How Long to Boil Corn on the Cob

Corn, a grain beloved by many, takes on many popular forms in the culinary world. Grilled corn, popcorn, steamed corn and creamed corn are great ways to prepare corn, but boiling corn on the cob is one of the quickest and easiest ways to cook it. Every time it’s available for harvest, people flock to stores and farmers’ markets to snag this summer dinnertime staple. How long does corn on the cob need to boil? Keep reading to find out!

Different Types of Corn

There are dozens of varieties of corn (the two types that are usually consumed are sweet corn and heirloom corn) that can be eaten by humans, including (but not limited to):

• Sweet corn
  • Honey hybrid
  • Jubilee
  • Silver Queen
  • Picasso hybrid
• Heirloom corn
  • Mini pink corn
  • Mini blue corn
  • Glass gem corn
  • Painted mountain corn
  • Black corn
  • Sticky corn

The type we usually eat after boiling is sweet corn, which is softer than others, making it easy to bite into and chew. It’s also got a higher sugar content (though how high depends on the specific variety), which gives it the flavor it’s known and loved for. It’s typically paired with butter and spices, but recipes vary both culturally and geographically. Almost universally, though, the standard method for cooking corn on the cob is stove top boiling.

How Long Does Corn on the Cob Take to Boil?

So, how long does it take to boil corn on the cob? Getting hot, perfectly cooked corn cobs on the table only takes a matter of minutes from start to finish. Boiling corn on the cob is a simple, three-step process that anyone can do. It goes like this:

1. To start, fill a large pot with cold water, add salt and place on the stove over medium-high heat.
2. Next, boil the corn as directed, stirring occasionally (see chart below for cooking times).
3. Finally, drain the hot water from the pot and serve the corn on the cob as desired.

Fresh vs. Frozen Corn on the Cob

Fresh corn on the cob cooks a little bit faster than frozen corn on the cob and is often juicier and has sweeter flavor than one that’s been in the freezer for a while, but frozen corn on the cob is sometimes more convenient, as frozen corn is available long after harvest season has ended. Whether you boil fresh or frozen corn cobs is up to you.

Answer: How Long to Boil Corn on the Cob

Boiling corn on the cob couldn’t be faster or easier. Corn on the cob should be boiled for 3-5 minutes, whether it’s fresh or frozen. Of course, corn on the cob boils faster when it’s not frozen, but only by a few minutes.

How Long to Boil Fresh Corn on the Cob

How long does corn on the cob take to boil when it’s not frozen? Depending on the size and weight of the ear of corn, it could take anywhere from 3-5 minutes until the corn becomes tender enough to eat. Pierce with a fork to test whether or not the corn is done.

How Long to Boil Frozen Corn on the Cob

Even when frozen, corn on the cob doesn’t take very long to boil. Cooking frozen corn on the cob is a fast way to get a snack or a side ready for dinner! Frozen corn on the cob should be boiled for 5 minutes.

How Long to Boil Sweet Corn on the Cob

Sweet corn is a variety of corn known for its juicy, naturally sugary flavor. It’s a national favorite when it’s in season. Sweet corn takes about the same amount of time as most other varieties of corn – just a few minutes of boiling time yields tender, juicy corn on the cob. Boil sweet corn on the cob for 4-5 minutes.

How Long to Boil Corn Off the Cob

It may be necessary to boil corn off the cob, whether it’s a matter of preference or to accommodate a dinner guest that has a hard time eating corn on the cob (especially older or younger eaters). Corn off the cob takes anywhere from 3-5 minutes to boil.

Frozen Corn Kernels

Frozen corn kernels are a convenient option that allows corn lovers to enjoy the vegetable year-round, even when corn isn’t in season. As an added bonus, frozen corn off the cob cooks almost as quickly as fresh corn kernels and doesn’t need to be thawed before being boiled. Boil frozen corn off the cob for 3-4 minutes.

Fresh Corn Kernels

Whether or not you cut the kernels off the cob yourself or buy them pre-cut, fresh corn kernels off the cob cook quickly. Fresh corn needs to be boiled for 2-3 minutes maximum before they start to deflate, losing volume and flavor.

Corn Cob “Ribs”

Corn ribs or corn cob quarters are made by splitting the corn through the cob crosswise into 4 individual pieces. These typically cook faster than whole boiled corn on the cob. Some people find this style easier to eat, allowing those with sensitive teeth, braces, or tight jaws to enjoy a similar experience to the real thing. For many, it’s the best of both worlds. Corn ribs or corn quarters take 4-5 minutes to boil.

How Long to Boil Corn

Check out this handy chart for a quick reference guide on how long to boil all types of corn, from fresh or frozen to on or off the cob.

Type of Corn	How Long to Boil (Minutes)
Fresh corn on the cob	3-5 minutes
Frozen corn on the cob	5 minutes
Sweet corn on the cob	4-5 minutes
Fresh corn kernels	2-3 minutes
Frozen corn kernels	3-4 minutes
Corn cob ribs	4-5 minutes