Fresh and delicious, Steamed Corn on the Cob in your Dutch oven is a simple recipe using simple ingredients. There's fewer things more delicious than seasonally fresh husked ears of corn.
Why stop with just this cooked corn recipe? Try our Southern Style Creamed Corn and Roasted Poblano Corn Chowder.
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Why steam corn on the cob?
There are many, many ways to make fresh corn on the cob. Roast. Grill. Sauté. And perhaps the most common method is in a large pot boiling water.
By steaming corn on the cob, you retain not only the natural sweetness of the corn, but so many of its nutritious vitamins and minerals. The results of cooking corn this way is flavorful, juicy corn on the cob every time. It's our preferred method as it makes the best corn every time.
Choose corn that have bright green husks that look like they have some moisture in them. Dried out, or sallow looking husks won't yield as flavorful results. Cut out any discolored kernels with a paring knife.
While we didn't officially include it here, adding a pinch of sugar to the water often produces corn kernels that are bright yellow and deliciously plumb. Some even say it will bring out the natural sweet taste of the corn.
Recipe ingredients:
- Corn — This recipe uses fresh corn on the cob that has been shucked and silks removed.
- Water — No more than a cup or about an inch or so of water is need.
- Seasoning — Simple table salt and ground pepper are all we used.
How to steam corn on the cob
Step 1 — Preheat oven to 350°F. Place a trivet or steamer basket into a dutch oven.
Step 2 — Remove the silk and husks from corn.
Step 3 — Season each cob with some salt and pepper and place in the Dutch oven.
Step 4 — Add the water, place the lid, and steam in the oven for 45-60 minutes. Optionally add more butter, and sprinkle salt and pepper on the ears of corn.
The cooking time will depend on how large and thick the cob and kernels are. Serve with optional toppings like butter, chopped parsley, along with more salt and pepper.
Pro Tip:
If not serving immediately, remove corn from the Dutch oven and plunge into an ice bath to prevent further cooking. This step is not necessary if it is going straight from the oven to the plate.
What to serve with steamed corn on the cob
Toppings — Salt, pepper, and butter are the classic toppings. But the possibilities are endless. Fresh grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. A splash of lemon juice for tang or lemon pepper seasoning. Mayo, chili powder, queso fresco, and cilantro.
Entrees — Fresh corn on the cob is a wonderful side dish to so many dishes like steak, pulled pork, BBQ chicken, pork ribs, and so many more.
Occasions — Weeknight dinners, potluck and cookouts, family weekend dinners, and pretty much any other time.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. Swap fresh for frozen and continue the recipe.
You can wrap the corn ears up in plastic wrap, aluminum foil or in an airtight container and place it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
For the quickest method, wrap each cob in a damp paper towel and heat in microwave in 30 second increments until the desired heat is reached. Additionally it could be dropped in a big pot of boiling water for a couple of minutes.
Other Related Side Dishes
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Get the Recipe
Steamed Corn on the Cob
Equipment
- 5 quart Dutch Oven
- Steamer basket or Trivet
Ingredients
- 8 ears corn on the cob husks and silks removed.
- ½ teaspoon salt +/- to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper +/- to taste
- 1 cups water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Place a trivet or steamer basket into a Dutch oven.
- Remove husks and silks from corn.
- Season each cob with some salt and pepper and place in the Dutch oven.
- Add the water, place the lid, and steam in the oven for 45-60 minutes.
Notes
Nutrition
Dutch Oven Daddy is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
Anjali says
This is such a great summertime recipe, and thanks to your tips I was able to make perfectly steamed corn on the cob as a side dish for dinner tonight! The corn turned out juicy and delicious!
Chenee says
I've never tried steaming corn on the cob before - I always just boil. This looks like a great way to enjoy it!
Sue says
Never met a cob of corn I didn't crave, but this method sounds like the best ever!
DK says
Ah yes - the classic corn on the cob! This was the perfect recipe to follow for my backyard bbq last week! My guests couldn't get enough of them!
suja md says
Healthy Recipe, Thank You for sharing this.
suja md says
Healthy recipe, definitely going to try it.
Mahy says
Easy and incredibly delicious. What else to wish for, right? Love this corn recipe.
Beth says
This is my new favorite way to make corn on the cob. I've always boiled it, but it comes out so much better like this!
Paula says
There is nothing like fresh steamed corn, loved this recipe!
Adri says
I never realised how deliciously sweet steamed corn is. The corn kernels are perfectly plump and juicy. I'm not cooking corn any other way from now on!
Vicky says
I tried steamed corn on the cob, and it turned out fantastic! The corn was sweet and juicy, just as promised. I added a pinch of sugar to the water as suggested, and it really brought out the natural sweetness.
dina and bruce says
THIS was so tasty! And easy to make!