The Secret to Perfectly Flavourful Boiled Corn
Corn on the cob is a wonderfully versatile side dish, a staple at summer barbecues and a comforting partner to hearty mains like fried chicken or mashed potatoes during colder months. However, many home cooks find that simply boiling it in plain water can lead to a disappointingly bland result.
The ideal corn on the cob should burst with natural sweetness and juiciness. Achieving this, according to culinary expert Angeline Stratz from TastingTable, is surprisingly simple. Her pro tip involves adding two common kitchen ingredients directly to the boiling water: sugar and lemon juice.
How Sugar and Lemon Juice Transform Your Corn
These two powerhouse ingredients work in harmony to elevate the corn's inherent flavour profile and improve its physical texture. The sugar actively enhances and draws out the corn's natural sweetness, while the lemon juice does double duty. It contributes a subtle, bright sweetness of its own and its acidity helps the kernels maintain a pleasing firmness, preventing them from becoming unappetisingly mushy during the cooking process.
For those preparing a standard batch, Stratz provides a clear ratio. When boiling six cobs of corn in a large pot of water, she recommends adding two tablespoons of sugar along with one tablespoon of lemon juice. This guidance was originally reported by the Express. Of course, you can easily scale these quantities up or down depending on how many cobs you are cooking.
Other Flavourful Twists and Cooking Techniques
Even if your plan is to slather the finished corn in rich, melted butter, starting with this flavour-enhanced base will significantly improve the overall taste of your dish. The natural sweetness provides a better foundation for other toppings.
There are other inventive ways to boost your corn's flavour in the pot. If you're a fan of the classic buttered corn, Tasting Table suggests another method: adding a cup of whole milk to the boiling water. This helps to soften the kernels, creating a more tender bite. A crucial warning accompanies this tip: do not combine this method with lemon juice, as the acidity will cause the milk to curdle. For those avoiding dairy, coconut milk serves as an excellent plant-based alternative.
When it comes to the actual cooking, a key technique involves turning off the heat as soon as you place the cobs into the boiling water. Let them cook in the residual heat for about 10 minutes for a perfect result, though you can adjust this time slightly to suit your personal preference for tenderness. Once cooked, allow the corn to cool on a plate for a few moments before serving it up to eager diners.
