Fresh sweet corn on the cob is an essential part of summer activities, from weekend BBQ parties to weeknight dinners. It’s delicious, filling, and most importantly, it’s fun to eat!
If you cooked an extra amount and have leftovers, you might want to know the proper way to reheat them. So, how do you reheat cooked corn on the cob?
To choose the suitable method, you can adjust how it was cooked the first time. You have a handful of options, from reheating in the oven, microwave, stovetop, and grill.
This article explains various ways to rewarm corn on the cob and bring back the summer vibes to your home!
More on the detailed instructions down below. So, keep reading!
Method 1: Reheating Corn on the Cob in The Oven
This method is considered the best approach to heat up cooked corn on the cob. It works exceptionally well if you have a large amount and need to warm them up for an entire family.
Here are the necessary steps to do it.
1. Set your oven to 350 to 400 °F. While the oven is heating up, you have enough time to prepare the leftovers.
2. In an oven-safe dish, add a few tablespoons of water and lay the corn in a single layer. Don’t stack them on top of each other. The water helps retain moisture and juiciness, thus preventing the maize from drying out as they reheat.
3. Optional: Lightly brush each ear of corn with butter, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavors.
4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 5 to 10 minutes.
5. Check whether it is nicely reheated. If not, pop it back to the oven and continue reheating for about 5 minutes.
6. When they are thoroughly warmed up, they’re ready to serve!
As an alternative, you can also wrap each piece in aluminum foil. Simply tear off a sheet of aluminum foil, place the corn, add a spoonful of water, butter, and other seasonings, wrap it well, and bake.
Method 2: Reheating Corn on the Cob In The Microwave
If you’re looking for the fastest and easiest method, this one’s for you. It’s an excellent option when you need to reheat chilled, frozen or leftover corn. To reheat frozen corn, you need to microwave them a little longer.
However, reheating corn in the microwave can quickly go wrong if you don’t know the tricks. They can either split open or dry out if reheated for too long.
Follow the careful steps below to gain optimum results.
1. Prepare a microwave-safe dish that fits an entire piece.
2. Place the corn, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water, and cover the container with plastic wrap or a damp paper towel. This way, the maize will steam and retain its tenderness instead of getting dry.
3. Set the microwave power at 50% (medium setting) and reheat for a short increment of 20 to 30 seconds. It is crucial to heat up in a short burst so the corn won’t pop out and come out like popcorn.
4. Take out and check after each cycle. Repeat until it is thoroughly warmed up to your liking. Typically, it takes around 1,5 to 2 minutes.
5. Once ready, lightly brush the corn with butter and a pinch of salt for extra flavors!
Method 3: Reheating Corn on the Cob In Boiling Water
The next option is to reheat corn in boiling water. It’s efficient to heat up several pieces at a time. All you need to do is re-boil them, just like the first time they were prepared. Only this time, it takes only a couple of minutes.
This technique works well for boiled corn. That means reheating roasted or grilled corn using this method is not the best idea.
Follow the simple guide below.
1. Use a large pot, enough to fit all the pieces you need to reheat.
2. Add enough water to cover and immerse them.
3. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
4. Once the water is boiling, add the corn and boil them for about 2 to 3 minutes. Keep in mind that they are fully cooked already. The aim of this step is only to heat them up without cooking them any further. Otherwise, they turn out too soft and mushy.
5. Once done, take them out from the pot immediately. Drain the excess water.
6. For extra flavors, brush them with butter and season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and other seasonings to your liking.
7. Serve and enjoy!
Method 4: Reheating Corn on the Cob On A Grill
If you have grilled corn, you can use the same method to reheat it. In this case, boiling won’t be the right approach. It’s also an excellent option for reheating roasted corn. On the other hand, if you have boiled ones, you can actually grill them to give a new tasty experience.
Here is the easy way to reheat corn on the grill.
1. Lightly brush the corn with butter or oil.
2. Reheat it on the grill for about 30 seconds. Rotate every 30 seconds until every side is nicely warmed up. A 2 to 3 minute reheating should be sufficient to warm it up to perfection.
3. Serve and enjoy!
FAQs
Can you eat cooked corn on the cob the next day?
Yes. As long as it is appropriately wrapped in aluminum foil or placed in a well-sealed container, it should stay fresh for up to 3 to 5 days in the fridge.
Does cooked corn go bad if not refrigerated?
Yes. Like other leftovers, cooked corn should be refrigerated promptly within 1 to 2 hours after cooking to prevent spoilage. Harmful bacteria multiply faster at room temperature, which will spoil and make it unsafe to eat.
Can you freeze sweet corn?
Yes. You can freeze corn after cooking or blanching. You should never freeze it raw as it won’t stand the super cold temperatures.
How long does leftover cooked corn last?
Properly refrigerated, it can last for 3 to 5 days. To extend shelf life, you can freeze it for up to 8 to 12 months.
Can you eat moldy corn?
No, never. These molds can be harmful fungi that produce toxins called mycotoxins. These toxins might not make you sick instantly, but they will cause health problems if accumulated in our bodies.
In A Nutshell
If there is something we stock up in our freezer, that could be frozen corn. When it’s time to serve, you have several options on how you can reheat them.
Depending on the cooking method, you can choose to reheat corn in the oven, boiling water, microwave, or grill. Regardless of the technique, reheating corn on the cob is not complicated at all.
Follow our tips for the detailed instructions to reheat this worldwide staple, so it tastes as delicious as the first time you prepared it!
Rosa graduated with a master degree in Food Safety from Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands. Recently, she started a consulting agency to facilitate the improvement of food safety, quality, and sustainability.
