Description
Learn how to perfectly boil sweet corn using the classic water method or enhance it with a buttery milk bath. This quick and easy approach yields juicy, flavorful corn every time—perfect as a summer side or cookout staple.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–6 ears of fresh sweet corn, husked and silk removed
- Water (enough to fully submerge corn in a large pot)
- Optional additions:
- 1 cup milk (for butter bath method)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (to enhance sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for flavor in water)
- Lemon slices (for brightness)
- Salt (add after boiling)
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with enough water to fully submerge the corn.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- Add the corn to the pot. If using, also add milk, sugar, butter, or lemon slices.
- Boil uncovered for 3–5 minutes for crisp-tender corn, or up to 10 minutes for a softer texture.
- Turn off the heat and cover the pot for an additional 1–2 minutes if needed.
- Remove the corn with tongs and let drain briefly.
- Season with butter and salt to taste. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Avoid adding salt to the boiling water, as it can toughen the kernels. For a smoky flavor, try grilling the boiled corn for 2–3 minutes afterward.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 5–10 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear of corn
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: boiled corn, sweet corn, butter bath corn, how to cook corn, summer side