Boiling sweet corn typically takes between 2 to 10 minutes, depending on its freshness, whether it’s husked or unhusked, and if it’s fresh or frozen.
- For fresh, husked sweet corn , boil for about 2 to 5 minutes. The freshest and sweetest corn cooks faster, sometimes in as little as 2 minutes
- For fresh, unhusked corn , boil for about 10 minutes. The husk protects the kernels, so it takes longer to cook
- For frozen corn on the cob , boil for about 5 to 8 minutes until tender
- For frozen shucked kernels , boil for 2 to 3 minutes
A popular and easy method is to bring water to a boil, add husked corn, cover, then turn off the heat and let the corn sit in the hot water for about 10 minutes. This results in tender, well-cooked corn without overcooking
. In summary:
Corn Type| Boil Time
---|---
Fresh husked corn| 2–5 minutes
Fresh unhusked corn| 10 minutes
Frozen corn on the cob| 5–8 minutes
Frozen shucked kernels| 2–3 minutes
Avoid over-boiling to prevent mushy texture and loss of sweetness
. For best results, use fresh, sweet corn and adjust boiling time accordingly.
