To boil corn on the cob, the general recommended cooking time is between 2 to 5 minutes once the water is boiling and the corn is submerged. Here are the key points from various expert sources:

• Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, add the shucked corn, and cook uncovered for about 3 to 5 minutes until the kernels are tender and golden. This method yields sweet, juicy corn without overcooking

• Some tests suggest that boiling corn for about 3 to 4 minutes produces good results, but boiling longer than 5 minutes can cause the kernels to shrivel and lose sweetness

• Another approach is to bring water to a boil, add corn, cover the pot, then turn off the heat and let the corn sit in the hot water for about 10 minutes. This method keeps the corn tender and allows you to prepare other meal components without worrying about overcooking

• A precise and simple method is to boil the corn for 2 to 4 minutes, rotating the ears so they cook evenly. This short boil time preserves crispness and sweetness

In summary, the best practice is:

• Boil fresh shucked corn in boiling water for 2 to 5 minutes (most commonly 3-4 minutes) for tender, sweet kernels.
• Alternatively, boil briefly, then turn off heat and let corn sit covered in hot water for up to 10 minutes for a more hands-off approach.
• Avoid boiling longer than 5 minutes to prevent overcooking and loss of flavor.

Serve immediately with butter, salt, and your preferred toppings for the best taste