4 Ways To Steam Corn - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Steam Corn On the Cob (With or Without a Steamer) PDF download Download Article Plus, learn just how long it takes to steam corn on the cob Co-authored by Marrow Private Chefs

Last Updated: June 18, 2025 References

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  • Steaming Corn in a Steamer Basket
    • |
  • Without a Steamer Basket
    • |
  • In the Oven
    • |
  • In the Microwave
    • |
  • Ingredients
    • |
  • How Do You Cook Corn On The Cob?
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
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  • Things You'll Need
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This article was co-authored by Marrow Private Chefs. Marrow Private Chefs are based in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. It is a chefs’ collective comprised of an ever-growing number of chefs and culinary professionals. Though regionally influenced primarily by coastal, traditional southern, cajun, and creole styles and flavors, the chefs at Marrow have a solid background in all types of cuisine with over 75 years of combined cooking experience. This article has been viewed 247,992 times.

The most common way to steam corn is using a steamer basket, but what if you don't have one? Luckily, there are lots of other ways to steam corn; you can even use an oven or a microwave! There are a few tricks to doing it just right, however. If you steam corn the wrong way, you will end up with tough, chewy corn instead.

Steaming Corn Cobs

Fill the bottom of a large pan with water, then place a steam basket on top. Place corn in the basket, cover with a lid, and boil the water for 7-10 minutes. Without a steamer, boil a bit of water in a skillet and place the corn inside. Let the water boil, lower the heat, and cook the corn (covered) for 3-4 minutes.

Ingredients

Steaming Corn in a Steamer Basket

  • Corn
  • Water

Steaming Corn without a Steamer Basket

  • Corn
  • Water

Steaming Corn in the Oven[1]

  • 6 ears of corn, cut in half
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • ¼ teaspoon seasoned salt
  • Water

Steaming Corn in the Microwave

  • 2 to 3 ears of corn
  • 2 tablespoons of water

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 4:

Steaming Corn in a Steamer Basket

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Steam Corn 1 Choose a pot that is large enough to fit the corn, then fill the bottom with water. You will need 2 inches (5.08 centimeters) of water. You can cook quite a large amount of corn using this method, especially if you stand the corn upright.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Steam Corn 2 Place a steamer basket in the bottom of the pot. The water should not touch the bottom of the steamer basket. If it does, pour some water out, but try to keep it as close to 2 inches (5.08 centimeters) as possible. Keep in mind that you may have to refill the water as the corn steams. Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Steam Corn 3 Add the corn and cover the pot with a lid. If you are inserting the corn vertically, make sure that the stems are pointing downwards. If the corn is too big for the pot, cut the corn in half.[2]
  4. Step 4 Bring the water to a boil, then simmer it for 7 to 10 minutes. 4 Bring the water to a boil, then simmer it for 7 to 10 minutes.[3] [4] Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low, and cook the corn for 7 to 10 minutes. If you like your corn more crisp, check it after about 4 minutes. The corn is ready when the kernels turn bright yellow.
    • Keep an eye on the water; don't let it fall below 1 inch (2.54 centimeters). You will be more likely to scorch your pot this way.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Steam Corn 5 Use a pair of tongs to take the corn out of the pot, and transfer it to a serving plate. Be careful when taking the lid off the pot.; the steam will be very hot.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Steam Corn 6 Serve the corn. At this point, you can garnish the corn with some salt, pepper, and butter.[5]
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Method 2 Method 2 of 4:

Steaming Corn without a Steamer Basket

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  1. Step 1 Prepare the corn. 1 Prepare the corn. Husk the corn first, then pull off any threads or strings. Rinse the corn in cool water, then use a knife to cut away any bad spots. If you'd like smaller portions, cut the cobs in half.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Steam Corn 2 Fill the bottom of a large skillet with water. You will need about 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 centimeters) of water.[6]
  3. Step 3 Bring the water to a boil. 3 Bring the water to a boil. Do not add any salt to the water, or your corn will turn out too tough.[7]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Steam Corn 4 Add the husked corn to the skillet in a single layer. If you need to, you can cut some of the ears of corn in half to get them to fit.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Steam Corn 5 Let the water return to a boil, then lower the heat, and cook the corn, covered, for 3 to 4 minutes.[8] Use a pair of tongs to turn the corn every minute or so that it cooks evenly.[9] The corn is ready when the kernels turn bright yellow.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Steam Corn 6 Remove the corn from the skillet using a pair of tongs. Be careful when opening the lid. The steam rushing upwards will be very hot. Do not lean over the pot.
  7. Step 7 Serve the corn. 7 Serve the corn. At this point, you can season the corn with some salt and/or butter.
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Method 3 Method 3 of 4:

