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    Home » Instant pot pressure cooker » Corn on the cob

    Corn on the cob

    Modified: Oct 13, 2023 Published: Oct 13, 2023 by Tracy O. This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

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    Corn on the cob is a beloved culinary and classic side dish especially in the summer. The sweet, juicy and freshness of corn on the cobs are great side dish that has been a staple in many cultures for centuries. It is great to serve with BBQ ribs, pulled pork and smoked brisket. Also, it goes well along with baked whole salmon, prime rib roast, chicken chop, tonkatsu, salt & pepper squid and much more. In this corn on the cob recipe, I am going to share tips for how to cook the corn on the cob in the instant pot and top stove. Let’s learn the quick and easy way to cook this delicious golden corn on the cob in a few minutes without worrying about it for your meals and feasts! 

    Like other food ideas? Check out these Asian stew, chicken udon stir fry, banana bread muffins, strawberry muffins, Hawaiian shave ice, fresh strawberry pie, crispy noodles, Thai chicken satay, musubi and grass jelly drink recipes. 

    cooked corn on the cob on the plate

    What is corn on the cob?

    Corn on the cob is a beloved side dish especially for summer warm-weather gatherings and outdoor feasts with BBQ ribs, smoked meats and pulled pork. The vibrant green husk, concealing rows of plump, golden kernels. The natural sweetness of the corn is great for grilling, boiling or roasting for a touch of smokiness. 

    This versatile vegetable side pleases palates with its subtly sweet flavor and satisfying crunch. You cannot resist corn on the cob brush with buttery sauce! This embodies the essence of summer, bringing people together to enjoy the taste of sunshine and celebrate the season. 

    What is the best cooking technique for corn?

    The best cooking technique for corn depends on personal preference and the equipment you have available. The popular cooking methods for corn are grilling, boiling, steaming and roasting. 

    Grilling corn on the cob imparts a smoky and charred flavor. Also, leave the husks on while grilling for extra flavor protection. It's a favorite method for many because it adds depth to the corn's natural sweetness.

    However, boiling corn is a simple and classic method because it retains the corn's natural sweetness. Besides, steaming corn is a gentler way to cook it too. It preserves its crisp texture and natural sweetness. It usually takes about 5-7 minutes of steaming.

    Roasting corn in the oven or over an open flame can add a smoky and caramelized flavor. This method is ideal for those who enjoy a slightly crunchy texture.

    From my experiences, I think instant pot to cook corn is the best because it is easier and faster. The idea is very similar to boiling and steaming the corn.

    Why do I love corn on the cob in instant pot?

    Personally, I love to use an instant pot to cook corn because it is easier and faster. Before, I had an instant pot pressure cooker. I like to boil corn over the stove. However, one time I was talking to my friend who came to visit and I totally forgot I was boiling corn.

    My corn and pot burned. Since then, I rarely boil corn over the stove and change to using an instant pot pressure cooker because I don’t need to worry my corn will be burned or forget about it when I am busy with my kids. Therefore, in this corn on the cob recipe, I am going to share how to cook corn on the cob in an instant pot. 

    How long does it take to cook instant pot corn on the cob?

    I have tested a few different times and I prefer “0’ minute with natural release pressure because the corn is tender, fresh, juicy and sweet. It just comes out perfect! From start to building up the pressure, it takes around 13 minutes. Then, naturally releasing pressure takes about 8 minutes. Some people like it for 1 or 2 minutes. If I do 2 minutes, I will do quick release pressure instead. 

    Do you start corn on the cob in hot or cold water?

    I usually start boiling corn in cold water. Some like to start with hot water. It all depends on your own preferences. Starting with hot water can shorten the boiling time. When I start with cold water, I usually let it cook until the water is boiling and count for 5-7 minutes. 

    What are the ingredients for corn on the cob?

    In this corn on the cob recipe, the 3 simple ingredients are corn, butter and water. 

    corn on the cob ingredients

    How to pick perfect corn?  

    Buying perfect corn on the cob involves selecting corn that is fresh, ripe and sweet. The first thing you want to do is examine the husk (the green leaves covering the corn). It should be bright green and tightly wrapped around the corn. If it's brown or dry, the corn might be old.

    Slightly open the top of the husk and see the kernels. They should be plump and well-formed. Also, you can slightly squeeze the cob to feel for fullness. Besides, peel back a small section of the husk to check for any signs of insects or worms. Fresh corn should be free of pests.

