Fresh corn on the cob is a staple of summertime, and steaming it is an excellent way to bring out the corn's natural sweetness.If you have a steamer basket, a pot, or a microwave, you can cook steamed corn in a variety of ways.You will be liking the ears of tender corn.
Step 1: Remove the husks and silk from the corn.
Pull the corn husks away from the ear by gripping them firmly.You should clean the silk from the ears the same way.Pull the silk strands off the corn.If parts of the ear are eaten by bugs, cut them off with a knife.Cut off as little of the good ear as possible.
Step 2: Get a steamer basket by putting water in a pot.
Put about 2 inches of water in the bottom of the pot with a pinch of salt.The bamboo basket is one of the different styles of steamer basket.The basket sits on top of the pot.The bamboo might give the corn a slight flavor.The vegetable steamer is folding.The legs keep it above the water as it sits in the pot.Depending on the size of your vegetable steamer, you may have to break the cobs down to fit or cook the corn in batches.The vegetable steamer is folding.Similar to the metal steamer, this one is made of silicone and has an advantage of being non-stick.The basket steamer is made of metal.The steamer sits on top of the pot, usually with a lid.
Step 3: Bring the water to a boil by putting the corn in the steamer basket.
The corn should be placed in a steamer basket.It may be necessary to break the corn cobs in half.If the ears touch each other, they should not stack.
Step 4: Bring the water in the pot to a boil while the stove is on.
Once the water is boiling, put the steamer basket on or inside the pot, depending on the type of steamer being used.If your basket sits on top of the pot, cover it with the steamer.
Step 5: The corn needs to be steamed for a while.
When the corn is tender, pierce it with a fork or a knife and let it steam for about 7 minutes.The corn should be pierced with a little resistance.If necessary, you should periodically check the pot and add more water.The pot should not be boiled until it is completely dry.Do not let the water get high enough to touch the corn if you are using a steamer.
Step 6: Allow the corn to cool.
To remove the corn from the steamer basket, use a pair of tongs.If you are making several batches of corn, turn the heat off.Allow the corn to cool a bit.
Step 7: Remove the husks and silk from the corn.
Pull back the husks and remove the silk from the corn in order to clean it.Pull the husks and silk away from the corn ear.Pull off any strands of silk.If there are any pieces of the ear that have been eaten by bugs, cut them away with a knife.
Step 8: Get a large pot and cover the bottom with water.
If you want to lay the corn down in a single layer, you have to make sure your pot is large.You don't want the water to completely cover the corn.The water surrounding the corn will boil.
Step 9: Put the corn in the pot with the water boiling.
The water should come to a steady boil.Carefully place the corn in the pot.The corn needs to be damp on all sides to steam.If you shake the pot gently, the water will get to the corn and make it wet.If you want to put the corn in the pot, run it under the faucet.Put the corn in the pot by dipping it in water.
Step 10: The corn should be cooked for 3-4 minutes.
Put the corn in the pot and let it steam.You can check to see if the corn is tender by poking it with a fork or knife.When the corn is done, turn off the heat and use the tongs to remove it from the pot.Allow the corn to cool before eating it.
Step 11: Put the corn in the microwave.
If you want to leave a little space between your ears, lay them in the microwave.You don't have to shuck the corn, but check the tops to make sure there are no bugs.Pull the husk away from the ear by grasping the top of it.
Step 12: The corn can be microwaved for a few minutes.
Depending on the strength of your microwave, the amount of time may be different.When the corn is done, you want it to be soft and tender.When the corn is tender, pierce it with a fork or knife.It will result in slightly softer corn if more time is added.If you want to keep the corn moist while cooking, wrap the cleaned ears in damp paper towels.Another way to cook corn is by placing the ears in a single layer on a plate and covering them with a second inverted plate.The ears should not be wrapped in plastic.The thin plastic can be easily melted by the microwave.
Step 13: The corn should be cooled and cleaned off.
The corn will be very hot when it comes out of the microwave.The corn can be cooled on a plate or cutting board.Clean the husks and silk off the corn once the tops have cooled down.Pull the corn away from the silk and husks at the top of the ear.The corn may still be very hot.Enjoy your food!