Are you looking for a delicious and healthy way to cook corn on the cob? Can you steam corn on the cob in a steamer?
The answer is yes! You can steam mushrooms in a steamer too.
Steaming vegetables is an easy and nutritious way to prepare them. This cooking method helps retain natural flavor, texture, vitamins, and minerals.
Using your kitchen steamer, you can enjoy perfectly cooked and flavorful corn on the cob with just a few steps.
Read on to find out how!
What Are The Benefits Of Steaming Corn On The Cob In A Steamer?
Steaming corn on the cob in a steamer is an easy and healthy way to cook this tasty vegetable. Steaming preserves all nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and fiber naturally found in fresh corn.
It also helps to prevent loss of flavor due to overcooking or boiling. Plus, it’s quick, and you can have delicious steamed corn on the cob ready within minutes.
The biggest benefit of steaming your corn on the cob is that it will retain more nutritional value than cooking methods such as boiling or frying.
Steaming vegetables like corn don’t require added fats, oils, or other ingredients that can increase calories and diminish some health benefits.
As a result, you get all the nutrition from your food with fewer unhealthy additions. Steaming also helps to preserve natural flavors while infusing them with subtle aromas that make for a tastier dish overall!
In addition to these health benefits, using a steamer when preparing your meals allows for faster cooking times without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
You won’t need to wait hours for everything to be cooked. Just pop your fresh ears into the device and let them do their thing!
This makes meal planning much easier since you know how long each item needs without having to guess about doneness levels accordingly; plus, it adds convenience if time is limited during busy weeknights.
What Type Of Steamer Is Required For Steaming Corn On The Cob?
Several types of steamers can be used if you want to steam corn on the cob.
Electric food steamers are great for quickly and easily steaming foods such as corn on the cob. They usually come with adjustable temperature and timers to your desired cooking time.
Bamboo steamers are another popular choice, as they help retain all the nutrients in the food while also providing a unique flavor from the bamboo material.
Stovetop models are also available, which use boiling water to provide an even heat distribution over whatever is being cooked inside them. This works especially well for larger items like whole cobs of corn.
Finally, rice cookers often have a ‘steam’ setting where they automatically adjust their settings to correctly cook vegetables like corn on the cob without needing further intervention from you.
Whichever type of steamer you choose, ensure it is large enough to comfortably accommodate whole cobs of corn or other vegetables. Otherwise, your results might be different from what you had hoped.
Steaming Versus Boiling The Corn On The Cob
When cooking corn on the cob, there are two main methods: boiling and steaming. Each method has advantages and disadvantages that depend on what type of dish you’re trying to create.
Boiling
Boiling is a common way of cooking corn, as it creates softer kernels that are more easily eaten by hand.
Since the entire ear of corn is submerged in boiling water for a few minutes, it allows for even heat distribution throughout the corn.
Check the corn after 5 minutes; overcooked corn will become tough and dry.
Steaming
Steaming is another popular cooking method for corn. Unlike boiling, it requires just enough water to create steam around corn’s ears without completely submerging them.
You can add some butter or other seasonings directly into the water before it boils, providing extra flavor to your dish. Typically takes about 7-10 minutes to get the desired doneness when steaming.
Whichever method you choose, boiling and steaming can help you preserve more nutrients while creating a delicious dish!
Related: Steaming vs. Boiling.
How To Choose And Prepare Corn On The Cob For Steaming?
Key considerations exist when choosing and preparing corn on the cob for steaming.
First, select ears with bright green husks and golden yellow silk. The kernels should be plump and tightly packed when lightly pressed against your fingernail. Avoid any ears that look dried out or discolored.
Once you’ve chosen your corn, remove the husks and rinse any dirt or debris from the cobs. You can cut off any extra silk strands at the top of each ear before steaming them whole in their husks (or without, if preferred).
To ensure even cooking, it’s best to use a large pot to accommodate all ears so they can cook simultaneously without overlapping each other once placed in the water bath below a steamer basket insert.
How To Steam Corn On The Cob In A Steamer?
Steaming corn on the cob is an easy and delicious way to prepare it. Fill a medium-sized pot with enough water to reach just below the steamer basket or insert.
Place the whole ears of husked corn in the steamer basket or insert, then bring the pot of water to a boil over high heat.
Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover with a lid. Cook for around 5 minutes until tender but still crisp when pierced with a fork.
You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on how many ears you cook. Serve your freshly steamed corn on the cob immediately while hot!
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FAQs
How Long Do You Steam Corn On The Cob In A Steamer?
When steaming corn on the cob in a steamer, it typically takes 7-10 minutes to get the desired cooking result. You can cook a bit longer to soften the corn on the cob.
Can You Steam Corn On The Cob In The Microwave?
Yes, you can steam corn on the cob in the microwave. Remove any husk from the cob and wrap it in a damp paper towel or microwave-safe plastic wrap.
Place the wrapped corn on a plate and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on high power.
What Should You Not Do When Steaming Corn On The Cob?
When steaming corn on the cob, it is important not to add too much water as this can cause the kernels to become mushy. It is also essential not to over-steam it and remove it from the heat source once it becomes tender.
Additionally, be sure not to use a lid when steaming, as this will trap moisture and create soggy corn.
Do You Put Hot Or Cold Water In A Food Steamer?
It is best to use cold water when filling a food steamer. Hot water can decrease the effectiveness of your steaming process.
Too much hot water might also cause some steam to escape and make it difficult to monitor the cooking progress. Cold, filtered tap or bottled water works great for most food steamers.
Can You Steam Corn On The Cob In The Pressure Cooker?
Yes, you can steam corn on the cob in a pressure cooker. It is an easy and quick way to cook corn on the cob. All you need to do is add enough liquid (water or broth) to cover the bottom of your pressure cooker and place a steamer basket inside.
Then place whole ears of corn into the steamer. Close your lid and set it for 5 minutes at high pressure before releasing the steam manually.
Conclusion: Can You Steam Corn On The Cob In A Steamer
Now you know you can steam your corn on the cob in the steamer. Steaming corn on the cob is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy this summer staple.
With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a tasty, nutritious side dish everyone will love.
Whether you steam your corn for just a few minutes or until it’s perfectly tender, you can savor every bite of this classic vegetable.
Happy cooking!