Olivia Carter
Many people associate steaming with using a stovetop or a steamer, but did you know that you can also steam corn on the cob in the oven? This method is a convenient and delicious way to prepare this summertime favorite, especially if you don’t want to fuss with a pot of boiling water. Steaming corn in the oven helps to lock in its natural sweetness and produce a tender, juicy texture. It’s an alternative to the traditional boiling method and can result in perfectly cooked corn that is bursting with flavor.
Steaming corn on the cob in the oven involves wrapping the corn in foil and allowing it to cook in its own moisture, creating a delicious and effortless side dish for any meal. This method is also great for when you have a lot of corn to prepare for a large gathering, as you can easily fit multiple ears of corn on a single oven rack. Plus, there’s no need to monitor a pot of boiling water or worry about overcooking the corn – just pop it in the oven and let it do its magic!
How to Steam Corn on the Cob in the Oven
Steaming corn on the cob in the oven is a simple and delicious way to prepare this classic summer vegetable. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
Corn on the cob: Make sure to use fresh, unhusked corn for the best results.
Water: You’ll need a large baking dish with enough water to create steam and cover the bottom of the dish.
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Place the unhusked corn directly on the oven rack or in a baking dish.
Step 3: Add water to the baking dish, enough to create steam and cover the bottom of the dish.
Step 4: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, sealing it tightly to trap the steam.
Step 5: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and steam the corn for 25-30 minutes, or until the kernels are tender.
Step 6: Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and let the corn cool for a few minutes before serving.
Now you have perfectly steamed corn on the cob, ready to be enjoyed with your favorite toppings!
Benefits of Steaming Corn on the Cob in the Oven
Steaming corn on the cob in the oven offers several benefits that make it a convenient and delicious cooking method.
- Retains nutrients: Steaming helps preserve the nutrients in the corn, as it doesn’t leach out into the cooking water.
- Enhances flavor: Steaming the corn on the cob in the oven helps retain the natural sweetness and flavor of the corn.
- Even cooking: Oven steaming ensures that the corn cooks evenly, resulting in tender and juicy kernels.
- Convenience: It’s a simple and hands-off cooking method, allowing you to prepare other dishes while the corn steams.
- Versatility: Steamed corn on the cob can be seasoned or served with various toppings to suit different tastes and preferences.
Preparation for Steaming Corn on the Cob in the Oven
Before steaming corn on the cob in the oven, you’ll need to prepare the corn and gather your materials. Here’s a simple guide to getting everything ready:
| Step 1 | Husk the corn by removing the outer leaves and silks. |
| Step 2 | Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a large baking dish or rimmed baking sheet. |
| Step 3 | Fill the bottom of the baking dish with about an inch of water to create steam. |
| Step 4 | Place a wire rack or trivet over the water, ensuring that it’s elevated and won’t touch the water directly. |
| Step 5 | Now your oven is preheated, the corn is husked, and the baking dish is prepared, you’re ready to start steaming the corn on the cob in the oven. |
Steps for Steaming Corn on the Cob in the Oven
Steaming corn on the cob in the oven is a simple and convenient way to prepare this delicious vegetable. Here are the steps to steam corn on the cob in the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the husks and silk from the corn cobs.
- Place a wire rack in a baking dish and add 1 inch of water to the dish.
- Arrange the corn cobs on the wire rack.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to create a steaming environment.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and steam the corn for 20-25 minutes.
- Check the corn for doneness by piercing a kernel with a fork. It should be tender when done.
- Once the corn is steamed, carefully remove it from the oven and serve hot with butter and seasoning of your choice.
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Tips for Perfectly Steaming Corn on the Cob in the Oven
When steaming corn on the cob in the oven, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure perfectly cooked and delicious results:
| Use Fresh Corn: | Opt for fresh, sweet corn on the cob for the best flavour and texture. |
| Wrap in Foil: | Before placing the corn in the oven, wrap each cob tightly in aluminium foil to seal in the moisture and flavour. |
| Add Seasonings: | For extra flavour, consider adding butter, herbs, or spices to the corn before wrapping it in foil. |
| Preheat the Oven: | Make sure your oven is preheated to the recommended temperature before placing the corn inside. |
| Check for Doneness: | Steam the corn for the recommended time, and then carefully open the foil to check for doneness. The kernels should be tender but still crisp. |
| Handle with Care: | Once the corn is steamed, use caution when unwrapping the foil, as the steam inside can be very hot. |
Seasoning Ideas for Steamed Corn on the Cob in the Oven
Steaming corn on the cob in the oven is a great way to lock in its natural sweetness while keeping it tender and delicious. Once your corn is perfectly steamed, you can get creative with seasoning to enhance its flavor. Here are a few seasoning ideas to try:
1. Classic Butter and Salt
Spread a generous amount of butter on the steamed corn and sprinkle it with salt. This classic combination brings out the natural sweetness of the corn and adds a rich, savory flavor.
2. Mexican Street Corn
For a spicy and tangy twist, spread mayonnaise on the steamed corn, then sprinkle it with crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, and a squeeze of lime juice. This seasoning idea will give your corn a delicious kick.
Experiment with different seasonings and find the combinations that best suit your taste. With the right seasoning, steamed corn on the cob can become a versatile and flavorful side dish for any meal.
Serving Suggestions for Steamed Corn on the Cob in the Oven
Once you have perfectly steamed corn on the cob from the oven, there are many delicious serving options to consider. Here are a few ideas to make your steamed corn on the cob even more enjoyable:
1. Traditional Butter and Salt: Spread some butter over the warm steamed corn and sprinkle with a touch of salt for a classic and simple serving option.
2. Herbed Butter: Mix some chopped herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives into softened butter and spread over the hot corn for a flavorful twist.
3. Chili-Lime Butter: Combine melted butter with a splash of lime juice and a pinch of chili powder. Drizzle over the corn for a zesty, spicy kick.
4. Parmesan Cheese: Roll the steamed corn in freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a rich and savoury serving suggestion.
5. Mexican Street Corn (Esquites): Spread a mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, and chili powder over the corn and sprinkle with crumbled cheese and chopped cilantro for a delicious Mexican-style treat.
Feel free to experiment with different toppings and flavors to create your perfect steamed corn on the cob dish!
Q&A
Can I steam corn on the cob in the oven?
Yes, you can steam corn on the cob in the oven. You just need to wrap the corn in aluminum foil and place it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes. This will help the corn retain its natural sweetness and moisture.
What is the best way to steam corn on the cob in the oven?
The best way to steam corn on the cob in the oven is to first remove the husks and silks from the corn. Then, wrap each ear of corn in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the corn for about 30 minutes. This method helps the corn retain its flavor and juiciness.
Is steaming corn on the cob in the oven better than boiling it?
Steaming corn on the cob in the oven is a great alternative to boiling. It helps the corn retain its natural sweetness and nutrients while also keeping it moist and tender. Additionally, it’s a convenient method that doesn’t require a large pot of boiling water.
Can I season the corn on the cob before steaming it in the oven?
Absolutely! You can season the corn on the cob before steaming it in the oven. You can add a pat of butter, sprinkle some salt and pepper, or even add some herbs like thyme or rosemary. The seasoning will infuse the corn with even more flavor as it steams in the oven.
