How long to cook corn on the cob
Choose a method and size for a practical estimate; cooking times are ranges, not a substitute for checking doneness. How we calculate times.
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Adjust exact weight, thickness or quantity when you need to.
Estimated cooking time
6–7 min
Evidence-informed estimate · Cooking times vary — follow the food-specific completion and food-safety guidance.
- Into already-boiling unsalted water. Salt toughens the kernels.
- Times assume the food starts refrigerated, not room temperature.
Corn on the cob by method
At typical settings. Boil is fastest at 6–7 min.
| Method | Typical time | Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Boil | 6–7 min | |
| Steam | 9–12 min | |
| Grill | 13–17 min | |
| Oven | 25–32 min |
How to know when it's done
Test with the tip of a sharp knife or a fork — it should slide in with little resistance. corn on the cob keep cooking slightly after they leave the heat, so check a minute early.
Food-level cooking reference: Serious Eats — The Best Basic Grilled Corn on the Cob (checked 2026-08-18). CookCue applies deterministic adjustments; food-safety guidance is sourced separately.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you boil corn on the cob?
5–7 minutes in rapidly boiling water once the water returns to the boil. Overcooking makes the kernels chewy.
Do you add salt when boiling corn?
No — salt in the water toughens the skins. Salt with butter after cooking instead.