Boiled corn is a familiar and humble dish, yet it is incredibly appealing due to its natural sweetness and subtle aroma. However, not everyone can achieve the same level of tenderness, intense sweetness, and aroma as street vendors. So, what’s the secret?

Chef’s Tip: Add One Extra Ingredient to Your Boiled Corn for Street Vendor-Level Deliciousness

The Secret Lies in Adding a Special Ingredient: SALT AND SUGAR

When boiling corn, many people simply add water to the pot and cook the corn as is. But according to chefs, adding a pinch of salt and a dash of sugar to the pot can make a world of difference:

  • Salt helps retain the natural sweetness of the corn and prevents the corn kernels from tasting bland after boiling.

  • Sugar enhances the sweetness and makes the corn more fragrant and flavorful.

Suggested ratio: For every liter of water, add about 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of sugar.

Instructions for Boiling Corn to Achieve Street Vendor-Level Tenderness and Flavor

Ingredients:

  • 3-5 ears of corn (either sticky corn or sweet corn, depending on your preference)

  • Water

  • 1 teaspoon of salt

  • 1 teaspoon of sugar

  • A few fresh corn husks (for added flavor)

Method:

Preparing the corn:

  • Remove the outer layer of tough husks, leaving a few inner layers intact.

  • Get rid of the corn silk and rinse the corn thoroughly.

Arranging the corn in the pot:

  • Place a layer of corn husks at the bottom of the pot (this helps retain heat and adds aroma).

  • Put the corn in the pot and cover with a few more layers of corn husks.

Adding water and seasonings:

  • Pour in just enough water to cover the corn.

  • Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of sugar.

Boiling the corn:

  • Bring the water to a boil over high heat.

  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and continue boiling for 15-20 minutes.

  • Turn off the heat and let the corn steep for an additional 10 minutes to absorb the flavors and become more tender.

This Simple Trick Ensures Plump and Fragrant Corn Kernels

Tips to Enhance the Flavor:

  • For sticky corn, you can add a bit of coconut milk or unsweetened fresh milk after boiling to impart a rich and aromatic flavor.

  • If the corn is slightly older and tougher, it’s best to remove the kernels from the cob before boiling to ensure they absorb the flavors and become tender.

Why Is Street Vendor Corn Always So Tender and Sweet?

In addition to following the above boiling instructions, street vendors often:

  • Use large pots that retain heat for longer.

  • Add pandan leaves, fresh corn husks, salt, and sugar to enhance the flavor.

  • Keep the boiled corn warm in the pot, ensuring it stays soft without turning mushy.

By incorporating salt and sugar when boiling corn, you can easily replicate the street vendor-style boiled corn at home. It’s a simple yet effective trick that anyone can master.

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