Boiling corn on the cob typically takes about 5 to 7 minutes once the water is boiling with the corn in it. The commonly recommended method is to first bring a large pot of water to a boil without the corn, add the corn cobs, bring the water back to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 5 minutes. The corn kernels should turn bright yellow and tender but still juicy at this point. Cooking longer than 7 minutes can make the corn too soft.

Different sources suggest:

• 5 minutes simmering after water returns to boil with the corn inside.
• Up to 7 minutes in total boiling time.
• Some suggest a method where the pot is covered and heat turned off after adding corn, cooking for about 10 minutes.
• Others say 3 to 5 minutes once boiling when cooking uncovered.

The most generally accepted sweet spot is about 5 minutes of simmering after boiling resumes with the corn for perfectly tender, juicy corn on the cob.