The Dire Corn On The Cob Mistake That Leads To A Sad And Soggy Dinner

Don't you just hate it when you take a bite out of a freshly-made corn on the cob, only to find that the kernels have already turned soggy? You're certain that it's just been cooked, so you start wondering how this could happen so quickly. Believe it or not, the culprit behind this issue is a very common mistake most home cooks make unknowingly — rinsing freshly cooked corn under cold running water.

Shocking corn or subjecting it to cold water immediately after it's been cooked seems like the right thing to do if you're eager to eat it right away, or serve it to your family or guests. However, this quick cooling trick actually ruins the corn's texture as well as flavor. By rinsing the corn in water, the kernels may absorb more liquid, causing them to lose their plump form and become gloopy. 

Experts recommend letting the corn cool on its own once done cooking. This will prevent the kernels from losing their desirable texture at the dinner table. While doing this ensures a better quality, you also have to be mindful not to overcook the corn cob if you don't want to ruin your dinner.

There are many ways to cook corn on the cob, but the most common may be boiling in salted water. This is also probably the easiest since you only need to add the corn into boiling water with salt and wait for it to become tender and golden. While the length of time it takes to cook depends on the number of corn and variety, the standard cooking time for this method is three to five minutes. Others may need five to seven minutes to cook. You'll know the corn is done when its kernels become plump and turn a shade darker. Do note that boiling the corn for too long may also cause the kernels to absorb too much water and make them soggy.

Another method that guarantees plump corn kernels is steaming, and the best way to do this at home is using a slow cooker. Simply add about 2/3 cup of water to the appliance and let the steam do the magic. Throw in butter and spices as the corn cooks, and you'll have a well-seasoned corn on the cob that's perfect for outdoor gatherings. Overcooking will make the kernels firm, so be sure to time your cobs well — about eight to 10 minutes or less, depending on the size and how many you are cooking in one batch.