How to Cook Canned Corn

Wondering how to cook a can of corn so it tastes great? It’s easy! The secret to making great canned corn? Don’t boil it. (And remember to add a little butter!)

There’s always a few cans of corn in my pantry. It makes for a great side dish or addition to veggie chili or cornbread. Here’s how to make it tasty.

Ingredients.

Canned Corn. Any whole kernel canned corn works for this method. Here are they types you might see at the store. 

• Sweet Corn. Small, delicate kernels. 
• Golden Kernel Corn. Classic canned corn. The kernels tend to be slightly larger than sweet corn. 
• White Corn. White color. Sweet flavor. Tender texture.
• Extra Sweet. A variety of corn that’s a little sweeter than regular canned corn.
• No Salt Added. Usually golden kernel corn with no salt added during the canning process. 

Butter. A little butter adds a nice flavor to the corn. Regular butter, plant-based and margarine work great.

Salt and Sugar. Optional. For a little flavor boost, you might want to add a little salt and sugar. Always taste the hot canned corn before seasoning. 

How to Cook Canned Corn on the Stove.

1. Rinse the corn. Canned corn is packed in liquid. For the best flavor, drain and rinse the corn under cool water.
2. Heat. Add the corn to a small skillet. Add a tablespoon of water. Cover the corn and heat over low. You don’t need to boil it. Heating it gently over low heat for a few minutes until it’s hot keeps the corn tender.
3. Add butter. Remove the lid and add the butter. Stir until the butter melts and corn kernels are coated. 
4. Season to taste. Give the corn a taste. Add a sprinkle of salt and pinch of sugar as needed. 

How to Cook Canned Corn in the Microwave.

1. Rinse the corn. Drain the corn and give it a quick rinse under cool water. 
2. Microwave. Place the corn in a microwave-safe dish. Add about one teaspoon of water and one tablespoon of butter. Cover. Microwave for 90 seconds or until the corn is warmed through. 
3. Stir and Season. Remove the dish from the microwave. Carefully open it. Stir the corn and then season with salt and a pinch of sugar to taste.

FAQs

Do I need to heat canned corn?
You can enjoy canned corn right from the can. It’s fully cooked and safe to eat at room temperature. This makes it perfect to add to cold salads. Heating is optional. 

Should I boil canned corn?
Nope! Boiling canned corn can make it tough. Heat it gently until it’s hot but there’s no need to boil it. 

Why does my corn taste bland?
Some canned corn isn’t as flavorful as others. If you give it a taste and it’s bland, first add a pinch of salt and a pinch of sugar. (The sugar helps to enhance the natural sugar in the corn. It won’t make it taste sugary.) If that doesn’t do it, add a little garlic and onion powder.