The most common method to steam corn is to use a special basket, but if you don't have one, there are many other ways to achieve the same result, even using the classic oven or microwave. The important thing is to know those tricks that allow you to cook it to perfection. With incorrect cooking, corn could in fact become hard and chewy, therefore difficult to chew.
Ingrediants
Cook the Corn in a Steamer Basket
- Corn
- Waterfall
Cook Corn Without the Steamer Basket
- Corn
- Waterfall
Steaming Corn in the Oven
- 6 corn on the cob, halved
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons of butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon of salt (normal or flavored)
- Waterfall
Steam Corn in the Microwave
- 2 or 3 corn on the cob
- 2 tablespoons of water
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Cook Corn in a Steamer Basket
Step 1. Prepare the corn
Peel the cobs, also removing the characteristic threads. Rinse them with cold water, then wipe off any dark or damaged parts. If you want, you can cut them in half to get smaller portions.
Step 2. Choose a pot large enough to hold the corn on the cob, then fill the bottom with water
You will need about 5cm of water. Using this method, you can also cook several corn on the cob, especially by placing them vertically.
Step 3. Place a steamer basket inside the pot
Remember that the water must not come into contact with the basket; if necessary, throw some away, but try not to drop the level below the indicated 5 cm. During cooking, you may need to add more to maintain the desired level.
Step 4. Put the corn on the cob in the basket, then cover the pot with the lid
If you have decided to place the cobs vertically, make sure the tip is facing up. If they are too long to fit in the pot, you can cut them in half.
Step 5. Bring the water to a boil, then let it simmer on a low heat for about 7-10 minutes
Once the water has reached a boil, you can lower the heat and let the corn on the cob cook for ten minutes or less. If you prefer the corn kernels to remain crunchy, check the doneness after about 4 minutes. Generally, corn is ready when it turns bright yellow.
Keep an eye on the water level, making sure it doesn't drop below 2.5cm. Otherwise, you risk burning the bottom of the pot
Step 6. Remove the cobs from the basket using kitchen tongs, then transfer them to a serving dish
Be very careful when lifting the lid off the pot to avoid burning yourself with the hot steam.
Step 7. Serve on the table
At this point, you can flavor the corn on the cob with a little butter, salt and pepper.
Method 2 of 4: Cook Corn Without the Steamer Basket
Step 1. Prepare the corn
Peel the cobs, also removing the characteristic threads. Rinse them with cold water, then wipe off any dark or damaged areas with a knife. If you want, you can cut them in half to get smaller portions.
Step 2. Fill the bottom of a large saucepan with water
You will need about 5cm of water.
Step 3. Bring the water to a boil
Do not salt it or the corn will become too hard.
Step 4. Arrange the cobs in a single layer
If necessary, you can cut some of them in half to make them fit in the pot.
Step 5. Wait for the water to boil again, then lower the heat and cook the corn on the cob for about 3-4 minutes
Leave the lid on the pot while cooking. To cook them perfectly evenly, you will need to turn them every minute or so using kitchen tongs. Generally, corn is ready when it turns bright yellow.
Step 6. Remove the cobs from the pot when ready using the tongs
Carefully remove the lid from the pot, keeping your torso slightly tilted back to avoid burning yourself with the hot steam.
Step 7. Serve them on the table
At this point, you can season them as you like, for example with salt and / or butter.
Method 3 of 4: Steaming Corn in the Oven
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 205 ° C
Step 2. Prepare the corn
If you haven't done so yet, peel the cobs, removing the characteristic threads as well. Rinse them off, then remove any dark or damaged areas with a knife. At this point, cut them all in half.
Step 3. Place them in a glass dish (with a 3 liter capacity)
There is no need to grease it.
Step 4. Add just over an inch of water
Do not salt it otherwise the corn will be too hard.
Step 5. Cover the pan with aluminum foil, then cook the corn on the cob in the oven for 30 minutes
The water, as it heats up, will produce the steam necessary for cooking.
Step 6. While the corn on the cob is cooking, prepare a mixture of butter, salt and parsley in a small bowl
First, cut the butter into cubes, then melt it in the microwave or on the stove. Stir in the parsley, salt, then set the sauce aside.
Parsley isn't an indispensable ingredient, but it adds flavor to the recipe
Step 7. Remove the corn from the oven and drain the water
You can transfer them to a serving dish using kitchen tongs.
Step 8. Just before serving, pour the flavored butter over them
Turn them with the tongs to season them evenly.
Method 4 of 4: Steaming Corn in the Microwave
Step 1. Prepare the corn
Peel the cobs, also removing the characteristic threads. Rinse them with cold water, then wipe off any dark or damaged areas with a knife. If you want, you can cut them in half to get smaller portions.
Step 2. Pour two tablespoons of water into the bottom of a microwave-safe dish
Make sure it's big enough to easily fit all the cobs. This method allows you to cook two or three at a time; if you want to prepare more, you have to bake them several times or choose a different procedure.
Step 3. Add the corn on the cob
If necessary, cut them in half to make them fit comfortably in the dish. Remember that they must be firmly in contact with the bottom of the container, therefore it is not possible to overlap them, nor to arrange them vertically. It also prevents the ends from coming out of the edges of the dish.
Step 4. Cover the dish with cling film, then gently pierce it with a fork to create a vent for the steam
During cooking, the water will evaporate and cook the corn on the cob.
Step 5. Cook the corn on full power for about 4-6 minutes
The exact cooking time may vary depending on the microwave power. Generally, corn is ready when it turns bright yellow.
Step 6. Remove the film
Once the corn is ready, you can take the dish out of the microwave using a couple of pot holders. Carefully remove the foil so as not to risk burning yourself with the hot steam, then serve the corn on the cob using kitchen tongs.
Remove your face from the pan when you remove the foil. The steam will be incredibly hot. Consider using pliers to remove the film as well
Advice
- If you have prepared the cobs in advance, cover them with aluminum foil until ready to eat them. This way you will be able to keep them warm and moist.
- If you want to further flavor the corn, at the end of cooking you can season it with extra virgin olive oil, salt, lemon and pepper.
- When cooked, blend the melted butter with garlic, basil, salt and pepper, then pour the sauce directly over the corn.
- Do not cook the cobs for too long or the corn kernels will be hard and difficult to chew.
- Do not salt the cooking water otherwise the corn could harden.