Steaming Corn in the Oven

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  1. Step 1 Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). 1 Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
  2. Step 2 Get the corn ready. 2 Get the corn ready. If you have not yet done so, husk the corn and pull away any threads or strings. Rinse the corn, then chop off any bad spots. Cut the corn in half when you are done.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Steam Corn 3 Place the corn into a 3-quart (3 liters) glass baking dish. Do not grease the baking dish.
  4. Step 4 Fill the baking dish with ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) of water. 4 Fill the baking dish with ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) of water. Do not add any salt to the water, or it will make the corn tough.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Steam Corn 5 Cover the dish with foil, and bake it for 30 minutes. As the water heats up, it will steam the corn.[10]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Steam Corn 6 Mix the parsley, butter, and salt in a small bowl just before the corn is done steaming. Cut the butter into cubes first, then melt it in the microwave or in a small saucepan over the stove. Stir in the parsley and salt, then set it aside.
    • The parsley is optional, but it will give the corn more flavor.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Steam Corn 7 Take the corn out of the oven, and drain the water from it. You can also use a pair of tongs to transfer the corn from the baking dish to your serving platter.
  8. Step 8 Pour the butter mixture over the corn just before serving it. 8 Pour the butter mixture over the corn just before serving it. Use a pair of tongs to turn the corn cobs around in the baking dish. This will help the butter coat them evenly.[11]
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Method 4 Method 4 of 4:

Steaming Corn in the Microwave

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  1. Step 1 Get the corn ready. 1 Get the corn ready. Pull the husks off of the corn as well as any remaining threads or strings. Rinse the corn, then chop off any bad spots, if needed. If you want smaller portions, cut the cobs in half.
  2. Step 2 Pour 2 tablespoons of water into a microwave-safe baking dish. 2 Pour 2 tablespoons of water into a microwave-safe baking dish. The dish needs to be big enough to fit your corn. Note that this method is only good for 2 or 3 ears of corn. If you need to make more, you'll have to do them in separate batches—or try another steaming method.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Steam Corn 3 Add the corn. If you need to, cut the corn in half so that it fits. It should lay firmly against the bottom of the dish. You don't want the ends hanging over the edge of the dish.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Steam Corn 4 Cover the dish with some plastic wrap, and poke a vent hole using a fork. This will allow the steam from the cooking water to escape.
  5. Step 5 Cook the corn on high until it is done, about 4 to 6 minutes. 5 Cook the corn on high until it is done, about 4 to 6 minutes. The exact cooking time will vary, depending on the strength of your microwave. The corn is done when the kernels turn bright yellow.
  6. Step 6 Remove the plastic wrap from the dish. 6 Remove the plastic wrap from the dish. Once the corn is done steaming, use a pair of potholders to remove the dish from the microwave. Carefully pull the plastic wrap from the dish, then use a pair of tongs to serve the corn.
    • Do not lean over the dish when removing the plastic wrap. The steam will be very, very hot. Consider using a pair of tongs to remove the plastic wrap.
    7. Advertisement

How Do You Cook Corn On The Cob?

Expert Q&A

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  • Question Is it better to steam or boil corn? Marrow Private Chefs Marrow Private Chefs Culinary Experts Marrow Private Chefs are based in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. It is a chefs’ collective comprised of an ever-growing number of chefs and culinary professionals. Though regionally influenced primarily by coastal, traditional southern, cajun, and creole styles and flavors, the chefs at Marrow have a solid background in all types of cuisine with over 75 years of combined cooking experience. Marrow Private Chefs Marrow Private Chefs Culinary Experts Expert Answer Well, you can boil it to get the same effect as steaming. Put a large pot of water on high heat, add in your salt and seasonings, throw in a little butter or oil and wait for it to come to a rolling boil. Then, shuck and drop in your corn. It usually takes about 10-15 minutes to boil fully, and you can usually tell it’s done by the bright yellow color. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 0
  • Question How long does it take for corn to steam? wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer It depends on which method you use. Corn steamed in a basket can take between 7 to 15 minutes; steaming in a skillet takes about 5 minutes; steaming in the oven takes about 1/2 an hour; cooking in the microwave takes about 4-6 minutes. Instructions for each cooking method are provided in the article above. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
  • Question How do you know when steamed corn is ready? wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Steamed corn is usually ready when the time specified for steaming it (usually around 5-10 minutes, depending on the method chosen) is up. Also, if it steam dries within seconds after removing it from the steaming medium, it is ready. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
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Tips

