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Jamie's Sweet and Easy Corn on the Cob Recipe
You can't go wrong with boiled corn on the cob and this top-rated recipe is proof of that! Here's a simple yet delicious way to prepare corn on the cob that will leave everyone craving more.
How to Cook Corn on the Cob
Six ears of corn on the cob should be perfectly boiled after about 10 minutes in a covered pot. When following this recipe, you'll place the corn in boiling water, cover the pot, and turn off the heat. The heat will remain off for the entire cooking process.
When is Corn on the Cob Done Boiling?
The corn is ready when the kernels turn bright yellow and become tender. You'll know it's perfect when you can easily pierce a kernel with a fork.
How to Boil Corn on the Cob
Simply bring water (with sugar and lemon juice) to a boil, add the corn, cover the pot, turn off the heat, and let it cook for about 10 minutes. It's that easy!
What to Serve with Corn on the Cob
Boiled corn on the cob pairs wonderfully with all sorts of summer dishes. Here are some recipe ideas to inspire your next meal:
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How to Store Corn on the Cob
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight or wrap them in foil and refrigerate for up to five days.
Can You Freeze Corn on the Cob?
It's best to freeze corn on the cob before boiling. For detailed freezing and thawing instructions, check out our guide on How to Freeze Corn on the Cob.
Community Tips and Praise
Here's what some of our readers are saying:
Just perfect! The lemon juice was a new tip for the corn and it is delicious. A great idea to turn off the heat it doesn't overcook and stays nice and tender.
I've made this recipe at least 10 times. It really is perfect as written. If you have more than a few ears, bring the water back to a slight boil. Turn off heat, lid on for 10 minutes. Drain and let it rest with the lid on until you're ready to eat. It holds well!
I've made this at least 50 times now. It's my go-to recipe for corn on the cob, and it's never failed me! I make it as written and top it with butter and salt when done.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 6 ears corn on the cob, husks and silk removed
Directions
Follow these easy steps for perfect corn on the cob:
- Gather all ingredients.
- Fill a large pot about 3/4 full of water and bring to a boil.
- Stir in sugar and lemon juice until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Gently place the ears of corn into the boiling water.
- Cover the pot, turn off the heat, and let the corn cook in the hot water until tender, about 10 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 94 | |
| Total Fat | 1g | 1% |
| Saturated Fat | 0g | 1% |
| Sodium | 14mg | 1% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 22g | 8% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g | 9% |
| Total Sugars | 7g | |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 7mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 2mg | 0% |
| Iron | 1mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 246mg | 5% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Corn on the cob is a beloved dish enjoyed across many cultures, especially in the United States. Jamie's Sweet and Easy Corn on the Cob is a simple yet flavorful recipe that enhances the natural sweetness of the corn with a touch of lemon juice and sugar. It offers a quick and easy way to prepare this classic side dish, making it a favorite at family gatherings, barbecues, and summer meals.
History of Corn on the Cob
Corn, or maize, has been a staple of Indigenous peoples of the Americas for thousands of years. Its history dates back to ancient civilizations in Mexico, where it was first cultivated. Corn on the cob became popular in the United States in the 19th century, especially with the advent of the Industrial Revolution, which made it easier to mass-produce and distribute. While boiled corn on the cob became a common preparation method, regional variations have evolved over time, incorporating local seasonings and cooking techniques.
Regional Variations
Though Jamie's Sweet and Easy Corn on the Cob recipe is simple and universal, corn preparation varies greatly across regions. In the American South, corn on the cob is often grilled over open flames to impart a smoky flavor. In the Midwest, it's a common feature at county fairs, where it's served with butter and salt. Meanwhile, in some Latin American countries, corn is served with a variety of seasonings, such as chili powder, cheese, and lime juice. In contrast, Jamie's recipe incorporates just a subtle hint of sweetness from sugar and lemon, preserving the corn's natural flavor.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Jamie's Sweet and Easy Corn on the Cob stands out from similar recipes due to its unique method of boiling corn in water flavored with sugar and lemon juice. This simple technique ensures the corn remains tender and juicy without becoming overly soft or mushy. The sugar balances the corn's natural sweetness, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing brightness. This is a departure from the more traditional methods of seasoning corn with butter and salt, making this recipe both lighter and subtly flavorful.
Where is it Typically Served?
This corn on the cob recipe is ideal for casual gatherings such as barbecues, picnics, and family dinners. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, seafood, and a variety of side dishes. Whether it's served alongside burgers, steaks, or barbecued chicken, its light and sweet flavor complements savory dishes perfectly. Its also commonly served at summer parties and outdoor events, where it is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed by guests of all ages.
Interesting Facts About Corn on the Cob
- Corn on the cob has been cultivated for over 9,000 years, with its origins in Mexico.
- In addition to its delicious taste, corn is an important agricultural product used for many purposes, including animal feed, ethanol production, and food ingredients.
- There are many different varieties of corn, ranging from sweet corn (often used for cooking) to field corn (used for livestock feed and industrial purposes).
- When cooking corn on the cob, the sugar content decreases slightly as the corn is heated, which is why the addition of sugar in the boiling water helps retain the corn's natural sweetness.
- Corn on the cob is often seen as a symbol of summer in North America and is associated with traditional harvest festivals and community gatherings.
