To boil corn on the cob perfectly:
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
- Remove husks and silk from the corn.
- Submerge the corn fully in the boiling water.
- Once the water returns to a boil, cook the corn for about 3 to 5 minutes for fresh, husked corn. This time can vary slightly depending on the amount of corn and whether it is fresh or frozen.
- For fresh corn on the cob, 4 minutes is often ideal to achieve tender, bright yellow kernels.
- Frozen corn cobs typically require 5 to 8 minutes.
- Avoid boiling corn for longer than 10 minutes to prevent mushiness and loss of flavor.
- Do not add salt to the boiling water as it can toughen the kernels; season after cooking.
In summary, for fresh corn on the cob, boiling for 3 to 5 minutes after the water returns to a boil is sufficient to get tender and sweet corn