This secret method for making the Perfect Corn on the Cob comes straight from Mom’s kitchen. It comes out sweet and crunchy every time.
Perfect Corn on the Cob
There’s something about the look and smell of a bright yellow cob of corn sitting on your plate that just feels like your’e about to enjoy a home cooked meal. Generally I think of summer time, with all its cookouts and barbecues and sweet, crunchy, fresh summer corn. But you want to know a secret? Not all corn on the cob is nice and sweet when you buy it. That’s where my mom’s Perfect Corn on the Cob recipe comes in.
What’s the Secret?
My mom always makes the perfect corn on the cob. It always turns out crunchy and sweet. Her secret? Sugar. Not all corn on the cob is nice and sweet when you buy it. This is a great way to cheat and your guests will never know!
Usually people throw salt in the water when cooking corn on the cob, but guess what — salt in the water actually toughens the corn. It’s better if you add salt after the corn is cooked. Instead, throw some sugar in the water before it comes to a boil.
Backyard Barbecue Basics
Since corn on the cob goes so well with summertime barbecues and family cookouts, here are some other great recipes to make your next gathering a hit.
- Crock Pot BBQ Baked Beans go great with any outdoor summer fare. Savory, sweet and filling, try them out at your next family get together.
- Best Potato Salad Recipe. Everyone says their potato salad recipe is the best, but this one really is!
- Steak Kabobs with veggies and avocado will add some delicious variety to your grill cooking this year.
- Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is sure to please at your next potluck. So much flavor in just one dish!
- Honey BBQ Chicken will make you the grill king or queen next time you try it out. There’s something about making your own sauce that makes you even more legit.
How To Make Perfect Corn on the Cob
Ingredients
- 3 quarts water or as much as you need to cover your corn
- 1/2 c. sugar or just a good handful
- 6 ears corn on the cob peeled and ready to go
- 3 tablespoons butter
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large stockpot about halfway with cold water, add sugar and bring to a boil (don't add salt to the water.. salt will toughen the corn, add the salt AFTER it is already cooked).
- When water is boiling, add corn. Cover and boil for about 5 minutes (don't over-boil -- start timing from the time you drop the corn in.. you don't need to bring it back to a full boil before you start timing it). Remove from heat and let sit covered for another few minutes.
- Remove from water with tongs and serve with butter, salt and pepper.
Equipment
- Large Stockpot
Nutrition
Jessica :) says
I would never have thought of that but it's a great idea! I love corn that is just a little sweet and it's always so disappointing when it doesn't turn out that way. Thanks for the tip!
Oh, and I wanted to share that my family loves putting Seasoned Salt on our corn. It really adds a nice zing to it.
Holly says
LOVE corn on the cob but have always thought of it as a summer treat-this sounds fab!! So does the Inside out panini!! Yum-o:)
Ashley and Parker Spendlove says
My mom uses sugar as well. I actually cook it with butter and it tastes about the same but then you don't have to use butter before you eat it.
Benjamin Williams says
Always sugar , never salt…
Great Recipe !
Betty H says
Great idea…my family is tryimg to cut down on sugar, so I used honey…equally delicious result!