As a service to those of us out there who adore corn on the cob, before I get to the cooking part, I must get something off my chest.  For those of you who already know, thank you and please help pass the word; for those of you who don’t, I’d like to offer my instruction on how to select an ear of corn.  It is not necessary to pull back the husks of each ear of corn until you find one that you like.  Pulling back the husks hastens the corn’s demise by causing it to dry out prematurely.  To select a good ear of corn, you need simply grab it firmly with your hand and feel the ear for firmness and consistency from top to bottom.  I am always saddened to see people ripping open all the husks and then walking away and leaving the corn there to deteriorate.  

We buy a lot of corn on the cob throughout the summer and it seems as the summer progresses, I am always looking for different ways to prepare it.

The most common ways are of course to boil it or grill it.  In our quest to enjoy corn on the cob in as many ways as possible, we’ve found that there are different methods even within the boil it and grill it categories.

Boiled Corn

Grilled Corn with Chive Butter

To get a perfectly done ear of corn, we place a husked ear of corn in boiling water for 4 minutes then remove and serve.  This of course requires the initial step of husking the ears.  We’ve found an even better way to boil corn that reduces prep time and intensifies the corn’s natural flavor.  Simply place the ears of corn in boiling water with the husks and silks still intact.  Boil for about 5 minutes then remove and let cool until cool enough to handle.  Remove the husks and the silks and serve.  You will be surprised at how easy the husks and silks come away from the ear; much easier than before they were cooked.

Grilled Corn

Cajun Grilled Corn

Grilled corn can also be done in different ways.  You can pull back the husks and remove the silks then season with butter and spices then re-cover the corn with the husks.  Corn grilled this way will take approximately 15 minutes to cook.  To avoid the husks burning, soak them in water for 30 minutes in cold water prior to grilling.

You can also grill corn directly on the grill without the husks.  When grilling corn this way, we like to rub the ear with olive oil before placing on grill.  Be sure to check and turn the corn frequently.  Perfect grilled corn should have some brown and roasted kernels but should not be black.

Here are a few of our favorite corn on the cob recipes:

Husk Boiled Corn
Grilled Corn with Chive Butter
Cajun Grilled Corn

- Chef Yvonne

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