  • If you'd like to make the corn more flavorful after you cook it, season it with some olive oil, lemon, salt, and pepper.[12] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Blend some melted butter with basil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour this over your cooked corn.[13] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • If you made the corn ahead of time, cover it with aluminum foil until you are ready to serve it. The foil will keep it moist and warm until serving time. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Show More Tips

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
  • Leave the husks on the corn. Then, cut a little off the bottom and microwave it for 4 minutes. The husk and silk can be removed easily.
  • If you aren't lucky enough to have sweet corn in your area, add a little sugar to it to bring out the sweetness of the corn
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Be careful when taking the lid off of the pot. The steam rushing up will be very, very hot. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
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Things You'll Need

Steaming Corn in a Steamer Basket

  • Deep pot
  • Lid
  • Steamer basket
  • Tongs

Steaming Corn without a Steamer Basket

  • Deep pot
  • Lid
  • Tongs

Steaming Corn in the Oven

  • 3-quart (3 liters) baking dish
  • Aluminum foil
  • Tongs

Steaming Corn in the Microwave

  • Microwave-safe dish
  • Plastic wrap
  • Tongs

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/oven-steamed-herbed-corn/bb5addf1-c225-4b17-9631-6421cff4b51a
  2. ↑ http://www.food.com/recipe/shirleys-perfect-steamed-corn-on-the-cob-every-time-249731
  3. ↑ Marrow Private Chefs. Private Chefs. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ http://www.healwithfood.org/chart/vegetable-steaming-times.php
  5. ↑ Marrow Private Chefs. Private Chefs. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ http://asweetandsavorylife.com/how-to-buy-steam-and-grill-corn-and-how-not-to/
  7. ↑ http://asweetandsavorylife.com/how-to-buy-steam-and-grill-corn-and-how-not-to/
  8. ↑ http://www.loveandlemons.com/skillet-steamed-corn-on-the-cob/
  9. ↑ http://asweetandsavorylife.com/how-to-buy-steam-and-grill-corn-and-how-not-to/
More References (4)
  1. ↑ https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/oven-steamed-herbed-corn/bb5addf1-c225-4b17-9631-6421cff4b51a
  2. ↑ https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/oven-steamed-herbed-corn/bb5addf1-c225-4b17-9631-6421cff4b51a
  3. ↑ http://www.loveandlemons.com/skillet-steamed-corn-on-the-cob/
  4. ↑ http://www.loveandlemons.com/skillet-steamed-corn-on-the-cob/

About This Article

Marrow Private Chefs Co-authored by: Marrow Private Chefs Culinary Experts This article was co-authored by Marrow Private Chefs. Marrow Private Chefs are based in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. It is a chefs’ collective comprised of an ever-growing number of chefs and culinary professionals. Though regionally influenced primarily by coastal, traditional southern, cajun, and creole styles and flavors, the chefs at Marrow have a solid background in all types of cuisine with over 75 years of combined cooking experience. This article has been viewed 247,992 times. 1 votes - 100% Co-authors: 8 Updated: June 18, 2025 Views: 247,992 Categories: Steaming Food | Maize Article SummaryX

To steam corn without a steamer basket, start by husking the corn and filling a skillet with 1-2 inches of water. Then, bring the water to a boil, and add the corn to the skillet in a single layer. Next, reduce the heat once the water returns to a boil, and let the corn cook for 3-4 minutes covered. Finally, remove the corn from the skillet with tongs and dig in. To learn how to steam corn in an oven or microwave, scroll down! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • B. C.

    B. C.

    Oct 28, 2016

    "Leaving out the salt and shorter cooking time to keep corn on the cob tender - thank you for these tips."
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Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Marrow Private Chefs Co-authored by: Marrow Private Chefs Culinary Experts Co-authors: 8 Updated: June 18, 2025 Views: 247,992 100% of voters found this recipe helpful. 1 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote B. C.

B. C.

Oct 28, 2016

"Leaving out the salt and shorter cooking time to keep corn on the cob tender - thank you for these tips." S. Parker

S. Parker

Jul 4, 2017

"I wanted to know how to steam corn in a microwave." Rated this article: Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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