    Once you've chosen your perfect corn, store it in the refrigerator if you don't plan to use it immediately. Remember to consume it as soon as possible for the best flavor and freshness. 

    What to serve with corn on the cob? 

    Corn on the cob is a classic summer side dish. You can serve with BBQ meats such as BBQ ribs, pulled pork, char siu and smoked brisket. Also, it is great to serve with baked whole salmon, prime rib roast, chicken chop, tonkatsu, salt & pepper squid.

    How to store corn on the cob?

    Storing corn on the cob properly helps maintain its freshness and flavor. Store them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. The cooler temperature helps slow down the ripening process and preserves its sweetness and freshness.

    Besides, keep the husks on the corn until you're ready to use it. The husks act as a natural protective layer, preventing the corn from drying out and protecting it from moisture loss. However, if the husks are damaged or you need to store the corn for an extended period of time, you can remove the husks and wrap it in plastic wrap. Also, if you're concerned about it drying out, place the corn in a plastic bag. Seal the bag to retain moisture.

    Can I freeze corn?

    Yes, you can freeze corn on the cob. It's best to do this after blanching and removing the kernels from the cob. Freezing whole cobs may result in a change in texture and flavor.

    Be sure to label your frozen corn with the date of freezing, so you can keep track of its freshness. Also, it's best to use the corn within 8-12 months.

    Cooking tips for how to cook corn on the cob: 

    • Choose fresh and ripe corn. Look for cobs with bright green husks and plump, well-formed kernels. The silk should be slightly moist, not dry or wilted.
    • Remove the husks and silk from the corn cobs just before cooking. You can pull back the husks and remove the silk by hand. This will allow the corn to cook evenly and absorb flavor better.
    • If you choose to boil it, break the corn into half and put the corn into a large pot with enough water to fully submerge the corn. Turn on the fire to medium high. When the water boils, set a timer for 5 minutes. Check for doneness by using the fork or taste test method. 
    • If you like the instant pot method, break the corn on the cob into half. Then, put them into the instant pot. Pour 1 cup of water. Close the lid and vent, push the manual button, adjust time “0” minute at high pressure and naturally release pressure (It normally takes about 8 minutes). 
    • Melt the butter in the microwave for 15 seconds.
    • When the corn is done, take them out and brush with melted butter. 

    FAQs: 

    Can you leave corn in hot water after boiling?


    Generally, it is not advised to leave corn in hot water after boiling it because the corn will continue to cook and can become overcooked. it will lead to a wrinkle, mushy and less flavorful texture. 

    As soon as the corn is done to your desired level of tenderness, use tongs to remove it from the boiling water. If you want to keep it warm, you can wrap the corn in aluminum foil or place it in a covered dish to help retain heat. For the best flavor and texture, to serve corn on the cob immediately after boiling. 

    How can you tell if corn is overcooked?


    Overcooked corn can become wrinkle, mushy and lose its sweet and crisp texture. When you bite into it, the kernels will lack the satisfying crunch and juiciness. Also, the color of overcooked corn may change to dull or faded. It will lose the vibrant yellow or white color. 

    If I cook more corn, do I need to increase the time?


    No, you can put as many as corn on the cob in the instant pot pressure cooker. Then, push the button to adjust time to “0” minute at high pressure. Then, natural release pressure.  

    Instructions for how to make corn on the cob instant pot: 

    corn on the cobs without husks and silk

    Preparation:

    1. Remove 5 corn on the cobs (3.34 pounds), husks and silk. Then, wash or rinse it.

    corn break into half

    2. Break the corn into half. 

    uncooked corn in the instant pot with water top view

    Cooking:

    3. Put the corn into the instant pot and pour 1 cup of water. Close the lid and vent. Push the manual button to adjust time “0” minute at high pressure and naturally release pressure. (From start to building up the pressure, it takes around 13 minutes. Then, naturally releasing pressure takes about 8 minutes.)  

    cooked corn on the cob in the instant pot top view

    4. When the corn is done, open the lid and take the corn out.

    melted butter in the glass container top view

    5. Put 1 tablespoon of butter into a small container and melt it in the microwave for 15 seconds. (You can use more butter if you like more butter!) 

    brush the melted butter on the corn

    Brushing butter:

    6. Bush the melted butter on the cooked corn. 

    cooked corn on the cob on the white plate top view

    Enjoy this simple, quick and easy instant pot corn on the cob recipe! Also, check out these spicy lemon shrimp, Vietnamese spring rolls, loco moco, pad ka prao, tom yum kung and kimbap Korean sushi rolls recipes. 

