How to Steam Corn in a Steamer
Fresh corn on the cob is in season from May to September, which makes it the perfect side dish for all of your summer parties and holidays. According to Organicfacts.net, corn is rich in magnesium, zinc, copper, iron and phosphorus, and it helps maintain low cholesterol levels (if you don't drown it in butter, of course). Use the steps below to prepare and cook this tasty produce in a steamer. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Ears of corn (usually 1 or 2 per person)
- Wet paper towel
- Steamer or pot
- Timer
- Towels
Instructions
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Wait until you are ready to cook the corn before peeling off the outer green husk; this helps keep it fresh. Peel back all leaves of the husk, and collect them in one hand. Hold the corn cob firmly as you snap off the stalk. Dampen a paper towel, then run it over each cob until the all the silk (the thin white threads) is removed. You also can run the cobs under cold water to get rid of the silk.
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2
Fill your steamer or pot about halfway with cold tap water. Place the steamer or pot on the stove and heat until the water boils (this should take about 15 minutes). Place the clean corn into the steamer rack, then place the rack into the pot. According to Startcooking.com, you also can place the ears of corn in a pot of boiling water with tongs if you do not have a steamer.
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Cover the steamer or pot. If you are using a steamer, set a timer for 10 to 15 minutes. You can check the corn occasionally, but make sure the cover stays on for the corn to get fully cooked. If you are boiling the corn in a pot instead of a steamer, cook the corn for about 7 minutes.
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Remove the cobs with tongs, and place them on dry towels or a cookie sheet to dry. Repeat the above steps if you are doing another batch. Otherwise, place the warm corn cobs on a plate to serve. Lather butter and sprinkle some salt on top, and it's ready to savor.
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Tips & Warnings
You can place the steamer on the stove to heat before you shuck your corn. The water will be boiling right when you are done with preparation.
Chefscatalog.com offers steamers for an assortment of food.
Fill the steamer or pot only halfway with water. This will be enough. Hot water could bubble over if you place your cobs in too much water.
Handle the corn cobs carefully when you remove them from the steamer or pot--they are very hot.