Conclusion
Jamie's Sweet and Easy Corn on the Cob is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can elevate a classic dish. The addition of sugar and lemon juice creates a delicate balance of flavors, enhancing the corn's natural sweetness without overpowering it. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a quick and easy way to prepare corn on the cob that will impress guests and family alike. Whether enjoyed at a summer barbecue or as a side to a family dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite!
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FAQ about Jamie's Sweet and Easy Corn on the Cob Recipe
Comments
Sharon Wilson
09/29/2022 01:39:28 PM
Outstanding! This is now my go-to method for preparing corn on the cob. The lemon juice and sugar blend in seamlessly, bringing a delightful sweetness without overpowering the corn's natural flavors. Plus, the corn maintains the perfect texture without becoming tough or overcooked. I absolutely love it! UPDATE 2018: Six years later, and I continue to swear by this technique for cooking corn on the cob. Even my mom sought out my "secret" for consistently delicious corn every time.
Thomas Rodriguez
06/04/2025 10:42:12 PM
Excellent for corn that is not overly sweet or slightly past its prime. I also enjoy adding a teaspoon of salt for extra flavor. However, when the corn is fresh and sweet, I still prefer to cook it inside the husk in the microwave or on the barbecue. Simply cut off the stem end, remove the husk leaves and silk from the top to avoid any threads.
Mark Flores
03/26/2024 03:10:57 AM
I have been preparing corn with sugar and lemon juice for many years. It's important not to add salt to the water as it can make the corn mushy. My cooking method is a bit unique but it consistently yields perfect results. I start by placing the corn in cold water and bringing it to a boil. After boiling for 10 minutes, I turn off the heat and let the corn sit for another 10 minutes. This technique ensures that I achieve perfect corn every single time.
Kimberly Edwards
08/24/2024 11:20:30 PM
I have prepared this recipe a few times now. The only adjustment I made was having my husband grill the corn cobs for that BBQ flavor and appearance. I boiled them for 8 minutes and then finished them on the grill. For leftovers, I cut the kernels off the cob and pan-fried them for a delightful variation to accompany a typical dinner.
Patricia Harris
12/31/2023 08:24:31 PM
I followed the recipe but added 3 extra minutes to the boiling time off the burner. After draining, I added butter. The corn turned out perfectly crisp and tasty. Soggy corn on the cob is no longer a problem in my house.
Rebecca Thompson
12/07/2023 04:34:07 AM
This recipe is hands down the best way I've found to make corn on the cob! It was incredibly easy to prepare. I only had 4 ears, one of them was smaller, so I adjusted the sugar to 1 tablespoon and the lemon juice to 1/2 tablespoon, and it was just right. The kernels turned out so tender, it was amazing. Big thanks to Jamie for sharing his mother-in-law's recipe!
Alexander Harris
01/16/2025 11:29:25 PM
Absolutely adore this corn recipe! I typically allow it to simmer for roughly 4 minutes in boiling water before removing it from heat. I prefer my corn slightly more well-done than al dente, and this recipe is simply phenomenal! It's a solid 5-star in our household!
George Smith
04/16/2025 10:33:51 PM
Made this recipe exactly as instructed. I found that I needed to cook the corn for longer than 10 minutes, as it was still too firm at that point. Despite that, I really enjoyed it and it has become my favorite way to prepare corn on the cob.
Timothy Walker
09/21/2022 08:41:40 PM
I substituted brown sugar for white sugar since that's what I had on hand. I omitted the lemon juice due to its absence in my pantry. Despite these tweaks, the dish turned out amazing! The corn had a wonderful flavor and perfect texture - not undercooked or mushy. It was absolutely fantastic.
Amanda Allen
12/15/2023 10:44:26 AM
I absolutely adore this dish! I've prepared it twice now. The first time, I let it sit for 10 minutes, and the second time, purely by accident, I let it sit for 30 minutes. Surprisingly, I found that I enjoyed it even more after 30 minutes. It was simply delicious!
Rebecca Anderson
06/13/2024 07:55:31 PM
Here is the rewritten review: Despite the need to simmer it on low for 10 minutes to ensure thorough cooking, this dish deserves a 5-star rating when prepared this way! The flavor is spot on, with the perfect balance of sugar and lemon juice.
Frank Hernandez
05/19/2025 08:52:10 AM
I absolutely adored it.
Debra Ramirez
01/31/2024 10:36:06 PM
Freezing some items for later use.
Debra Nelson
10/20/2024 03:43:53 PM
I have been preparing corn like this for more than 40 years. My father showed me how to grill, how to make potato salad, and emphasized the importance of adding sugar to the water for truly delicious corn.
Andrew Allen
03/15/2025 12:46:50 AM
No sugar required! Sweet corn is naturally sweet on its own!
Dennis Phillips
09/11/2022 08:54:52 AM
Perfect corn every time! Thank you.
Pamela Hill
04/11/2025 01:32:24 PM
Incorporated some Old Bay seasoning!
Edward Clark
01/27/2023 11:09:23 AM
Absolutely incredible! The crispiness, sweetness, and tenderness were spot on. Simply delicious!
Charles Wright
09/17/2024 11:11:45 PM
I appreciate the straightforward recipe, but it could benefit from more flavor. Overall, it's a great healthy option.
Rebecca Moore
10/09/2023 07:50:17 PM
Simple and amazing! This product is so convenient - you can keep it in hot water once it's done cooking, ensuring it stays hot while you prepare other last-minute dishes.
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