Boiled Corn on the Cob with Lime Butter
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Three to five minutes in boiling water keeps the corn sweet and snappy. Rub on lime butter while it steams, and let everybody at the table get shiny to the elbows.
The short version
Husk the corn, drop it into a big pot of boiling water, and cook 3 to 5 minutes until the kernels are bright and tender. Pull it out with tongs and rub on butter mixed with lime and salt.
What makes ours better
why ours wins the argument at dinner
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Boil it for 3 to 5 minutes only. Sweet corn is already tender. Longer boiling turns the kernels chewy and washes out the sugar.
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Make lime butter. Butter, a little lime zest and juice, and flaky salt mashed together taste brighter than butter alone, and they melt into every row.
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Char it if you want more flavor. Finishing a boiled ear under a hot broiler for a minute or two browns the kernels and adds a toasted, smoky edge.
What you need
the stars of the show
- Ears fresh sweet corn6 large
- Unsalted butter4 tablespoons
- Finely grated lime zest½ teaspoon
Corn
Lime butter
yes, all of the butter
Steps
apron on. phone down. mostly.
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Make the lime butter
Mash the butter with the lime zest, lime juice, salt and chili powder in a small bowl until smooth. Set it near the stove.
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Husk the corn
Pull off the husks and as much of the silk as you can. Rub each ear with a dry paper towel to catch stray strands. If an ear has a long stalk, snap it off.
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Boil the water
Fill a large pot about two-thirds full with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Choose a pot that holds the ears without squeezing them.
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Cook the corn
Lower the ears into the boiling water with tongs. Return to a boil, then cook 3 to 5 minutes. The kernels should be bright yellow and plump, and a kernel pierced with a knife tip should be tender and juicy.
Fresh, in-season corn needs only 3 to 4 minutes. Older, starchier ears can take up to 8.
About 4 min. Cook mode has a timer for this step.
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Drain and butter
Lift the ears out with tongs and let the water drip off for a few seconds. Rub each ear with a generous spoonful of lime butter while it's hot so it melts in. Serve at once with extra salt.
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Char it, if you like
For a smoky finish, set a rack close to the broiler and heat it on high. Lay the boiled, buttered ears on a baking sheet and broil 1 to 2 minutes, turning once, until the kernels have brown spots.
Good to know
things I learned the hard way, so you can skip that part
- To grill instead, shuck the corn, brush it with oil, and grill over high heat for 5 to 7 minutes, turning until browned in spots. Then butter.
- Buy corn with tight green husks and damp, golden silks. Sugars turn to starch over time, so cook it within a day or two of buying.
- For a street-corn style, spread each cooked ear with mayonnaise, roll it in crumbled cotija, and finish with chili powder and lime juice.
- Storage. Cooked corn keeps in the refrigerator 3 days wrapped tightly. Reheat in simmering water for 1 to 2 minutes. For kernels, cut them off the cob and freeze up to 6 months.
Questions, answered
asked and answered at the kitchen counter
How long do you boil corn on the cob?
3 to 5 minutes for fresh sweet corn once the water is boiling. Older or starchier corn can need up to 8 minutes. Pull an ear and taste a kernel if you're unsure.
Should I salt the water for corn on the cob?
It isn't needed. The corn is only in the water a few minutes, so salt mostly goes down the drain. Season it with salted butter after it comes out.
Can I cook corn on the cob in the husk?
Yes. Soak the ears in the husk for 30 minutes, then grill over medium-high heat for about 20 minutes, or roast at 450°F for 8 to 15 minutes. The husk steams the kernels and peels away easily.
How do I know if corn on the cob is done?
The kernels turn a brighter yellow and look plump. Poke one with a knife tip; it should give easily and squirt a little juice.
Can I cook corn on the cob ahead of time?
Boil it up to a day ahead and chill it. Warm the ears in simmering water for 1 to 2 minutes, or char them under the broiler, then butter them.
How do I get the silk off easily?
Peel the husk back, snap off the stalk, and pull the husk and silk away together. Rub the ear with a damp paper towel, going in the direction of the kernels, to lift off the last strands.
From the table
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Published October 29, 2026.