Before placing the corn on the grill, be sure to drain any excess water from it. Once that is done, the corn is ready to be place directly on the grill and covered.
Cooking times vary according to what kind of grill is being used. For a charcoal grill, one should turn the corn every 10 minutes. With a gas grill, the corn should be turned every 5 minutes. The length of cooking should be around 25 to 30 minutes. Grilling corn requires constant monitoring and turning of the corn. While cooking, the outside husk will turn black. This is to be expected.
Additional ways to grill corn include completely removing the husk and wrapping the corn in aluminum foil or adding spices or seasonings to the corn before grilling. Seasonings can be added by pulling the husk away slightly, adding the butter, oil, or seasonings, and replacing the husk. The husks may need to be tied closed so they do not fall apart.
Once done, remove the corn with tongs, remove the husk and silk, and rinse under warm water. The corn is now ready to be served.
Microwave Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob can be cooked in the microwave without removing the husks. Before cooking the corn in the microwave, it should be soaked in water with the husk on for at least 20-30 minutes. Once that is done, drain the corn well and place in the microwave. While cooking time does vary between microwaves, an average time is 7 minutes for one ear and 8 minutes for two ears.
Once done, remove it from the microwave, remove the husk and silk, and serve.
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