    Top stove boiling method:

    1. Remove 5 corn on the cobs (3.34 pounds), husks and silk. Then, wash or rinse it.
    2. Break the corn into half. 
    3. Put the corn into the pot and pour 6 cups of water (enough water to fully submerge the corn). Cover the lid and turn on medium high fire. Let it cook until water boils. Once water starts boiling, turn the fire to medium small and set a timer for 5 minutes. Then, use a fork to check the doneness or taste test method. 
    4. When the corn is done, take the corn out.
    5. Put 1 tablespoon of butter into a small container and melt it in the microwave for 15 seconds. (You can use more butter if you like more butter!) 
    6. Bush the melted butter on the cooked corn.

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    cooked corn on the cob on the white plate close up

    Corn on the cob

    Corn on the cob is a beloved culinary and classic side dish especially in the summer. The sweet, juicy and freshness of corn on the cobs are great side dish that has been a staple in many cultures for centuries. 
    5 from 9 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course, Side Dish, Snack
    Cuisine: American, Asian, European
    Prep Time: 3 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 2 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 5
    Calories: 97kcal
    Author: Tracy O.

    Equipment

    • 1 Instant pot pressure cooker or pot

    Video

    Ingredients

    • 5 Corn on the cob (3.34 pounds)
    • 1 cup Water
    • 1 tablespoon Butter (You can add more if you like butter!)

    Instructions

    Instant Pot Method:

    • Remove 5 corn on the cobs (3.34 pounds), husks and silk. Then, wash or rinse it.
    • Break the corn into half. 
    • Put the corn into the instant pot and pour 1 cup of water. Close the lid and vent. Push the manual button to adjust time “0” minute at high pressure and naturally release pressure. (From start to building up the pressure, it takes around 13 minutes. Then, naturally releasing pressure takes about 8 minutes.)
    • When the corn is done, open the lid and take the corn out.
    • Put 1 tablespoon of butter into a small container and melt it in the microwave for 15 seconds. (You can use more butter if you like more butter!) 
    • Bush the melted butter on the cooked corn. 

    Top Stove Method:

    • Remove 5 corn on the cobs (3.34 pounds), husks and silk. Then, wash or rinse it.
    • Break the corn into half.
    • Put the corn into the pot and pour 6 cups of water (enough water to fully submerge the corn). Cover the lid and turn on medium high fire. Let it cook until water boils. Once water starts boiling, turn the fire to medium small and set a timer for 5 minutes. Then, use a fork to check the doneness or taste test method. 
    • When the corn is done, take the corn out.
    • Put 1 tablespoon of butter into a small container and melt it in the microwave for 15 seconds. (You can use more butter if you like more butter!) 
    • Bush the melted butter on the cooked corn.

    Notes

    Cooking tips for how to cook corn on the cob:  

    • Choose fresh and ripe corn. Look for cobs with bright green husks and plump, well-formed kernels. The silk should be slightly moist, not dry or wilted.
    • Remove the husks and silk from the corn cobs just before cooking. You can pull back the husks and remove the silk by hand. This will allow the corn to cook evenly and absorb flavor better.
    • If you choose to boil it, break the corn into half and put the corn into a large pot with enough water to fully submerge the corn. Turn on the fire to medium high. When the water boils, set a timer for 5 minutes. Check for doneness by using the fork or taste test method. 
    • If you like the instant pot method, break the corn on the cob into half. Then, put them into the instant pot. Pour 1 cup of water. Close the lid and vent, push the manual button, adjust time “0” minute at high pressure and naturally release pressure (It normally takes about 8 minutes). 
    • Melt the butter in the microwave for 15 seconds.
    • When the corn is done, take them out and brush with melted butter. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 97kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 34mg | Potassium: 244mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 238IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 0.5mg
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    Tracy O.
    About Me

    Welcome to Oh My Food Recipes! Discover delightful meal inspiration in the world of specialty Asian cuisines. Our tried-and-true recipes come with step-by-step photo and video tutorials, making your cooking journey enjoyable and rewarding... Read more!

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